Perinatal Mental Health Therapy in California
HOLDING YOU THROUGH PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM
Does this sound like you?
⟡ You expected to feel joyful during pregnancy or postpartum, but instead you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or numb.
⟡ You lie awake at night worrying about the baby’s health, your decisions, or whether you’re “doing this right.”
⟡ You love your baby deeply — and still find yourself missing your old life or independence.
⟡ You feel guilty asking for help because you think you “should” be able to handle this on your own.
⟡ You’re constantly on edge, overstimulated, or tearful, and you don’t recognize yourself lately.
⟡ You look like you have it together on the outside, but inside you feel exhausted, isolated, and unsure of who you are now.
You deserve support in this season — especially if it feels nothing like you expected.
Pregnancy and postpartum can bring immense love, but also anxiety, grief, identity shifts, and a level of exhaustion that touches every part of you. It’s incredibly hard to care for a baby while quietly wondering why you don’t feel like yourself. Please know: struggling does not mean you’re failing — it means you’re human in the middle of a profound transition. You don’t have to carry this alone. Imagine waking up feeling steadier, trusting your instincts, and moving through the day without constant guilt or fear humming in the background. Imagine feeling connected to your baby, your partner, and to yourself, grounded in the kind of parent — and person — you want to be. Healing is possible, and support can change everything.
PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY IN CALIFORNIA
Our Approach:
Our approach to perinatal mental health care is compassionate, evidence-based, and deeply attuned to the complexity of this season. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand and gently shift patterns of anxious or self-critical thinking, while building practical tools to regulate overwhelm. We incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support you in making space for difficult emotions without being defined by them, reconnecting you to your values and identity beyond parenthood. When relevant, we integrate trauma-informed care to process birth trauma or previous or current reproductive experiences with safety and care. Every treatment plan is personalized — honoring your story, your nervous system, and your unique transition into (or through) parenthood. Our goal is not just symptom relief, but helping you feel steady, confident, and supported in this new chapter.
How it Works:
Reaching out is simple — you can fill out our contact form or schedule a free 20-minute consultation and we’ll help you decide whether in-person or telehealth sessions feel like the best fit for this season. Your first intake appointment following the consultation is 50 minutes and is focused on understanding your experience during pregnancy or postpartum, your current symptoms, and the support you’re needing most. We’ll talk through your goals, answer your questions, and begin outlining a personalized plan tailored to your transition into parenthood. Most importantly, the first session is a space where you can exhale — to feel heard, validated, and supported without judgment. You’ll leave with clarity, direction, and a sense that you don’t have to navigate this alone.
PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY FAQs
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Perinatal mental health refers to emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. It includes conditions such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, perinatal OCD, birth trauma, and adjustment challenges related to new parenthood. Some of our clinicians, including Dr. Lauren Cook and Dr. Carissa Gustafson are licensed Perinatal-Mental Health clinicians, meaning they have received advanced training and certification from Postpartum Support International to provide this tailored support.
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Yes. We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. Virtual therapy can be especially helpful during pregnancy or postpartum when leaving home feels overwhelming or logistically difficult. Your baby is always welcome to join in sessions, whether in-person or virtually!
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Mood swings and stress can be common during pregnancy and postpartum, but persistent anxiety, sadness, irritability, intrusive thoughts, sleep disruption (beyond newborn care), or feeling disconnected from yourself or your baby may signal that additional support would help. If your symptoms feel intense, ongoing, or are interfering with daily life, therapy can make a meaningful difference.
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Yes. We specialize in evidence-based treatment for postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and related perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Treatment is tailored to your specific symptoms, nervous system, and family context.
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Absolutely. Many clients begin therapy during pregnancy and before pregnancy to address anxiety, previous birth trauma, fertility journeys, or fears about the transition into parenthood. Early support can reduce the risk of postpartum challenges.
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Intrusive thoughts during the perinatal period are more common than people realize and do not mean you would ever harm your baby. Therapy provides a confidential, judgment-free space to talk openly and learn evidence-based strategies to reduce fear and shame around these thoughts.
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The length of therapy varies depending on your needs and goals. Some clients benefit from short-term, focused support, while others choose ongoing care as they navigate identity shifts, relationship changes, and the evolving stages of parenthood.
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Yes. Parenthood impacts relationships, and we can incorporate partner sessions when helpful to strengthen communication, shared understanding, and mutual support.
