Crystal T Clark, MD, MSC

Evidence-based information to guide the treatment of mental health disorders in pregnant and postpartum people is often lacking. Within medicine, collaboration between obstetrics and psychiatry to advance mental health during pregnancy and postpartum also remains rare, despite its prevalence within the population. Recognizing these gaps in care, Dr. Crystal Clark’s work aims to optimize care for women of all backgrounds vulnerable to mental illness onset or worsening as a result of hormonal fluctuations during the reproductive life span.

Much of Dr. Clark’s research is in the areas of pharmacology management and the establishment of personalized dosing guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder during pregnancy, postpartum and lactation. Through her work, Dr. Clark advanced the clinical guidelines to dose Lamotrigine, a medication used to treat epilepsy and stabilize mood in bipolar disorder, during pregnancy.

Additionally, Dr. Clark’s research is focused on advancing equity within mental healthcare and research. Specifically the characterization of the experiences, risks, and optimal treatment approaches for perinatal and parental mental health among Black, Indigenous and People of Color.