Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in West Chester, PA
Danielle Bills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing psychotherapy in Pennsylvania. I am based in Chester County and have worked in the area for over a decade. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life and, although we all have differences, one thing that connects us is our need to feel supported and heard while going through periods of change and transition. As a psychotherapist my specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, healing from trauma/ PTSD including working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and women’s health with a focus on perinatal and maternal mental health.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing psychotherapy in Pennsylvania. I am based in Chester County and have worked in the area for over a decade. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life and, although we all have differences, one thing that connects us is our need to feel supported and heard while going through periods of change and transition. As a psychotherapist my specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, healing from trauma/ PTSD including working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and women’s health with a focus on perinatal and maternal mental health.
Tracey Dugan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382 (Online Only)
I have been working in the area of perinatal depression and anxiety, trauma, breastfeeding, parenting, NICU, pregnancy and infant loss, grief and infertility since 1987.
My clients are primarily parents who are experiencing perinatal depression, anxiety and trauma or who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss, and/or pregnancy complications. Their goal is to feel better as soon as possible. They need an experienced, confident and caring therapist who knows how to help them in their distress. My clients are looking for someone that can teach them skills that they can use both now and for the rest of their lives. I am licensed in both PA and NJ.
I have been working in the area of perinatal depression and anxiety, trauma, breastfeeding, parenting, NICU, pregnancy and infant loss, grief and infertility since 1987.
My clients are primarily parents who are experiencing perinatal depression, anxiety and trauma or who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss, and/or pregnancy complications. Their goal is to feel better as soon as possible. They need an experienced, confident and caring therapist who knows how to help them in their distress. My clients are looking for someone that can teach them skills that they can use both now and for the rest of their lives. I am licensed in both PA and NJ.
Erin Saddic
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, PMH-C, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19382
I am nationally certified in the treatment of prenatal and postpartum moms.
Are you pregnant or postpartum struggling with depression or anxiety? I support women as they move through the challenges of pregnancy, motherhood, infertility and pregnancy loss. I will help you develop strategies that can improve mood and emotional wellness. In my practice you will be treated with empathy, genuineness, and respect. I provide a confidential space so you can move forward towards contentment and peace of mind. I have the personal history, professional education, and years of clinical experience that will help you create the life you deserve.
I am nationally certified in the treatment of prenatal and postpartum moms.
Are you pregnant or postpartum struggling with depression or anxiety? I support women as they move through the challenges of pregnancy, motherhood, infertility and pregnancy loss. I will help you develop strategies that can improve mood and emotional wellness. In my practice you will be treated with empathy, genuineness, and respect. I provide a confidential space so you can move forward towards contentment and peace of mind. I have the personal history, professional education, and years of clinical experience that will help you create the life you deserve.
Teresa Naylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19382
I encourage you to reach out if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, difficulty with life transitions including pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood, navigating relationships, balancing responsibilities, or stress.
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” - Brene Brown. I am here to provide a safe space for you to come as you are - a compassionate space for self-exploration and discovery. We inevitably encounter ups and downs throughout our lives and navigating adversity can be challenging. I believe we all have the courage to explore our inner worlds with the ultimate goal of reaching our full potential. Whatever your goals may be, I am here to assist in gaining insight, building resilience, and learning necessary skills to improve your day-to-day life.
I encourage you to reach out if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, difficulty with life transitions including pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood, navigating relationships, balancing responsibilities, or stress.
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” - Brene Brown. I am here to provide a safe space for you to come as you are - a compassionate space for self-exploration and discovery. We inevitably encounter ups and downs throughout our lives and navigating adversity can be challenging. I believe we all have the courage to explore our inner worlds with the ultimate goal of reaching our full potential. Whatever your goals may be, I am here to assist in gaining insight, building resilience, and learning necessary skills to improve your day-to-day life.
Sarah DiSanto
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is focused on providing the tools and coping skills needed to manage struggles, build self awareness and enhance insight into the root cause of your internal discomfort. Building insight may involve discussing core beliefs that developed during childhood or within relational experiences and exploring how these impact your current thought patterns and behaviors. I specialize in treating women with perinatal disorders, infertility and relationship issues. I often work with individuals to enhance assertiveness, empowerment, and confidence.
My approach to therapy is focused on providing the tools and coping skills needed to manage struggles, build self awareness and enhance insight into the root cause of your internal discomfort. Building insight may involve discussing core beliefs that developed during childhood or within relational experiences and exploring how these impact your current thought patterns and behaviors. I specialize in treating women with perinatal disorders, infertility and relationship issues. I often work with individuals to enhance assertiveness, empowerment, and confidence.
Luisa Silva-Casullo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380 (Online Only)
I'm Luisa Silva-Casullo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist deeply committed to guiding individuals through their unique therapeutic journeys. I intimately understand the complexities of the transition to parenthood, allowing me to be particularly attuned to the needs of women navigating this transformative phase of life. I specialize in working with individuals at any phase of their reproductive journey, including, but not limited to, some of the following themes: contemplating whether or not to have children, fertility struggles, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and coping with the struggles of parenthood.
I'm Luisa Silva-Casullo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist deeply committed to guiding individuals through their unique therapeutic journeys. I intimately understand the complexities of the transition to parenthood, allowing me to be particularly attuned to the needs of women navigating this transformative phase of life. I specialize in working with individuals at any phase of their reproductive journey, including, but not limited to, some of the following themes: contemplating whether or not to have children, fertility struggles, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and coping with the struggles of parenthood.
Feeling overwhelmed or anxious as you adjust to new stressors or changes in your life? Have a hard time turning off your mind? Need help learning better ways to cope with the demands of school, work, or parenthood, and keeping it all in balance? I'm a Clinical Psychologist and provide therapy for teens 16+ and adults of all ages. I help people with anxiety and worry, and managing difficult changes in life- adjustment to college, career change, early adulthood, pregnancy, postpartum, family changes, and other stages of life.
Feeling overwhelmed or anxious as you adjust to new stressors or changes in your life? Have a hard time turning off your mind? Need help learning better ways to cope with the demands of school, work, or parenthood, and keeping it all in balance? I'm a Clinical Psychologist and provide therapy for teens 16+ and adults of all ages. I help people with anxiety and worry, and managing difficult changes in life- adjustment to college, career change, early adulthood, pregnancy, postpartum, family changes, and other stages of life.
Hannah Bossard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380 (Online Only)
I am currently working towards my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) in order to optimize my ability to support women through this phase of life.
Melinda Gates said, "Empowering women changes the world," and I couldn't agree with her more. Though I enjoy working with various populations, my passion is supporting the unique journeys of women. Women's issues and matrescence (the process of becoming a mother) are oftentimes overlooked, misinterpreted, and minimized. This is why I focus my work on empowering women to better understand their experiences, unabashedly identify their needs, and to more authentically express themselves. I am also enthusiastic about working with those who suffer from panic attacks.
I am currently working towards my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) in order to optimize my ability to support women through this phase of life.
Melinda Gates said, "Empowering women changes the world," and I couldn't agree with her more. Though I enjoy working with various populations, my passion is supporting the unique journeys of women. Women's issues and matrescence (the process of becoming a mother) are oftentimes overlooked, misinterpreted, and minimized. This is why I focus my work on empowering women to better understand their experiences, unabashedly identify their needs, and to more authentically express themselves. I am also enthusiastic about working with those who suffer from panic attacks.
April Hankins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382 (Online Only)
I will be presenting at Stark Library 7/27 at 12pm on toddler parenting, would love for you to join! I help adults heal from perinatal loss, cope with postpartum mood disorders and equip parents who are raising littles. I also provide care to those who have a history of religious trauma and are looking to reclaim their story. I provide LGBTQ+ affirming care. My clients tend to be highly sensitive, deeply feeling and determined to break generational trauma. I believe my client's inner self and body have important messages to share for recovery and know the path towards healing.
I will be presenting at Stark Library 7/27 at 12pm on toddler parenting, would love for you to join! I help adults heal from perinatal loss, cope with postpartum mood disorders and equip parents who are raising littles. I also provide care to those who have a history of religious trauma and are looking to reclaim their story. I provide LGBTQ+ affirming care. My clients tend to be highly sensitive, deeply feeling and determined to break generational trauma. I believe my client's inner self and body have important messages to share for recovery and know the path towards healing.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal mental health and reproductive psychology. I have specific expertise in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and helping women through their reproductive journeys during pregnancy and postpartum. I also work with women who are navigating stressful reproductive life events, such as pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma, and infant admission to a neonatal intensive care unit. I am certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal mental health and reproductive psychology. I have specific expertise in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and helping women through their reproductive journeys during pregnancy and postpartum. I also work with women who are navigating stressful reproductive life events, such as pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma, and infant admission to a neonatal intensive care unit. I am certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.
Karen Rivera-Seda
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , MFT , NCC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I provide support to college students & adults in the areas of anxiety, grief, life transitions, postpartum anxiety, betrayal trauma, teen trauma, and being the adult child of immigrants. I also provide support to couples in the areas of communication, premarital, pre-engagement, and pre-cohabitation. I've worked with various populations & present issues/concerns, thus garnering my areas of specialty. Being a 1.5-generation immigrant has afforded me firsthand experience/knowledge of the difficulties and challenges that children of immigrants may face. My specialty areas in no way limits my ability to work with a variety of clients.
I provide support to college students & adults in the areas of anxiety, grief, life transitions, postpartum anxiety, betrayal trauma, teen trauma, and being the adult child of immigrants. I also provide support to couples in the areas of communication, premarital, pre-engagement, and pre-cohabitation. I've worked with various populations & present issues/concerns, thus garnering my areas of specialty. Being a 1.5-generation immigrant has afforded me firsthand experience/knowledge of the difficulties and challenges that children of immigrants may face. My specialty areas in no way limits my ability to work with a variety of clients.
15 Second Videos
River Wards Wellness Collective
Lotus Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Allie Kochert
Susanna Francies
Brittany Fierro
Natalie McCormick Counseling, LLC
Amber Cardemil
Tina Shea
Dr. Nicole McKinney
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380 (Online Only)
With over 20 years experience of empowering individuals, couples and families, I aim to inspire those I counsel. I am passionate about people and the restoration, maintenance and progression of their relationships. I help people adjust to life changes including: academic, family or work related stress; education, employment or military relocation; and loss. I specialize in “before the ring” counseling, financial matters, grief and loss, interracial coupling, pregnancy care, and racial identity of Biracials. For those seeking Christian counseling, I am a Jesus follower and I am willing to incorporate faith into therapy upon request.
With over 20 years experience of empowering individuals, couples and families, I aim to inspire those I counsel. I am passionate about people and the restoration, maintenance and progression of their relationships. I help people adjust to life changes including: academic, family or work related stress; education, employment or military relocation; and loss. I specialize in “before the ring” counseling, financial matters, grief and loss, interracial coupling, pregnancy care, and racial identity of Biracials. For those seeking Christian counseling, I am a Jesus follower and I am willing to incorporate faith into therapy upon request.
Autumn Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380 (Online Only)
I have over ten years of clinical experience and education, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, women's health (infertility/ postpartum), and transitions of life.
Willow Therapy Collective provides comprehensive therapy, counseling, and consulting services. We want to help eliminate barriers that people face when seeking help. We strive to provide a safe space for individuals, couples and families to receive the tools, education, and services needed in effort to establish and maintain healthier lives.
I have over ten years of clinical experience and education, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, women's health (infertility/ postpartum), and transitions of life.
Willow Therapy Collective provides comprehensive therapy, counseling, and consulting services. We want to help eliminate barriers that people face when seeking help. We strive to provide a safe space for individuals, couples and families to receive the tools, education, and services needed in effort to establish and maintain healthier lives.
I work with adults and teens in the treatment of Narcissistic Abuse and Relationship Issues including Coping with a Controlling Partner/Narcissistic/Substance Abusing Partner, Women's Issues, Depression and Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Parenting and Transitional Life issues ( Postpartum/Divorce/Separation/Menopause/Career Changes).
Are you tired of the toxicity? Have you lost your identity? Do you feel crazy in your current relationship and/or family ? Emotional/Psychological/Narcissistic and other types of abuse can take a huge toll on an individual's self esteem and ability to cope. I am a caring Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience with Narcissistic/Abusive/Toxic Relationships and Trauma. I also specialize in Women Issues, Mood Disorders/Anxiety as well as Eating Disorders. My goal in therapy is to help you understand what "healthy" looks like and empower you to set boundaries and create the life that you desire.
I work with adults and teens in the treatment of Narcissistic Abuse and Relationship Issues including Coping with a Controlling Partner/Narcissistic/Substance Abusing Partner, Women's Issues, Depression and Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Parenting and Transitional Life issues ( Postpartum/Divorce/Separation/Menopause/Career Changes).
Are you tired of the toxicity? Have you lost your identity? Do you feel crazy in your current relationship and/or family ? Emotional/Psychological/Narcissistic and other types of abuse can take a huge toll on an individual's self esteem and ability to cope. I am a caring Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience with Narcissistic/Abusive/Toxic Relationships and Trauma. I also specialize in Women Issues, Mood Disorders/Anxiety as well as Eating Disorders. My goal in therapy is to help you understand what "healthy" looks like and empower you to set boundaries and create the life that you desire.
Erin Jameson Saltzburg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380 (Online Only)
As a psychotherapist working with Perinatal Loss, Reproductive Mental Health and Maternal Mental Health, I understand that dealing with the time period from conception through pregnancy and postpartum can be particularly complex.
Every day, I sit with women just like you. Women who are struggling. Women who are trying to cope with intense grief, devastating pregnancy loss, the roller coaster of infertility, the anxiety of pregnancy after a loss experience and the challenges of the NICU experience. Every day I support individuals who are managing difficult relationships and trying to cope with overwhelming life transitions.
As a psychotherapist working with Perinatal Loss, Reproductive Mental Health and Maternal Mental Health, I understand that dealing with the time period from conception through pregnancy and postpartum can be particularly complex.
Every day, I sit with women just like you. Women who are struggling. Women who are trying to cope with intense grief, devastating pregnancy loss, the roller coaster of infertility, the anxiety of pregnancy after a loss experience and the challenges of the NICU experience. Every day I support individuals who are managing difficult relationships and trying to cope with overwhelming life transitions.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career/life transitions, and women's health issues including eating disorders, infertility, pregnancy loss, and menopause.
I deeply value my relationships with clients and believe that significant healing occurs in the context of a safe, supportive environment. I empower clients to look honestly at difficult issues and make the changes necessary to enhance their lives. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort where I help client's access inner strengths and resources. We work together to get past barriers that are keeping you stuck in unproductive behavior patterns and unsatisfying relationships. The process of therapy often leads to greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, new ways of coping with life's challenges, and more fulfilling relationships.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career/life transitions, and women's health issues including eating disorders, infertility, pregnancy loss, and menopause.
I deeply value my relationships with clients and believe that significant healing occurs in the context of a safe, supportive environment. I empower clients to look honestly at difficult issues and make the changes necessary to enhance their lives. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort where I help client's access inner strengths and resources. We work together to get past barriers that are keeping you stuck in unproductive behavior patterns and unsatisfying relationships. The process of therapy often leads to greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, new ways of coping with life's challenges, and more fulfilling relationships.
Women's Counseling Associates of Chester County
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380 (Online Only)
*Depression/Sadness * Anxiety/Excessive Worry * Difficult adjustment to life changes * Relationship dynamics * Family conflicts and resolution * Communication challenges * Self-esteem and confidence * History of trauma/abuse * Anger management * Divorce process and recovery * Domestic violence * Grief/Loss * Fertility/ Pregnancy issues * Stress Management.
Please note: We only offer video sessions. Our mission at Women's Counseling Associates of Chester County is to provide a space where women can work on themselves to become happier, successful and fulfilled in their lives. We guide our clients through the process of self-exploration, self-awareness, learning and growth. We work to remove any obstacles such as self-sabotage along with negative behavioral and thought patterns that may be inhibiting you from being the best you.
*Depression/Sadness * Anxiety/Excessive Worry * Difficult adjustment to life changes * Relationship dynamics * Family conflicts and resolution * Communication challenges * Self-esteem and confidence * History of trauma/abuse * Anger management * Divorce process and recovery * Domestic violence * Grief/Loss * Fertility/ Pregnancy issues * Stress Management.
Please note: We only offer video sessions. Our mission at Women's Counseling Associates of Chester County is to provide a space where women can work on themselves to become happier, successful and fulfilled in their lives. We guide our clients through the process of self-exploration, self-awareness, learning and growth. We work to remove any obstacles such as self-sabotage along with negative behavioral and thought patterns that may be inhibiting you from being the best you.
Renae M Utz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19382 (Online Only)
I also have a particular interest in supporting women coping with challenges across the lifespan including the postpartum adjustment, parenting and relationship issues as well as the transition into perimenopause and menopause.
We all need to be heard. We all need someone who can sit with us and truly hear our story. I believe therapy is a collaborative process in which we work together to address the challenges and changes you may be facing. For 28 years, I have been working with people just like you--people who need someone to listen, support and engage. People who need a dedicated time and safe place to step out of the chaos of life and sort through their stress and struggles. People who are seeking self-awareness and supportive feedback.
I also have a particular interest in supporting women coping with challenges across the lifespan including the postpartum adjustment, parenting and relationship issues as well as the transition into perimenopause and menopause.
We all need to be heard. We all need someone who can sit with us and truly hear our story. I believe therapy is a collaborative process in which we work together to address the challenges and changes you may be facing. For 28 years, I have been working with people just like you--people who need someone to listen, support and engage. People who need a dedicated time and safe place to step out of the chaos of life and sort through their stress and struggles. People who are seeking self-awareness and supportive feedback.
The CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD believes in providing the community with the most cutting-edge, expert Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, OCD, OC Spectrum Disorders and related conditions. We successfully treat clients with generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias and panic. The Center also treats all OC Spectrum conditions including Body Dysmorphic Disorder, hoarding, caretakers of people who hoard, Trichotillomania (hair pulling), Excoriation (skin picking) and tics. We treat ALL forms of OCD including many of the lesser known types: relationship, existential, just right, pedophile, harm/violence, sexual orientation, hit & run, magical thinking, postpartum, moral scrupulosity/religious, symmetry/equalizing, health anxiety/hypochondriasis, olfactory reference syndrome (fear of body odor), muscle dysmorphia (obsessive focus on muscles), emotional contamination, PANS/PANDAS, orthorexia (obsession with healthy eating), sensorimotor/hyperawareness and hyper-responsibility. The Center also specializes in working with people who have anxiety co-occurring with introversion, giftedness, people-pleasing and perfectionism as well as Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Dyslexia and medical conditions. We frequently treat individuals with comorbid depression, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Specializing in anxiety, OCD and related conditions allows us to stay on top of the latest scientific research and utilize the most effective strategies for you.
The CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD believes in providing the community with the most cutting-edge, expert Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, OCD, OC Spectrum Disorders and related conditions. We successfully treat clients with generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias and panic. The Center also treats all OC Spectrum conditions including Body Dysmorphic Disorder, hoarding, caretakers of people who hoard, Trichotillomania (hair pulling), Excoriation (skin picking) and tics. We treat ALL forms of OCD including many of the lesser known types: relationship, existential, just right, pedophile, harm/violence, sexual orientation, hit & run, magical thinking, postpartum, moral scrupulosity/religious, symmetry/equalizing, health anxiety/hypochondriasis, olfactory reference syndrome (fear of body odor), muscle dysmorphia (obsessive focus on muscles), emotional contamination, PANS/PANDAS, orthorexia (obsession with healthy eating), sensorimotor/hyperawareness and hyper-responsibility. The Center also specializes in working with people who have anxiety co-occurring with introversion, giftedness, people-pleasing and perfectionism as well as Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Dyslexia and medical conditions. We frequently treat individuals with comorbid depression, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Specializing in anxiety, OCD and related conditions allows us to stay on top of the latest scientific research and utilize the most effective strategies for you.
Elizabeth Wolske
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
I specialize in addressing anxiety, difficult thoughts and OCD, perinatal mental health, birth, parent-child interaction, and behavioral disorders.
I join clients who are struggling with anxiety, mood changes, and thoughts and behavior that disrupt their lives. Many of my clients feel removed from their lives and relationships, almost like they're watching as an outsider. My goal is to help clients feel happier, more in control, and more present in their lives. Let's start the conversation, what do you feel is holding you back?
I specialize in addressing anxiety, difficult thoughts and OCD, perinatal mental health, birth, parent-child interaction, and behavioral disorders.
I join clients who are struggling with anxiety, mood changes, and thoughts and behavior that disrupt their lives. Many of my clients feel removed from their lives and relationships, almost like they're watching as an outsider. My goal is to help clients feel happier, more in control, and more present in their lives. Let's start the conversation, what do you feel is holding you back?
See more therapy options for West Chester
Nearby Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists Searches for West Chester
- Berwyn
- Chadds Ford
- Chester Springs
- Cheyney
- Downingtown
- Exton
- Glen Mills
- Kennett Square
- Malvern
- Newtown Square
- Paoli
- Thornton
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.