Fertility, Loss, Perinatal & Postpartum Depression Therapy

Postpartum is one form of depression, and there is no exact formula that tells us whether or not it may become a part of our story. Some factors that may impact the risk of postpartum depression can include:

• A history of feeling anxious or depressed – If you've struggled with mental health before, it can make postpartum feel challenging.

• Previous experiences with postpartum depression – If you've had PPD after a previous pregnancy, it’s common to feel concerned it might happen again.

• Feeling alone or unsupported – Lack of emotional or physical support from loved ones can leave you feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

• Big life stressors – Financial worries, relationship struggles, or other major life challenges can add to the pressure of new motherhood.

• Complications during pregnancy or birth – Difficult pregnancies or traumatic birth experiences can impact your emotional well-being.

• Lack of sleep – Constant sleep disruptions can leave you drained and make it harder to cope with emotions.

• Hormonal shifts after giving birth – The drop in hormones after birth can affect your mood and energy levels.

• An unexpected or complicated pregnancy – An unplanned pregnancy or health issues can create extra stress during an already challenging time.

• Struggling with past trauma or coping with stress – If you’ve had difficult experiences before, they can make it harder to manage the demands of new motherhood.

• Substance use such as drug use or medication not provided by a health care provider can create a high risk for anxiety disorders and mental illness because they are stimulants.

• Having high expectations of yourself as a mom – Feeling like you “should” be doing everything perfectly can make you feel inadequate when things don’t go as planned.

• Pressure from society or cultural expectations – Outside expectations about motherhood can weigh heavily and make you feel like you’re falling short.

Between therapists that are ready to help stand by your side, support groups that can help you feel less lonely, and mental health care resources, you are surrounded with warmth and safety in your postpartum period. We're always here by your side.

Yes, there are helplines specifically for postpartum depression and emotional support during the perinatal period. The Postpartum Support International (PSI) Helpline is an excellent resource that you can call or text at 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD). In addition to mental health services and your healthcare providers, a helpline can offer compassionate, confidential support and can connect you with local resources and providers who specialize in maternal mental health and psychotherapy. You don’t have to navigate this alone—there’s help available.

A helpline or emergency contact should always be used if symptoms of postpartum anxiety or symptoms of depression ever require Immediate medical attention.

At MT we utilize a wide variety of approaches that fit each unique client. We operate from a humanistic foundation so that means we will always treat you as the unique human being you are. We don't jump to conclusions about who you are and we will work diligently by your side to bring skilled insights, interventions, and support. Your person is in good hands with us. Basically, we have the big pile of tools and expertise to use everything in it but take the time to build a toolbox that's tailored specifically to you.

The type of therapy that’s best for postpartum, like any other type of depression will always be based on you. We're here to guide you through a few approaches that tend to be especially helpful:

• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)

• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

• Acceptance and commitment therapy

• Talk therapy

• Interpersonal therapy

• Couples therapy and family therapy recommendations if supportive of the individual

• Encouragement and resources for peer support and an intervention group

Finding a therapist who specializes in postpartum care can make a big difference. A compassionate, humanistic approach that honors your lived experience can also feel grounding. Remember, therapy is about finding a supportive space that meets you where you are.

Wouldn't it feel good to know for sure? We get it completely and the uncertainty of it all can add to the discomfort of pospartum depression. For some, postpartum depression can last for weeks, and others it may be longer. With the right support can often help to bring relief quicker, or lessen the intensity felt over time.

It’s important to know that there’s no timeline for healing and no “right” way to recover. What matters is reaching out when you feel ready, so you don’t have to carry this weight alone. Healing is absolutely possible, and there are people who truly want to walk this journey with you.

It’s normal to feel nervous before your first session and y'all, many parents do. Think of it as a gentle first step and not a big test you have to pass. Your therapist is here to simply sit with you, listen, and help you put words to what you’ve been carrying.

In that first conversation, you can expect space to share your story (whether that’s tears, overwhelm, numbness, or just not knowing where to start). You’ll be met with compassion, not judgment. Together, you’ll talk about what feels hardest right now, what support you might need, and what you hope to feel more of in the weeks ahead.

There’s no pressure to have it all figured out. The first session is really about letting yourself exhale and knowing you don’t have to go through this alone.

Everyone wants to hold the baby, but we want to make sure you feel held, too.

Postpartum depression therapy gives new mothers a safe place to share what often feels too heavy to carry alone. Instead of pushing down sadness, anxiety, guilt, or scary thoughts, therapy helps you name them, understand them, and find healthier ways to cope.

With a supportive therapist by your side, you’ll begin to:

• Feel less alone by having a compassionate space where your experience is validated.

• Learn tools to manage symptoms like overwhelm, intrusive thoughts, and mood swings.

• Rebuild trust in yourself as you adjust to the changes of motherhood.

• Strengthen relationships with your partner or support system by opening up about your needs.

• Reconnect with your identity beyond parenthood, finding balance and moments of peace again.

Recovery doesn’t mean “snapping back” or pretending everything is fine—it’s about being gently supported as you move toward more confidence, stability, and hope.

Alongside traditional cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, some newer treatment options are being studied and used for severe postpartum depression, including specialized medications designed just for postpartum mood disorders and approaches that are similar. These aren’t always first-line treatments, but they can be promising if symptoms are severe or not improving with standard care.

The good news is that most insurance plans in the United States do cover therapy for postpartum depression, since it’s recognized as a mental health condition. Coverage can vary depending on your provider and plan, but many families can access therapy, support groups, and sometimes even medication management through their benefits.

While Modern Therapy does not accept insurance at this time, we are happy to refer you to the best resource for your family.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition that can develop after childbirth and is considered an affective disorder. It can range from mild to severe, impacting mood, energy, and ability to function. Postpartum psychosis, on the other hand, is rare but much more serious, involving hallucinations, delusions, or confusion that can pose a risk to both mother and baby. Because postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency, immediate mental health treatment is critical.

Healthcare providers often use screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess symptoms. This questionnaire helps identify whether a parent is experiencing depressive symptoms that may require further evaluation, support, or treatment.