Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in Raleigh, NC

Photo of Ashley Thompson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
My focus is on infertility and perinatal mental health. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate the stressors of family building. I focus on supporting you along every step in the process, including struggling with infertility, miscarriage or pregnancy loss, navigating fertility treatment, and pre/postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I strive to help you uncover strengths, while teaching new coping strategies to overcome hurdles and adapt to challenging situations.
My focus is on infertility and perinatal mental health. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate the stressors of family building. I focus on supporting you along every step in the process, including struggling with infertility, miscarriage or pregnancy loss, navigating fertility treatment, and pre/postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I strive to help you uncover strengths, while teaching new coping strategies to overcome hurdles and adapt to challenging situations.
(919) 336-1432 View (919) 336-1432
Photo of Stephanie Puckett, MEd, LCMHC, PMH-C
Stephanie Puckett
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor certified in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Has life been feeling "off" lately? Are you struggling with anxiety, low mood, lack of motivation, or stress? Has a recent significant life change, loss, or transition made functioning difficult? You want support, clarity, and an unbiased listener as you work through complex thoughts and feelings. Setting small, realistic goals and learning coping skills through therapy can help guide you toward the life you want and deserve.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor certified in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Has life been feeling "off" lately? Are you struggling with anxiety, low mood, lack of motivation, or stress? Has a recent significant life change, loss, or transition made functioning difficult? You want support, clarity, and an unbiased listener as you work through complex thoughts and feelings. Setting small, realistic goals and learning coping skills through therapy can help guide you toward the life you want and deserve.
(984) 213-4283 View (984) 213-4283
Photo of Shelley Freeman, MS, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shelley Freeman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
Mara Stein with The Touchstone Institute about all things perinatal mental health (www.
I help moms thrive without fear, anxiety and overwhelm. My clients struggle as you do. Despite being strong, capable and amazing, life is hard. Even harder really since becoming a mom. When you first come in, you’re struggling to know yourself, inundated with overwhelm, fear, worry and a heavy load. Everyone’s load may look different, but it’s heavy. With EMDR, moms can begin to feel less overwhelmed, less triggered, less anxious and there’s room for more joy!
Mara Stein with The Touchstone Institute about all things perinatal mental health (www.
I help moms thrive without fear, anxiety and overwhelm. My clients struggle as you do. Despite being strong, capable and amazing, life is hard. Even harder really since becoming a mom. When you first come in, you’re struggling to know yourself, inundated with overwhelm, fear, worry and a heavy load. Everyone’s load may look different, but it’s heavy. With EMDR, moms can begin to feel less overwhelmed, less triggered, less anxious and there’s room for more joy!
(910) 817-2612 View (910) 817-2612
Photo of Roxanne Rosenberg, LCMHC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Roxanne Rosenberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
Pregnancy, Postpartum, Reproductive, Adoption, Parenting, & Trauma Psychotherapy: I am a licensed professional counselor with 15 years of experience working with women, birth givers, and parents. I hold psychology degrees from Yale and Duke, as well as a certification in perinatal mental health. I am a perpetual student, always looking to learn new ways I can support my clients. Years working in adoptions has also equipped me to support birthparents, prospective & current adoptive parents, & adopted teens/adults. I primary use DBT and ACT.
Pregnancy, Postpartum, Reproductive, Adoption, Parenting, & Trauma Psychotherapy: I am a licensed professional counselor with 15 years of experience working with women, birth givers, and parents. I hold psychology degrees from Yale and Duke, as well as a certification in perinatal mental health. I am a perpetual student, always looking to learn new ways I can support my clients. Years working in adoptions has also equipped me to support birthparents, prospective & current adoptive parents, & adopted teens/adults. I primary use DBT and ACT.
(919) 583-6258 View (919) 583-6258
Photo of Joy S Elliot, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joy S Elliot
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
I am the owner of Attuned Psychotherapy. We are a private group practice in NE Raleigh, NC. Our team offers child/play therapy as well as individual, couples, family, & group counseling. I specialize in treatment of complex childhood trauma, domestic violence, religious trauma, & pregnancy/infant loss. My primary framework is attachment focused. As humans we are designed to enjoy connection with others. From before birth we are already making connections to significant people in our lives. We need secure loving relationships in order to function optimally. When safety is threatened & love is absent we become overwhelmed.
I am the owner of Attuned Psychotherapy. We are a private group practice in NE Raleigh, NC. Our team offers child/play therapy as well as individual, couples, family, & group counseling. I specialize in treatment of complex childhood trauma, domestic violence, religious trauma, & pregnancy/infant loss. My primary framework is attachment focused. As humans we are designed to enjoy connection with others. From before birth we are already making connections to significant people in our lives. We need secure loving relationships in order to function optimally. When safety is threatened & love is absent we become overwhelmed.
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Photo of undefined - Anchor Perinatal Wellness, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anchor Perinatal Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27612
Anchor Perinatal Wellness is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that serves adults during pregnancy and up to 18 months postpartum who are struggling with the following perinatal conditions: ​depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, traumatic birth, obsessions and compulsions, bipolar disorder, and other perinatal distress.
Anchor Perinatal Wellness is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that serves adults during pregnancy and up to 18 months postpartum who are struggling with the following perinatal conditions: ​depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, traumatic birth, obsessions and compulsions, bipolar disorder, and other perinatal distress.
(919) 366-5360 View (919) 366-5360
Photo of Mandy Balmadrid, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mandy Balmadrid
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in working with adults (18+) who are experiencing anxiety, attachment issues, depression, grief/loss, infertility, midlife transitions, parenthood struggles, perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, and trauma. I believe working through some of the most difficult times in our life requires additional support. You deserve that so you can heal and feel like yourself again.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in working with adults (18+) who are experiencing anxiety, attachment issues, depression, grief/loss, infertility, midlife transitions, parenthood struggles, perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, and trauma. I believe working through some of the most difficult times in our life requires additional support. You deserve that so you can heal and feel like yourself again.
(984) 733-1241 View (984) 733-1241
Photo of Julia Ross, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julia Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27606
I also love working with families and mothers navigating perinatal or postpartum adjustments as well.
I strive to offer a therapeutic space for discovery, building hope, and transformation. The challenges that I commonly support people through include Depression, Anxiety or OCD/Phobias, Maternal Mental Health/Perinatal Trauma or Challenges, Life Transitions, Childhood Trauma or Trauma Processing, and ADHD/ASD. The goals with these presenting problems often include creating a sense of stability, finding effective coping strategies, building support systems, and developing a strengths-based or resilient narrative of their story.
I also love working with families and mothers navigating perinatal or postpartum adjustments as well.
I strive to offer a therapeutic space for discovery, building hope, and transformation. The challenges that I commonly support people through include Depression, Anxiety or OCD/Phobias, Maternal Mental Health/Perinatal Trauma or Challenges, Life Transitions, Childhood Trauma or Trauma Processing, and ADHD/ASD. The goals with these presenting problems often include creating a sense of stability, finding effective coping strategies, building support systems, and developing a strengths-based or resilient narrative of their story.
(919) 324-0873 View (919) 324-0873
Photo of Megan Davis, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27608  (Online Only)
I work with women across the lifespan with a primary focus in those who are trying to conceive, pregnant, adjusting to motherhood, as well as women navigating being a part of the "sandwich" generation. With over 14 years of experience, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. I value being a lifelong learner in this profession and have advanced training as a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider and in Exposure Response Prevention for OCD in adults.
I work with women across the lifespan with a primary focus in those who are trying to conceive, pregnant, adjusting to motherhood, as well as women navigating being a part of the "sandwich" generation. With over 14 years of experience, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. I value being a lifelong learner in this profession and have advanced training as a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider and in Exposure Response Prevention for OCD in adults.
(984) 207-3388 View (984) 207-3388
Photo of Michelle Chiaramonte, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Chiaramonte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27605
Looking for answers? Therapy can help. Whether you are struggling with mood issues, frustration with family problems, your relationship is hurting, ineffective communication or challenging life transitions, you are in the right place! I provide counseling to individuals, couples, and families focused on Anxiety/Depression, Marriage & Couples Counseling, Postpartum Issues, and Family Counseling.
Looking for answers? Therapy can help. Whether you are struggling with mood issues, frustration with family problems, your relationship is hurting, ineffective communication or challenging life transitions, you are in the right place! I provide counseling to individuals, couples, and families focused on Anxiety/Depression, Marriage & Couples Counseling, Postpartum Issues, and Family Counseling.
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Photo of Ashley Harris, BSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
I provide support for teens, young adults and adults experiencing stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity stressors, racial/cultural oppression, women's issues, relationship stress, perinatal mental health (pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and birth trauma).
You often find yourself feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, shutting down, or becoming defensive due to stress and anxiety. Juggling multiple responsibilities has you feeling as though you can't catch a break. Maybe you've been giving so much of yourself to others that you have nothing left for you. You're feeling exhausted from worrying so much about different things. Maybe you haven't been able to shake the "baby blues." You have reached a point where you want to feel in control of your life. Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space to explore these experiences.
I provide support for teens, young adults and adults experiencing stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity stressors, racial/cultural oppression, women's issues, relationship stress, perinatal mental health (pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and birth trauma).
You often find yourself feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, shutting down, or becoming defensive due to stress and anxiety. Juggling multiple responsibilities has you feeling as though you can't catch a break. Maybe you've been giving so much of yourself to others that you have nothing left for you. You're feeling exhausted from worrying so much about different things. Maybe you haven't been able to shake the "baby blues." You have reached a point where you want to feel in control of your life. Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space to explore these experiences.
(919) 849-3937 View (919) 849-3937
Photo of Anna Machin, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Machin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
My therapeutic experience has been diverse, although I most commonly work with: couples, depression and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, individuals on the Autism Spectrum and women and parents in the postpartum and perinatal period.
I find it a tremendous privilege to be apart of the journey my clients embark on as they heal, transform and grow. I provide clinical therapy to adolescents, adults and couples. I take an attachment and relational approach to therapy, nurturing an open and trusting environment for my clients. I am always learning and utilizing different therapeutic techniques and most frequently utilize, CBT, Emotion Focused Therapy, Attachment and Systems Theory along with Carl Roger's Person Centered approach. I often incorporate mindfulness techniques into sessions to increase awareness and bodily awareness.
My therapeutic experience has been diverse, although I most commonly work with: couples, depression and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, individuals on the Autism Spectrum and women and parents in the postpartum and perinatal period.
I find it a tremendous privilege to be apart of the journey my clients embark on as they heal, transform and grow. I provide clinical therapy to adolescents, adults and couples. I take an attachment and relational approach to therapy, nurturing an open and trusting environment for my clients. I am always learning and utilizing different therapeutic techniques and most frequently utilize, CBT, Emotion Focused Therapy, Attachment and Systems Theory along with Carl Roger's Person Centered approach. I often incorporate mindfulness techniques into sessions to increase awareness and bodily awareness.
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Photo of Alina Miller, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alina Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
If you’re here, you may be looking for someone who can support you and your family with warmth, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance. I value hearing people’s life stories and understanding the full context of their lives as part of the healing process. I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including community college students, and I particularly enjoy working with pregnancy/postpartum issues and parenting stress. I aim to provide compassionate and evidence-based care for life transitions, grief and pregnancy loss, pregnancy complications/NICU, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
If you’re here, you may be looking for someone who can support you and your family with warmth, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance. I value hearing people’s life stories and understanding the full context of their lives as part of the healing process. I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including community college students, and I particularly enjoy working with pregnancy/postpartum issues and parenting stress. I aim to provide compassionate and evidence-based care for life transitions, grief and pregnancy loss, pregnancy complications/NICU, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
(919) 443-5651 View (919) 443-5651
Photo of Yailyn Murphy, LCMHC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yailyn Murphy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27603
Hi! I am so glad you are here. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor with eight years of clinical experience treating children, teens, and adults. Life experiences, transitions, and relationships can be challenging; together we can discover new ways to process difficult emotions, increase self-awareness, and self-confidence. I enjoy supporting women and birth givers during the perinatal and postpartum periods as they adjust and transition into motherhood and parenthood. I have training in perinatal mood disorders, pregnancy loss, parenting, parent-infant /child relationships, and trauma.
Hi! I am so glad you are here. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor with eight years of clinical experience treating children, teens, and adults. Life experiences, transitions, and relationships can be challenging; together we can discover new ways to process difficult emotions, increase self-awareness, and self-confidence. I enjoy supporting women and birth givers during the perinatal and postpartum periods as they adjust and transition into motherhood and parenthood. I have training in perinatal mood disorders, pregnancy loss, parenting, parent-infant /child relationships, and trauma.
(919) 849-8002 x34 View (919) 849-8002 x34
Photo of Ameenah Ikram, PsyD , Pre-Licensed Professional
Ameenah Ikram
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Time Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) to help teens, adults, couples, and families who may be struggling with low mood, worried thoughts, trauma, relationship issues, multicultural identity concerns, perinatal issues, and adjustment difficulties.
The greatest way to 'get over' something, is to go 'through' it in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. When life becomes challenging, you can oftentimes feel confused about where to turn. Perhaps you wish to discover the ways in which the past may be holding you back, better understand the reason why you're feeling stagnant in the present, and explore why the future may feel so intimidating for you. You may need the help of others to feel stable again and seeking therapy is a brave and courageous first step. You can discover new ways of living that feel fulfilling in the here and now. You deserve to feel better, and I can help.
I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Time Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) to help teens, adults, couples, and families who may be struggling with low mood, worried thoughts, trauma, relationship issues, multicultural identity concerns, perinatal issues, and adjustment difficulties.
The greatest way to 'get over' something, is to go 'through' it in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. When life becomes challenging, you can oftentimes feel confused about where to turn. Perhaps you wish to discover the ways in which the past may be holding you back, better understand the reason why you're feeling stagnant in the present, and explore why the future may feel so intimidating for you. You may need the help of others to feel stable again and seeking therapy is a brave and courageous first step. You can discover new ways of living that feel fulfilling in the here and now. You deserve to feel better, and I can help.
(919) 626-8940 x5 View (919) 626-8940 x5
Photo of Molly Martucci, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Molly Martucci
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
I am a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with new and expecting mothers. As a new mother myself, I understand and appreciate both the joys and challenges of motherhood. I also understand that pregnancy and motherhood can often be accompanied by increases in anxiety, depression, and general life stress. I believe that a compassionate therapeutic approach is the key to helping clients work through the unexpected difficulties that can accompany pregnancy and motherhood. In addition to my work with new and expecting moms, I also enjoy working with families, children, and adolescents.
I am a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with new and expecting mothers. As a new mother myself, I understand and appreciate both the joys and challenges of motherhood. I also understand that pregnancy and motherhood can often be accompanied by increases in anxiety, depression, and general life stress. I believe that a compassionate therapeutic approach is the key to helping clients work through the unexpected difficulties that can accompany pregnancy and motherhood. In addition to my work with new and expecting moms, I also enjoy working with families, children, and adolescents.
(336) 443-6196 View (336) 443-6196
Photo of Michelle Dodson, MA, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Dodson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27613  (Online Only)
I have specialized training in perinatal mood disorders that allows me to support women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Are you struggling with feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unmotivated? Are you dealing with a stressful life transition and need support? You don't have to go through this alone. I work with adults, teens, and children ages 8+ and all sessions are virtual. Whether your goal is to have a place to process worries, to learn new coping skills, or to feel like yourself again, I'm here for you! Together we will create a plan to help you feel better and reach your goals.
I have specialized training in perinatal mood disorders that allows me to support women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Are you struggling with feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unmotivated? Are you dealing with a stressful life transition and need support? You don't have to go through this alone. I work with adults, teens, and children ages 8+ and all sessions are virtual. Whether your goal is to have a place to process worries, to learn new coping skills, or to feel like yourself again, I'm here for you! Together we will create a plan to help you feel better and reach your goals.
(984) 295-3931 View (984) 295-3931
Photo of Casey Paganucci, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Casey Paganucci
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27612
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Perhaps you're tired of anxiety keeping you up at night or feel like depression is hindering you from living your life to your full potential. I enjoy working with adults who may feel trapped in a cycle of anxiety/depression or just feeling stuck in the monotony of every day life. Some issues I commonly work with clients on are: pregnancy/new parenting stress, career challenges, academic stress, alcohol use, relationship challenges, trauma.
Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Perhaps you're tired of anxiety keeping you up at night or feel like depression is hindering you from living your life to your full potential. I enjoy working with adults who may feel trapped in a cycle of anxiety/depression or just feeling stuck in the monotony of every day life. Some issues I commonly work with clients on are: pregnancy/new parenting stress, career challenges, academic stress, alcohol use, relationship challenges, trauma.
(919) 737-7120 View (919) 737-7120
Photo of Jayda Irizarry, MSW, LCSW, CCATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jayda Irizarry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCATP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27606
I specialize in working with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, mood disorders, perinatal mental health, identity development, and life transitions.
I would like to commend you for taking the step of seeking therapy! Right now, you may be viewing therapy as daunting, exciting, or something new. Regardless of where you are, it is my commitment to meet you there, free of judgments and ready to listen. Life’s transitions, journeys, and unexpected changes comes with many successes and challenges. It is my passion to stand alongside children, adolescents, and adults with a supportive, compassionate and goal-oriented approach. My therapeutic style is warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative.
I specialize in working with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, mood disorders, perinatal mental health, identity development, and life transitions.
I would like to commend you for taking the step of seeking therapy! Right now, you may be viewing therapy as daunting, exciting, or something new. Regardless of where you are, it is my commitment to meet you there, free of judgments and ready to listen. Life’s transitions, journeys, and unexpected changes comes with many successes and challenges. It is my passion to stand alongside children, adolescents, and adults with a supportive, compassionate and goal-oriented approach. My therapeutic style is warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative.
(984) 206-3342 View (984) 206-3342
Photo of Anna Whalen, LCMHC, MS, EdS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anna Whalen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, MS, EdS
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
I work with clients that are coming to counseling for parenting, family of origin issues, perinatal mental health, and perfectionism. My clients are often parents or young adults that are struggling to feel like they are doing a good job. They feel overwhelmed and a little depressed. They are struggling with issues that stem from their own childhood and upbringing. I work with them on showing themselves grace and compassion. We reframe and examine negative thoughts they are having, and I work with them to heal from their childhood wounds. We work together to define and appreciate all of their many roles and identities.
I work with clients that are coming to counseling for parenting, family of origin issues, perinatal mental health, and perfectionism. My clients are often parents or young adults that are struggling to feel like they are doing a good job. They feel overwhelmed and a little depressed. They are struggling with issues that stem from their own childhood and upbringing. I work with them on showing themselves grace and compassion. We reframe and examine negative thoughts they are having, and I work with them to heal from their childhood wounds. We work together to define and appreciate all of their many roles and identities.
(919) 429-8589 View (919) 429-8589
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.