Chicago Perinatal Mental Health Therapist
Expert Care from Pregnancy Through Postpartum
Your mental health matters as much as your prenatal vitamins. Get specialized support for pregnancy anxiety, postpartum depression, and everything in between from Chicago's perinatal mental health experts.
Chicago Moms, This Is Your Sign
Perinatal Mental Health Is Real Health
You might need support if you're experiencing:
- •Constant worry about baby's health
- •Panic attacks during pregnancy
- •Difficulty bonding with baby
- •Rage that scares you
- •Intrusive thoughts you'd never act on
- •Feeling like you've lost yourself
- •Regret about becoming a mother
Why Perinatal Specialists Matter
Beyond "Just Wait It Out"
General Therapists Might Say:
- • "Sleep when baby sleeps"
- • "All new moms feel this way"
- • "It's just hormones"
- • "Be grateful for healthy baby"
Perinatal Specialists Understand:
- • Hormonal impacts on mood
- • Birth trauma effects
- • Intrusive thoughts are common
- • Med safety while nursing
- • Identity shifts in motherhood
- • Chicago mom culture pressure
Complete Perinatal Support
From Conception Through Fourth Trimester
Pregnancy Support
- • First trimester anxiety
- • Previous loss impacts
- • High-risk pregnancy stress
- • Body image changes
- • Birth preparation
- • Relationship adjustments
Postpartum Care
- • Baby blues vs. depression
- • Postpartum anxiety/OCD
- • Birth trauma processing
- • Bonding difficulties
- • Rage and irritability
- • Identity reconstruction
Chicago Perinatal Resources
Connected to Your Care Team
We coordinate with:
- • Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital
- • Rush University Medical Center
- • UChicago Medicine
- • Swedish Hospital
- • Local OB/GYN practices
- • Pediatricians
Benefits of Coordination:
- • Seamless communication with your medical team
- • Consistent care throughout pregnancy and postpartum
- • Better understanding of your medical history
- • Coordinated treatment plans
- • Comprehensive support for Chicago families
What Makes Us Different
Real Support for Real Moms
✓ No Judgment Zone
Formula, sleep training, screen time - your choices are valid
✓ Baby Welcome
Bring baby to sessions, feed as needed
✓ Partner Support
Include partners when helpful
✓ Flexible Format
In-person Bucktown or virtual
✓ Quick Access
Priority scheduling for perinatal clients
Common Perinatal Concerns
We Help With All of It
"I'm failing at breastfeeding"
"I regret having a baby"
"I'm scared I'll hurt my baby"
"I don't feel connected"
"I can't stop checking if baby's breathing"
"I'm angry all the time"
"This isn't what I expected"
"I feel like a terrible mother"
All feelings are valid and treatable
The Chicago Mom Pressure
We Get Your Reality
What Chicago moms face:
- • Perfectionism pressure
- • Mom group competition
- • Career vs. stay-home guilt
- • School choice stress
- • Social media comparison
- • "Bounce back" body pressure
Our approach instead:
- • Real support, not more pressure
- • Practical solutions for real life
- • No judgment about your choices
- • Focus on your wellbeing first
- • Understanding of Chicago mom culture
Our Perinatal Treatment Approach
Evidence-Based Care for Moms
Specialized Techniques:
- • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for perinatal anxiety
- • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for postpartum depression
- • EMDR for birth trauma processing
- • Mindfulness-based interventions
- • Attachment-focused therapy
Treatment Timeline:
- • Sessions 1-2: Assessment and stabilization
- • Sessions 3-6: Symptom management and coping
- • Sessions 7-12: Processing and healing
- • Ongoing: Maintenance and support
Most moms feel significantly better within 2-3 sessions
Partner & Family Support
Healing Happens in Relationship
We Include Partners When:
- • Communication has broken down
- • Partner doesn't understand your experience
- • You need support advocating for your needs
- • Intimacy has been affected
- • Parenting approaches differ
Family Considerations:
- • Impact on older children
- • Extended family boundaries
- • Childcare during sessions
- • Support system building
- • Cultural family expectations
Insurance & Investment
Covered by Insurance:
- • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
- • Aetna
- • Cigna
Additional Options:
- • HSA/FSA accepted
- • Out-of-network benefits assistance
Start Today
Chicago Moms Deserve Support
The perfect time to start is now. Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or months into motherhood, specialized help is available.
You're not a bad mom. You're a mom who needs support.