Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Dr. Joanna Keller, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Dr. Joanna Keller
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a licensed clinical psychologist working with adults of all ages. I have significant experience working with adults in the tech industry through my role as the Mental Health Manager at the onsite wellness center at Meta/Facebook for 7+ years. Additionally, I am certified in perinatal mental health and specialize in supporting individuals through the complicated journey of parenthood, including fertility challenges, fetal loss, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Other areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, substance use/addiction, life transitions, personal/professional growth, and relationships/dating.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist working with adults of all ages. I have significant experience working with adults in the tech industry through my role as the Mental Health Manager at the onsite wellness center at Meta/Facebook for 7+ years. Additionally, I am certified in perinatal mental health and specialize in supporting individuals through the complicated journey of parenthood, including fertility challenges, fetal loss, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Other areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, substance use/addiction, life transitions, personal/professional growth, and relationships/dating.
(415) 801-3703 View (415) 801-3703
Photo of Dr. Shianling Weeks, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Shianling Weeks
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have expertise in anxiety, phobias, depression, PTSD, burnout, workplace stress, infertility, and perinatal distress.
You're deeply caring, creative, and curious. And you feel stuck, not good enough, overwhelmed. Disconnected from the life you want. You might be numb and slowly suffocating, feeling like you're in a deep hole. You may find yourself shutting down and avoiding things that are usually important to you. You could be struggling to start a family, or dealing with scary thoughts and emotional pain in pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond. Even though you're not sure how, you are ready to make a change to live meaningfully, and are open to trying something new.
I have expertise in anxiety, phobias, depression, PTSD, burnout, workplace stress, infertility, and perinatal distress.
You're deeply caring, creative, and curious. And you feel stuck, not good enough, overwhelmed. Disconnected from the life you want. You might be numb and slowly suffocating, feeling like you're in a deep hole. You may find yourself shutting down and avoiding things that are usually important to you. You could be struggling to start a family, or dealing with scary thoughts and emotional pain in pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond. Even though you're not sure how, you are ready to make a change to live meaningfully, and are open to trying something new.
(415) 449-4547 View (415) 449-4547
Photo of Sarina Castro, PhD, Psychologist
Sarina Castro
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
2) working with all women's issues, such as body image, sense of self, pregnancy and post-partum adjustment, perinatal mood concerns, identity shifts in motherhood, mid-life hormonal changes.
My approach to my work with clients is warm and engaging, honest and straightforward. Together we can explore the areas of your life that you have concerns about so that we can identify and understand what is getting in your way. We will work collaboratively in a non-judgmental atmosphere that is individually tailored to your needs. Engaging in a focused and thoughtful therapy process can help you gain clarity about yourself and your relationships, develop new emotional skills and capacities, and overall cultivate a more fulfilling life.
2) working with all women's issues, such as body image, sense of self, pregnancy and post-partum adjustment, perinatal mood concerns, identity shifts in motherhood, mid-life hormonal changes.
My approach to my work with clients is warm and engaging, honest and straightforward. Together we can explore the areas of your life that you have concerns about so that we can identify and understand what is getting in your way. We will work collaboratively in a non-judgmental atmosphere that is individually tailored to your needs. Engaging in a focused and thoughtful therapy process can help you gain clarity about yourself and your relationships, develop new emotional skills and capacities, and overall cultivate a more fulfilling life.
(415) 594-5290 View (415) 594-5290
Photo of Landon Zaki - Bloom Therapy, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Bloom Therapy
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
We provide support for family building challenges including infertility, assisted and third-party reproduction, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment to parenthood, and parenting NICU babies and medically ill children.
Bloom Therapy specializes in women's mental health across the lifespan. Women face unique stressors in their relationships and career, and experience anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress at twice the rate of men. We offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to address these challenges and help you reach your goals. Our work focuses on building strengths, enhancing self-confidence, and empowering you with knowledge and tools so that you can thrive in your relationships, work, and life.
We provide support for family building challenges including infertility, assisted and third-party reproduction, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment to parenthood, and parenting NICU babies and medically ill children.
Bloom Therapy specializes in women's mental health across the lifespan. Women face unique stressors in their relationships and career, and experience anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress at twice the rate of men. We offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to address these challenges and help you reach your goals. Our work focuses on building strengths, enhancing self-confidence, and empowering you with knowledge and tools so that you can thrive in your relationships, work, and life.
(415) 598-9316 View (415) 598-9316
Photo of Claire Morrison, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Claire Morrison
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Online Only
I can help you navigate the perinatal period, parenthood, relationships, career overwhelm and all the stress that comes with.
Hi, I'm Claire, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for connecting with humans like you. I view therapy as an intricate piece of your wellness routine, kind of like skincare for your mind. As your therapist I will be real, direct and provide you with a safe space to feel understood (I'll use a lot of humor too). I believe in the power of validation and the need to release our most inner thoughts to maintain our mental health and a positive outlook on life; together we can fuel yours.
I can help you navigate the perinatal period, parenthood, relationships, career overwhelm and all the stress that comes with.
Hi, I'm Claire, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for connecting with humans like you. I view therapy as an intricate piece of your wellness routine, kind of like skincare for your mind. As your therapist I will be real, direct and provide you with a safe space to feel understood (I'll use a lot of humor too). I believe in the power of validation and the need to release our most inner thoughts to maintain our mental health and a positive outlook on life; together we can fuel yours.
(707) 582-0755 View (707) 582-0755
Photo of Maria Burch, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Burch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Online Only
My goal is to provide you with life-changing & actionable tools to help you move forward. As you go through your life's transitions such as the birth of a child, experience a miscarriage (or more), IVF challenges that lead to marital stress, work stress and/or relationship concerns (friend and/or family), — it is essential to have someone who can provide you with solid and impartial support. I’m a warm, interactive, directive and solution focused therapist and trained perinatal mental health clinician (PMH-C), and Fertility Counselor. Please contact me and we can discuss your unique situation and how I can support you.
My goal is to provide you with life-changing & actionable tools to help you move forward. As you go through your life's transitions such as the birth of a child, experience a miscarriage (or more), IVF challenges that lead to marital stress, work stress and/or relationship concerns (friend and/or family), — it is essential to have someone who can provide you with solid and impartial support. I’m a warm, interactive, directive and solution focused therapist and trained perinatal mental health clinician (PMH-C), and Fertility Counselor. Please contact me and we can discuss your unique situation and how I can support you.
(415) 799-1379 View (415) 799-1379
Photo of Allison Hart, PhD, Psychologist
Allison Hart
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103
I work w/ depression/anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, postpartum, life transitions, addiction, grief, & perfectionism.
Are you struggling to identify what's keeping you stuck, anxious, misunderstood, or feeling lost? Do you yearn to live authentically, feel empowered, and find a sense of belonging and connection? Are you seeking ways to heal from your past? My clients, spanning various life stages, are ready to challenge themselves by reshaping their perspectives, exploring emotions, trying new behaviors, and nurturing self-support. Together, we work through past narratives, shame, anxiety, and emotional turbulence. My role is to guide them in mastering the art of living aligned with their values, fostering courage and effectiveness along the way.
I work w/ depression/anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, postpartum, life transitions, addiction, grief, & perfectionism.
Are you struggling to identify what's keeping you stuck, anxious, misunderstood, or feeling lost? Do you yearn to live authentically, feel empowered, and find a sense of belonging and connection? Are you seeking ways to heal from your past? My clients, spanning various life stages, are ready to challenge themselves by reshaping their perspectives, exploring emotions, trying new behaviors, and nurturing self-support. Together, we work through past narratives, shame, anxiety, and emotional turbulence. My role is to guide them in mastering the art of living aligned with their values, fostering courage and effectiveness along the way.
(424) 404-1423 View (424) 404-1423
Photo of Ashley Hansen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley Hansen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I have a specialization in maternal mental health, the perinatal/ postpartum period, birth story medicine and nature therapy.
Relationship changes, career transitions, and life events can cause us to experience anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. I can help you work through it and process what is going on. I have 20 years of experience in this field and am continually inspired by how talk therapy can bring peace and clarity into day to day life. Whatever you're facing, my goal is to work with you to find unique strengths and creative solutions that allow you to thrive in the midst of it all. I provide therapy virtually, so I can see anyone in California via telehealth. And I also see clients in person in Pacifica and San Francisco.
I have a specialization in maternal mental health, the perinatal/ postpartum period, birth story medicine and nature therapy.
Relationship changes, career transitions, and life events can cause us to experience anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. I can help you work through it and process what is going on. I have 20 years of experience in this field and am continually inspired by how talk therapy can bring peace and clarity into day to day life. Whatever you're facing, my goal is to work with you to find unique strengths and creative solutions that allow you to thrive in the midst of it all. I provide therapy virtually, so I can see anyone in California via telehealth. And I also see clients in person in Pacifica and San Francisco.
(650) 302-6802 View (650) 302-6802
Photo of Michelle Smith, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
In addition to my specialization around perinatal issues, I am a career changer, having spent over 10 years in the tech sector before graduate school.
Pregnancy, TTC, birth and the postpartum period can be exciting and exhilarating, but they can also come with challenges, fears, worries, anxiety, depression, stress. If you have found your way to my profile, you may be experiencing some challenges, and looking for help is a great first step! I provide a non-judgemental "soft landing" and the opportunity to work together to support your journey to motherhood (including fertility issues, pregnancy loss, pregnancy termination, ambivalence, joy, fear). I support all kinds of family constellations, gender identities, and cultural experiences.
In addition to my specialization around perinatal issues, I am a career changer, having spent over 10 years in the tech sector before graduate school.
Pregnancy, TTC, birth and the postpartum period can be exciting and exhilarating, but they can also come with challenges, fears, worries, anxiety, depression, stress. If you have found your way to my profile, you may be experiencing some challenges, and looking for help is a great first step! I provide a non-judgemental "soft landing" and the opportunity to work together to support your journey to motherhood (including fertility issues, pregnancy loss, pregnancy termination, ambivalence, joy, fear). I support all kinds of family constellations, gender identities, and cultural experiences.
(415) 335-7763 View (415) 335-7763
Photo of Elizabeth Orrick, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Elizabeth Orrick
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
Some areas I work in include preconception family planning, fertility, pregnancy loss, prenatal mood challenges, postpartum depression and anxiety, processing birth trauma, issues of identity, relationship challenges, and unlearning unhelpful patterns from one’s family of origin.
The path into parenthood is a time of literal and figurative transformation: your body, brain matter, hormones, identity, and the relationships you have with your loved ones, family of origin, work, and sense of self are changing rapidly. In many cases, our expectations of this journey do not match our experience, which can lead to guilt, shame, isolation, and self-blame.  I use my extensive training in perinatal ( pregnancy and postpartum) mental health and my background in evidence-based therapies to help women navigate their own unique journey into parenthood while feeling grounded, understood, and deeply supported.
Some areas I work in include preconception family planning, fertility, pregnancy loss, prenatal mood challenges, postpartum depression and anxiety, processing birth trauma, issues of identity, relationship challenges, and unlearning unhelpful patterns from one’s family of origin.
The path into parenthood is a time of literal and figurative transformation: your body, brain matter, hormones, identity, and the relationships you have with your loved ones, family of origin, work, and sense of self are changing rapidly. In many cases, our expectations of this journey do not match our experience, which can lead to guilt, shame, isolation, and self-blame.  I use my extensive training in perinatal ( pregnancy and postpartum) mental health and my background in evidence-based therapies to help women navigate their own unique journey into parenthood while feeling grounded, understood, and deeply supported.
(628) 265-8909 View (628) 265-8909
Photo of Jennifer Chance, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Chance
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Some specific areas of interest are all issues related to fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and postpartum transitions, grief, and working with Highly Sensitive People.
Hello, and thank you for stopping by my page. Whatever is bringing you to therapy right now- a break up, a loss, the overwhelm of being highly sensitive in this world, the gut wrenching challenges of fertility struggles or pregnancy loss, the anticipation and transitions of pregnancy and postpartum- will be explored with openness, curiosity and compassion. We all struggle at times, but we are not meant to do it alone. Things really do start to feel easier when we share what hurts.
Some specific areas of interest are all issues related to fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and postpartum transitions, grief, and working with Highly Sensitive People.
Hello, and thank you for stopping by my page. Whatever is bringing you to therapy right now- a break up, a loss, the overwhelm of being highly sensitive in this world, the gut wrenching challenges of fertility struggles or pregnancy loss, the anticipation and transitions of pregnancy and postpartum- will be explored with openness, curiosity and compassion. We all struggle at times, but we are not meant to do it alone. Things really do start to feel easier when we share what hurts.
(415) 687-3567 View (415) 687-3567
Photo of Dr. Katie Leoni, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Dr. Katie Leoni
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and insomnia using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A main focus of my practice is supporting individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, providing compassionate care for new and expectant parents. People often come to me feeling stuck, helpless, and unsure of how to cope. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings while developing practical coping strategies.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and insomnia using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A main focus of my practice is supporting individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, providing compassionate care for new and expectant parents. People often come to me feeling stuck, helpless, and unsure of how to cope. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings while developing practical coping strategies.
(628) 226-4035 View (628) 226-4035
Photo of Leah Chalofsky, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leah Chalofsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94112
I specialize in working with clients around issues of domestic violence and perinatal mental health.
Are you a pregnant person or new parent? Are you struggling with an unhealthy relationship or are you a survivor of an abusive relationship? Are you looking for a therapist who is warm and supportive? Do you want to feel truly heard? You might be nervous to start therapy, so finding a therapist who will collaborate with you is important. I will focus on your strengths to help you heal and grow, while providing you with tools and a safe place to explore. I believe the relationship between the therapist and client offers opportunities for healing and transformation.
I specialize in working with clients around issues of domestic violence and perinatal mental health.
Are you a pregnant person or new parent? Are you struggling with an unhealthy relationship or are you a survivor of an abusive relationship? Are you looking for a therapist who is warm and supportive? Do you want to feel truly heard? You might be nervous to start therapy, so finding a therapist who will collaborate with you is important. I will focus on your strengths to help you heal and grow, while providing you with tools and a safe place to explore. I believe the relationship between the therapist and client offers opportunities for healing and transformation.
(415) 625-5491 View (415) 625-5491
Photo of Jess Garman, ASW, MA
Jess Garman
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m Jess, an EMDR therapist who focuses on helping clients process life challenges through a relational, attachment-based lens. I specialize in supporting postpartum women, new parents, young adults, and the queer community in navigating the complexities of infertility, birth and life’s big transitions. Balancing your needs alongside these profound experiences can be exhausting, leaving you wondering how to care for yourself through it all. If this resonates, you’re not alone.
I’m Jess, an EMDR therapist who focuses on helping clients process life challenges through a relational, attachment-based lens. I specialize in supporting postpartum women, new parents, young adults, and the queer community in navigating the complexities of infertility, birth and life’s big transitions. Balancing your needs alongside these profound experiences can be exhausting, leaving you wondering how to care for yourself through it all. If this resonates, you’re not alone.
(925) 492-7403 View (925) 492-7403
Photo of Celeste Poe, PhD, LMFT, PMH-C, Psychologist
Celeste Poe
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I practice evidence-informed therapy including CBT, TF-CBT, EFT, and mindfulness-based approaches, and have specialized training in Child Parent Psychotherapy, Circle of Security, and perinatal loss.
As a multigenerational psychologist with specialized training in working with infants, young children, mothers, fathers, and couples, my work is rooted in supporting families of young children, particularly during circumstances of trauma, grief, and bereavement. Growing a family is a time of great vulnerability but also an opportunity to promote nurturing, growth, and often, intergenerational healing. The adjustment and changes associated with this period of time can impact a child, parent, or an entire family’s emotional wellbeing. I work to support families during this transformative period.
I practice evidence-informed therapy including CBT, TF-CBT, EFT, and mindfulness-based approaches, and have specialized training in Child Parent Psychotherapy, Circle of Security, and perinatal loss.
As a multigenerational psychologist with specialized training in working with infants, young children, mothers, fathers, and couples, my work is rooted in supporting families of young children, particularly during circumstances of trauma, grief, and bereavement. Growing a family is a time of great vulnerability but also an opportunity to promote nurturing, growth, and often, intergenerational healing. The adjustment and changes associated with this period of time can impact a child, parent, or an entire family’s emotional wellbeing. I work to support families during this transformative period.
(415) 496-0887 View (415) 496-0887
Photo of Alexandra Thurston, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Alexandra Thurston
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
My areas of specialization include anxiety, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, and relationship issues. I specialize in empowering professionals in high pressure fields to quiet their inner critic and manage stress to feel more confident and balanced. As a provider certified in perinatal mental health (and a parent myself), I am passionate about supporting pregnant & postpartum people to address mood and anxiety concerns and navigate the adjustment to parenthood to feel more connected and at ease. With relationships, I support partners with improving communication and intimacy, rebuilding trust, and developing a deep, lasting bond.
My areas of specialization include anxiety, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, and relationship issues. I specialize in empowering professionals in high pressure fields to quiet their inner critic and manage stress to feel more confident and balanced. As a provider certified in perinatal mental health (and a parent myself), I am passionate about supporting pregnant & postpartum people to address mood and anxiety concerns and navigate the adjustment to parenthood to feel more connected and at ease. With relationships, I support partners with improving communication and intimacy, rebuilding trust, and developing a deep, lasting bond.
(415) 997-2195 View (415) 997-2195
Photo of Carrie K Evenden, PsyD, Psychologist
Carrie K Evenden
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have a particular interest and expertise in working with medical issues (cancer, auto-immune disorders), reproductive health challenges and loss, as well as pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood.
The decision to start psychotherapy is significant as it often means that you are suffering in some way or you've realized that what you have been doing is no longer working, and you are seeking change in your life. As your therapist, I will help you find meaning in the connections of your story and the patterns of your relationships, as well as discover and challenge your conflicts, assumptions and limitations. Through this exploration, you will be able to know yourself more deeply and live with more freedom, possibility, joy and self-understanding. My approach is collaborative, warm, and authentic.
I have a particular interest and expertise in working with medical issues (cancer, auto-immune disorders), reproductive health challenges and loss, as well as pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood.
The decision to start psychotherapy is significant as it often means that you are suffering in some way or you've realized that what you have been doing is no longer working, and you are seeking change in your life. As your therapist, I will help you find meaning in the connections of your story and the patterns of your relationships, as well as discover and challenge your conflicts, assumptions and limitations. Through this exploration, you will be able to know yourself more deeply and live with more freedom, possibility, joy and self-understanding. My approach is collaborative, warm, and authentic.
(415) 980-8621 View (415) 980-8621
Photo of Melodie Del Rio, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melodie Del Rio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
I work with adults (individual and couple's therapy), children, and adolescents. Special interests include: life transitions, relationship problems, loss and grief (including pregnancy loss), stress and anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, children/ adolescents and identity.
I work with adults (individual and couple's therapy), children, and adolescents. Special interests include: life transitions, relationship problems, loss and grief (including pregnancy loss), stress and anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, children/ adolescents and identity.
(415) 390-5620 View (415) 390-5620
Photo of Michelle Sullivan, Psychologist
Michelle Sullivan
Psychologist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94116
“Tell me what you fear and I will tell you what has happened to you.” - D.W. Winnicott. A guiding principle of my therapy is linking the suffering of today to the root of why it is so painful. My interest and expertise has focused on: 1) Perinatal Mental Health ( pregnancy, loss, infertility, and postpartum), 2) Couples Work (particularly grappling with issues of monogamy), and 3) Long-term Individual Psychotherapy (struggles with relationships, creativity, and being in touch with your true self). I believe in being Good Enough rather than striving to be the perfect (partner, parent, person).
“Tell me what you fear and I will tell you what has happened to you.” - D.W. Winnicott. A guiding principle of my therapy is linking the suffering of today to the root of why it is so painful. My interest and expertise has focused on: 1) Perinatal Mental Health ( pregnancy, loss, infertility, and postpartum), 2) Couples Work (particularly grappling with issues of monogamy), and 3) Long-term Individual Psychotherapy (struggles with relationships, creativity, and being in touch with your true self). I believe in being Good Enough rather than striving to be the perfect (partner, parent, person).
(415) 360-3126 View (415) 360-3126
Photo of Shianling Weeks, PhD, Psychologist
Shianling Weeks
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I have expertise in anxiety, phobias, depression, PTSD, infertility, and perinatal distress. I love working with BIPOC people. It's okay to be enraged about unjust treatment (racism, sexism, all the isms). It's okay to feel sad or anxious. Feelings are there for a reason, even without cause. It’s okay to be “negative.” We’ll learn to feel and think, then choose what to do next. I use warmth, empathy, compassion, evidence-based treatment, and structured goals to help you live the way that’s important to you. We'll practice accepting hard feelings while pursuing behavior change.
I have expertise in anxiety, phobias, depression, PTSD, infertility, and perinatal distress. I love working with BIPOC people. It's okay to be enraged about unjust treatment (racism, sexism, all the isms). It's okay to feel sad or anxious. Feelings are there for a reason, even without cause. It’s okay to be “negative.” We’ll learn to feel and think, then choose what to do next. I use warmth, empathy, compassion, evidence-based treatment, and structured goals to help you live the way that’s important to you. We'll practice accepting hard feelings while pursuing behavior change.
(415) 942-1872 View (415) 942-1872
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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.