Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in San Diego, CA

Photo of Ciera Yamada, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ciera Yamada
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92120  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping individuals on their path to healing. I consider it a joy to sit with people as they navigate life’s ups and downs. I focus on a client centered and CBT approach to treatment. I believe in a holistic approach, integrating the physical body into treatment. I enjoy working with the peri mental health population, post partum, pregnancy and couples.
I am passionate about helping individuals on their path to healing. I consider it a joy to sit with people as they navigate life’s ups and downs. I focus on a client centered and CBT approach to treatment. I believe in a holistic approach, integrating the physical body into treatment. I enjoy working with the peri mental health population, post partum, pregnancy and couples.
(619) 353-7773 View (619) 353-7773
Photo of Karen Del Fierro Monroy, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen Del Fierro Monroy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Navigating the challenges that motherhood can bring? You may be struggling with fertility issues, anxiety during pregnancy, or feeling overwhelmed as a new parent. Perhaps you're navigating postpartum depression and doing your best to stay present for your baby. Or maybe what brought you here is the inability to reconcile your birth experience due to trauma, grief or loss. Feeling isolated, anxious about changes, or guilty for not always feeling positive is more common than mothers realize. If you want to feel validated and heard, develop coping strategies, reconcile your identity, and rediscover joy, I am here to help!
Navigating the challenges that motherhood can bring? You may be struggling with fertility issues, anxiety during pregnancy, or feeling overwhelmed as a new parent. Perhaps you're navigating postpartum depression and doing your best to stay present for your baby. Or maybe what brought you here is the inability to reconcile your birth experience due to trauma, grief or loss. Feeling isolated, anxious about changes, or guilty for not always feeling positive is more common than mothers realize. If you want to feel validated and heard, develop coping strategies, reconcile your identity, and rediscover joy, I am here to help!
(619) 505-3676 View (619) 505-3676
Photo of Rachel Rabinor, MS, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Rabinor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92106
I help people who want to be parents deal with the stress and frustration of infertility, pregnancy, miscarriage + stillbirth, traumatic births and perinatal depression + anxiety.
You imagined the path to parenthood to look a lot different. Pregnancy, trying to conceive, coping with losses and becoming a parent for the first (or umpteenth time) can be quite different than expected. It's important to get help if you're feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious as you anticipate and cope with these transitions.
I help people who want to be parents deal with the stress and frustration of infertility, pregnancy, miscarriage + stillbirth, traumatic births and perinatal depression + anxiety.
You imagined the path to parenthood to look a lot different. Pregnancy, trying to conceive, coping with losses and becoming a parent for the first (or umpteenth time) can be quite different than expected. It's important to get help if you're feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious as you anticipate and cope with these transitions.
(619) 568-2172 View (619) 568-2172
Photo of Sonja L Banks, PhD, Psychologist
Sonja L Banks
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92131
I offer Individual therapy specializing in the treatment of Maternal Mental Health Disorders including Pregnancy/ Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, Reproductive Trauma & Loss, New Parent Preparation, Infertility, Special Needs Parenting, and Pregnancy after Loss.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified cognitive behavioral therapist who has been in private practice since 1999. Until 2014, I was the Senior Reproductive Psychologist in the Maternal Mental Health Division, Department of Psychiatry at UCSD. Educationally, I first earned Dual Bachelor Degrees in Psychology and Music from St. Olaf College. After earning a Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology with a Health Psychology Emphasis from CSPP, I completed an internship at Scripps Clinic and a Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina.
I offer Individual therapy specializing in the treatment of Maternal Mental Health Disorders including Pregnancy/ Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, Reproductive Trauma & Loss, New Parent Preparation, Infertility, Special Needs Parenting, and Pregnancy after Loss.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified cognitive behavioral therapist who has been in private practice since 1999. Until 2014, I was the Senior Reproductive Psychologist in the Maternal Mental Health Division, Department of Psychiatry at UCSD. Educationally, I first earned Dual Bachelor Degrees in Psychology and Music from St. Olaf College. After earning a Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology with a Health Psychology Emphasis from CSPP, I completed an internship at Scripps Clinic and a Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina.
(858) 914-2768 View (858) 914-2768
Photo of Lisa Moss, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa Moss
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92127  (Online Only)
I specialize in Perinatal Mental Health counseling, focusing on postpartum depression/anxiety, grief/loss, pregnancy and infertility for women/couples.
A Journey to a Healthier You...therapy is a journey to discovering a healthier self by developing a positive & healthy mind set. Learning how to deal with life issues and coping with them in an effective way. I help guide you through your personal journey of self growth and awareness. Allowing yourself grace and to breathe more easily. The psychotherapy approaches that I utilize in the counseling sessions are Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Mindfulness, Solution Focused and Psychodynamic therapies. I provide a nurturing and compassionate therapeutic environment with a client-centered approach.
I specialize in Perinatal Mental Health counseling, focusing on postpartum depression/anxiety, grief/loss, pregnancy and infertility for women/couples.
A Journey to a Healthier You...therapy is a journey to discovering a healthier self by developing a positive & healthy mind set. Learning how to deal with life issues and coping with them in an effective way. I help guide you through your personal journey of self growth and awareness. Allowing yourself grace and to breathe more easily. The psychotherapy approaches that I utilize in the counseling sessions are Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Mindfulness, Solution Focused and Psychodynamic therapies. I provide a nurturing and compassionate therapeutic environment with a client-centered approach.
(858) 212-2295 View (858) 212-2295
Photo of Emmi Fowler, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Emmi Fowler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
I'm so glad you are here! It takes strength and bravery to seek out help, so I commend you for taking the first step in your/your child's healing. My passion is supporting emotional growth and healing through pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, childhood and adolescence. I enjoy working with youth who face difficult life transitions, anxiety, depression, bullying, autism, ADHD, social and behavioral issues. I enjoy working with adults on strengthening their parenting skills, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and women's related issues such as pregnancy/ postpartum struggles.
I'm so glad you are here! It takes strength and bravery to seek out help, so I commend you for taking the first step in your/your child's healing. My passion is supporting emotional growth and healing through pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, childhood and adolescence. I enjoy working with youth who face difficult life transitions, anxiety, depression, bullying, autism, ADHD, social and behavioral issues. I enjoy working with adults on strengthening their parenting skills, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and women's related issues such as pregnancy/ postpartum struggles.
(619) 598-0043 View (619) 598-0043
Photo of Kristina Ye, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristina Ye
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
I help women with trauma, anxiety, OCD, and perinatal mental health concerns not only manage symptoms, but tackle their roots through mind-body therapies.
Do you often wrestle with worry, intrusive/negative thoughts, or big emotions? Are you haunted by distressing memories or struggling with nightmares or flashbacks? Maybe you're pregnant or a new mom and are overwhelmed with anxiety or have lost motivation and joy? Imagine feeling confident and calm as you navigate your daily life. Living in the present moment rather than ruminating about the past or being worried about the future. Imagine living a rich and fulfilling life that's guided by your values instead of by fear and anxiety. I can help you make the shift from surviving to thriving.
I help women with trauma, anxiety, OCD, and perinatal mental health concerns not only manage symptoms, but tackle their roots through mind-body therapies.
Do you often wrestle with worry, intrusive/negative thoughts, or big emotions? Are you haunted by distressing memories or struggling with nightmares or flashbacks? Maybe you're pregnant or a new mom and are overwhelmed with anxiety or have lost motivation and joy? Imagine feeling confident and calm as you navigate your daily life. Living in the present moment rather than ruminating about the past or being worried about the future. Imagine living a rich and fulfilling life that's guided by your values instead of by fear and anxiety. I can help you make the shift from surviving to thriving.
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Photo of Danielle Michaelis Castillo, LMFT, MS, MFA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Danielle Michaelis Castillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, MFA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92106
What change does 2024 hold in store for you? Individual counseling can equip you with tools to address a wide variety of concerns such as postpartum anxiety and/or depression, identity and career issues, self-confidence, parenting or parent-child relationships, changes in relationship with your partner or spouse, deployment or PCS adjustment, and pregnancy loss or infertility issues.
What change does 2024 hold in store for you? Individual counseling can equip you with tools to address a wide variety of concerns such as postpartum anxiety and/or depression, identity and career issues, self-confidence, parenting or parent-child relationships, changes in relationship with your partner or spouse, deployment or PCS adjustment, and pregnancy loss or infertility issues.
(619) 268-6457 View (619) 268-6457
Photo of Jaimi S Martin, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jaimi S Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116  (Online Only)
I am both Perinatal and EMDR certified.
Here is what I believe: Everyone needs an objective person to help support and guide them through life’s challenges, transitions and hurdles. I believe the most important aspect of therapy is a trusting, nonjudgmental, and compassionate relationship with your therapist; therapy should feel safe, and provide you relief. I enjoy working with people from different background to help them discover their true self and overcoming the obstacles that may obscure their journey to happiness and self-fulfillment. I utilize humanistic mindful approaches to support wellness. I have availability in evening for couples and individuals.
I am both Perinatal and EMDR certified.
Here is what I believe: Everyone needs an objective person to help support and guide them through life’s challenges, transitions and hurdles. I believe the most important aspect of therapy is a trusting, nonjudgmental, and compassionate relationship with your therapist; therapy should feel safe, and provide you relief. I enjoy working with people from different background to help them discover their true self and overcoming the obstacles that may obscure their journey to happiness and self-fulfillment. I utilize humanistic mindful approaches to support wellness. I have availability in evening for couples and individuals.
(619) 431-4142 View (619) 431-4142
Photo of Laurie J Hall, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laurie J Hall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I also have extensive training in parenting issues, perinatal mood issues, and grief and loss.
It takes courage to set up your first therapy appointment, and it can be challenging to find a therapist who "gets you". With a trusted therapist, you can identify your struggles and find ways to overcome them, find importance and meaning in your life, experience healing from bad memories, and communicate better with loved ones. I have worked with clients for 29 years helping people find their clarity and truth. I welcome your call to determine if I'm a good fit for you as a therapist.
I also have extensive training in parenting issues, perinatal mood issues, and grief and loss.
It takes courage to set up your first therapy appointment, and it can be challenging to find a therapist who "gets you". With a trusted therapist, you can identify your struggles and find ways to overcome them, find importance and meaning in your life, experience healing from bad memories, and communicate better with loved ones. I have worked with clients for 29 years helping people find their clarity and truth. I welcome your call to determine if I'm a good fit for you as a therapist.
(619) 374-9119 View (619) 374-9119
Photo of Maggie Burgess, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maggie Burgess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92110
I have over 10 years of experience guiding people to move past their traumas, profound losses, challenging conflicts and daily stressors, including post trauma issues, perinatal/ postpartum issues, complicated grief and depression/ anxiety.
There is a way to get past problems that seem insurmountable. There is a way out of the darkness and paralyzing stress. It starts by sharing with a trustworthy therapist who can guide you to think about your situation from a new angle, and approach your problems with new strategies.
I have over 10 years of experience guiding people to move past their traumas, profound losses, challenging conflicts and daily stressors, including post trauma issues, perinatal/ postpartum issues, complicated grief and depression/ anxiety.
There is a way to get past problems that seem insurmountable. There is a way out of the darkness and paralyzing stress. It starts by sharing with a trustworthy therapist who can guide you to think about your situation from a new angle, and approach your problems with new strategies.
(619) 468-7657 View (619) 468-7657
Photo of Svetlana Ishchenko, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Svetlana Ishchenko
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
I am fascinated by the affects of attachment and bonding on interpersonal relationships and have a deep commitment to helping people articulate and address the core issues with which they struggle. I am currently working towards my PMH-C ( Perinatal Mental Health Certification), as I am passionate about supporting women and families experiencing fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, pregnancy/infant loss, TFMR, grief, adoption, and parenting. I am a a mom who struggled with postpartum anxiety and OCD with both of my pregnancies, so I know firsthand how shameful and isolating these experiences can be.
I am fascinated by the affects of attachment and bonding on interpersonal relationships and have a deep commitment to helping people articulate and address the core issues with which they struggle. I am currently working towards my PMH-C ( Perinatal Mental Health Certification), as I am passionate about supporting women and families experiencing fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, pregnancy/infant loss, TFMR, grief, adoption, and parenting. I am a a mom who struggled with postpartum anxiety and OCD with both of my pregnancies, so I know firsthand how shameful and isolating these experiences can be.
(619) 350-8704 View (619) 350-8704
Photo of Sydnie Szol, MA, APCC, NCC
Sydnie Szol
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC, NCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Sydnie, and I have a passion for helping persons of all backgrounds and walks of life. I specifically love working with clients during their perinatal, postnatal, and infertility periods. I am here to help you on your wellness journey by lending a non-judgemental, brave space where we can discuss your experiences and empower you within the therapy space and beyond. Therapy can be a harmonious experience where you are able to discuss the difficulties and triumphs of life freely with someone invested in your well-being and success.
Welcome! My name is Sydnie, and I have a passion for helping persons of all backgrounds and walks of life. I specifically love working with clients during their perinatal, postnatal, and infertility periods. I am here to help you on your wellness journey by lending a non-judgemental, brave space where we can discuss your experiences and empower you within the therapy space and beyond. Therapy can be a harmonious experience where you are able to discuss the difficulties and triumphs of life freely with someone invested in your well-being and success.
(858) 358-5260 View (858) 358-5260
Photo of Emily Remba - Reproductive Mental Health and Wellness, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Reproductive Mental Health and Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92127  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Teletherapy offered throughout California! Are you struggling with the emotional toll caused by pregnancy loss/ miscarriage or infertility? Perhaps you are pregnant or a new parent coping with depression or anxiety. Did you have a difficult or traumatic birth, or were separated from your baby with a NICU stay?
Teletherapy offered throughout California! Are you struggling with the emotional toll caused by pregnancy loss/ miscarriage or infertility? Perhaps you are pregnant or a new parent coping with depression or anxiety. Did you have a difficult or traumatic birth, or were separated from your baby with a NICU stay?
(858) 346-5252 View (858) 346-5252
Photo of Melinda Constanza- California Christian Postpartumpregnan - Postpartum Anxiety Therapist Melinda Constanza, LPCC, PPS, MA
Postpartum Anxiety Therapist Melinda Constanza
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, PPS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102  (Online Only)
New moms I talk to often feel so much guilt when sharing their true feelings, "I miss my old life" or "I love my baby but I don't always love being a mom." I want to help you feel more like yourself again, because you matter just as much as your child. I want you to experience the freedom that comes in surrounding your Anxiety to God by using practical coping techniques, Biblical truth, and evidence based methods. Taking care of your mental health during a transition such as pregnancy or motherhood is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your children.
New moms I talk to often feel so much guilt when sharing their true feelings, "I miss my old life" or "I love my baby but I don't always love being a mom." I want to help you feel more like yourself again, because you matter just as much as your child. I want you to experience the freedom that comes in surrounding your Anxiety to God by using practical coping techniques, Biblical truth, and evidence based methods. Taking care of your mental health during a transition such as pregnancy or motherhood is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your children.
(951) 944-3054 View (951) 944-3054
Photo of Tatiana Bogy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tatiana Bogy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
I'll give you doable tips on how to manage daily tasks, teach you about changes in your perinatal body, mind and spirit and how important it is to practice self-care.
You’ve gone through pregnancy and the moment to meet your first newborn baby has arrived. As a new mom, thoughts run in your head like, “how do I take care of this baby when I can’t take care of myself,” “my body feels broken,” “I haven’t slept,” “this is how it is, so I just have to figure it out.” You feel overwhelmed and question if you’re a good mother when you go back to work. At the end of the day, you just want to feel supported and know that you’re still you as you experience being a mom. You decide what works for you and your family and not to live based on “you should do this or you’re supposed to do this.”
I'll give you doable tips on how to manage daily tasks, teach you about changes in your perinatal body, mind and spirit and how important it is to practice self-care.
You’ve gone through pregnancy and the moment to meet your first newborn baby has arrived. As a new mom, thoughts run in your head like, “how do I take care of this baby when I can’t take care of myself,” “my body feels broken,” “I haven’t slept,” “this is how it is, so I just have to figure it out.” You feel overwhelmed and question if you’re a good mother when you go back to work. At the end of the day, you just want to feel supported and know that you’re still you as you experience being a mom. You decide what works for you and your family and not to live based on “you should do this or you’re supposed to do this.”
(619) 776-3405 View (619) 776-3405
Photo of Maureen McCartney, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maureen McCartney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101  (Online Only)
My specialty is helping women and men cope with the trauma associated with infertility, pregnancy loss, high risk pregnancies, postpartum anxiety, and new parenthood.
My career has followed my passion to help women and men cope with the stressors and trauma associated with family building and new parenthood. I bring extensive experience to my practice, with more than 15 years of counseling experience and specialized postgraduate training in fertility counseling. In addition, I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health, focusing on postpartum anxiety, depression, and other perinatal stressors. I work with many couples to help them regain their connection and strength on their path to building their family as well as adjust to their new identity as parents.
My specialty is helping women and men cope with the trauma associated with infertility, pregnancy loss, high risk pregnancies, postpartum anxiety, and new parenthood.
My career has followed my passion to help women and men cope with the stressors and trauma associated with family building and new parenthood. I bring extensive experience to my practice, with more than 15 years of counseling experience and specialized postgraduate training in fertility counseling. In addition, I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health, focusing on postpartum anxiety, depression, and other perinatal stressors. I work with many couples to help them regain their connection and strength on their path to building their family as well as adjust to their new identity as parents.
(619) 614-7896 View (619) 614-7896
Photo of Kristina Sciarrillo Wightkin - Vida Somatic Therapy, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vida Somatic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92106
Postpartum anxiety and depression are common and treatable with compassion, education and community.
Ask yourself the following questions: When was the last time you felt like yourself? Are you experiencing frightening pictures or memories that keep popping into your mind? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you having stomach problems? Is your heart racing all the time? Do you feel like something bad is always going to happen? Do you feel numb and depressed? Are you feeling disconnected from everyone? Even after a major life event or traumatic experience has passed, we often feel discomfort in our bodies. Vida Somatic Therapy works alongside people to ease their physical and mental discomfort.
Postpartum anxiety and depression are common and treatable with compassion, education and community.
Ask yourself the following questions: When was the last time you felt like yourself? Are you experiencing frightening pictures or memories that keep popping into your mind? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you having stomach problems? Is your heart racing all the time? Do you feel like something bad is always going to happen? Do you feel numb and depressed? Are you feeling disconnected from everyone? Even after a major life event or traumatic experience has passed, we often feel discomfort in our bodies. Vida Somatic Therapy works alongside people to ease their physical and mental discomfort.
(619) 404-0732 View (619) 404-0732
Photo of Hudson Jones, PsyD , Psychologist
Hudson Jones
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116  (Online Only)
Dr. Jones currently has openings for new clients, and we will call you back within 24 hours. At the Origin Psychology, Dr. Jones provides therapy to adults, couples, and teens aged 13 and up. Common areas of concern for Dr. Jones’ patients include stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, work-life balance, reproductive/ perinatal mental health, trauma, teen development, and depression. His background as a musician along with his extensive travel and dedication to cultural and spiritual exploration all inform his perspective as well as his intuitive attunement to his clients.
Dr. Jones currently has openings for new clients, and we will call you back within 24 hours. At the Origin Psychology, Dr. Jones provides therapy to adults, couples, and teens aged 13 and up. Common areas of concern for Dr. Jones’ patients include stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, work-life balance, reproductive/ perinatal mental health, trauma, teen development, and depression. His background as a musician along with his extensive travel and dedication to cultural and spiritual exploration all inform his perspective as well as his intuitive attunement to his clients.
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Photo of Christina Kim, AMFT
Christina Kim
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101  (Online Only)
As a new-ish mother, I am interested in navigating different phases of pregnancy and parenthood, as well as a potential journey as a parent.
If you've been feeling out of place - whether it is in this moment or all your life - you are not alone. Maybe you are a first-time parent (or fourth!) navigating how to juggle all your other identities with your new parent role. Maybe you are trying to work out some generational differences with your parents. Maybe you just want to be able to talk to your partner, sibling, in-laws, or metamour and feel seen, heard, and understood. If you are struggling to be on the same page with yourself or your loved ones, I am here to help you explore ways to create the kind of relationships you want in your life.
As a new-ish mother, I am interested in navigating different phases of pregnancy and parenthood, as well as a potential journey as a parent.
If you've been feeling out of place - whether it is in this moment or all your life - you are not alone. Maybe you are a first-time parent (or fourth!) navigating how to juggle all your other identities with your new parent role. Maybe you are trying to work out some generational differences with your parents. Maybe you just want to be able to talk to your partner, sibling, in-laws, or metamour and feel seen, heard, and understood. If you are struggling to be on the same page with yourself or your loved ones, I am here to help you explore ways to create the kind of relationships you want in your life.
(619) 826-4385 View (619) 826-4385
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Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists

What are the most effective ways to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns?

The most effective way to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns is by finding a therapist who has prior experience helping other patients overcome the challenge being faced. For example, a marriage and family therapist may have experience helping couples adjust to their new relationship dynamic. An anxiety specialist may have experience helping with phobias or illness anxiety related to the child’s health. A depression specialist may have experience treating postpartum depression.

When should I seek treatment for prenatal or postpartum concerns?

Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve intense physical and mental changes; a degree of upset and instability is normal. However, if these changes impair daily functioning, it may be time to seek help. This distinction is pertinent for postpartum depression: A period of teariness, irritability, and distress is difficult but normal in the one to two weeks after childbirth (sometimes called the “baby blues.”) But if feelings of sadness and hopelessness persist beyond that period, the person should seek treatment.

How do I manage worries during pregnancy or the postnatal period?

A therapist can help patients develop the tools they need to manage anxieties during or after pregnancy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and reframe harmful patterns of thought, and change their behaviors. Other techniques and skills can allow people to develop acceptance, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, communication skills, and more.

Are there specific medications for postpartum depression?

In 2019, the FDA approved the first medication designed to treat postpartum depression. The medication is called brexanolone and is delivered intravenously by a medical professional over the course of a few days. However, typical antidepressants, which are more accessible, can also treat postpartum depression. The disorder is often best treated through a combination of medication and therapy.