You know you are struggling. The weight of the sadness, the constant buzz of anxiety, or the feeling of being completely overwhelmed has become too much to carry on your own. You've heard that therapy can help, but the idea of actually finding a therapist—making the calls, figuring out insurance, telling your story to a stranger—feels like an impossible mountain to climb.
Let's start by reframing this. Reaching out for help is not a sign of failure or weakness. It is a sign of incredible strength and a profound act of love for yourself and your family. It is the first, most courageous step on the path to feeling better.
The very symptoms of a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) are what make finding help so hard. Depression steals your energy and motivation. Anxiety makes you fear judgment. A common fear is that seeking help for a PMAD could lead to involvement from Child Protective Services, a concern we address in detail in our guide on PPD and the fear of CPS. This guide is designed to break down the process into small, manageable steps to help you overcome that initial barrier of overwhelm.
When you have a heart problem, you see a cardiologist. When you have a mental health challenge related to pregnancy or postpartum, you should see a perinatal mental health specialist. These are therapists who have pursued advanced training in the unique challenges of this life stage. The benefits of seeing a maternal mental health specialist are significant; they understand the hormonal shifts, the identity changes, and the specific symptoms of PMADs, which means your path to effective treatment is often much faster.
A great place to start is with a medical provider you already trust. Your OB/GYN, midwife, or even your baby's pediatrician is trained to screen for PMADs and can be an excellent source for a referral to a qualified mental health professional. Our guide on how to talk to your doctor about your mental health can help you prepare for that conversation.
Several national organizations maintain directories of qualified perinatal mental health providers. Postpartum Support International (PSI) is the gold standard and a highly recommended starting point.
When you are looking at a therapist's profile, look for the credential PMH-C. This stands for Perinatal Mental Health Certification and indicates that the provider has completed advanced training and a rigorous exam in the specialty. Our guide to the PMH-C explains this in more detail.
While any compassionate therapist can be helpful, the difference between specialized and generic therapy can be profound. A specialist will recognize the nuances of your experience immediately, saving you precious time and energy.
Most therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation call. This is your opportunity to "interview" them to see if it's a good fit.
Navigating insurance can be one of the most frustrating parts of the process. Our guide to using insurance for postpartum mental health care can help you understand your benefits, in-network vs. out-of-network options, and how to use superbills for reimbursement.
One of the biggest practical barriers to therapy is childcare. The good news is that many perinatal therapists have a "babies are welcome" policy, recognizing that for many parents, it's the only way they can attend. Virtual therapy has also been a game-changer, allowing you to have a session from home while your baby naps.
This is the brief introductory call where you get a feel for the therapist and they get a general sense of your needs.
Your first one-hour session (the "intake") will involve you telling your story in more detail. The therapist will ask questions about your pregnancy, your birth, your postpartum experience, and your personal history. The goal is for them to get a comprehensive picture of what's going on so they can create an effective treatment plan with you.
Finding a therapist when you are struggling can feel like a job you don't have the energy for. Be gentle with yourself. Take it one small step at a time. The work you do to find the right support is a profound investment in your own well-being and the health of your entire family.
If you are ready to take the first step, schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Phoenix Health care coordinator. We can help you navigate this process and connect you with a specialized therapist who is right for you.
We’ll start by collecting your contact info.
Next, you’ll finish your estimate by adding insurance details and we’ll send your personalized cost.
We'll send our intake survey so that we can match you with a therapist!
We'll match you with a specialized therapist in your state so that you can schedule your first session - no waitlist, no judgement.
How can we
We’ll send you a simple overview that explains how it works, what to expect, and how we support you through the process.