Perinatal Mental Health Therapy in Chicago

Expert Support From Conception Through Postpartum

The journey to and through motherhood can be beautiful—and brutally challenging. If you're struggling with mood changes during pregnancy or after birth, you're not alone, and you don't have to white-knuckle your way through it.

✓ Specialized Perinatal Training✓ Insurance Accepted✓ Bucktown + Virtual

The Truth About Perinatal Mental Health

Calming Flowers

It's More Common Than You Think

1 in 5 women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), yet most suffer in silence. Whether you're dealing with prenatal anxiety, postpartum depression, or birth trauma, specialized therapy can help.

This isn't about being "strong enough" or "grateful enough." Perinatal mental health challenges are medical conditions that deserve proper treatment—not just well-meaning advice to "sleep when the baby sleeps."

Comprehensive Perinatal Mental Health Support

Prenatal Anxiety & Depression

Racing thoughts about birth, baby's health, or your changing life? Mood changes during pregnancy are common but treatable. Don't wait until postpartum to get help.

Postpartum Depression

Beyond "baby blues"—when sadness, emptiness, or disconnection persist beyond two weeks postpartum. You can feel better, and you deserve support.

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Postpartum Anxiety & OCD

Intrusive thoughts, constant worry, or compulsive behaviors after birth. These symptoms are more common than discussed and very treatable.

Birth Trauma & PTSD

When birth doesn't go as planned—emergency cesareans, NICU stays, or feeling powerless during delivery. EMDR can help process traumatic birth experiences.

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Pregnancy Loss & Infant Loss

Miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss creates unique grief that deserves specialized support. We help you navigate loss while honoring your baby.

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Adjustment to Parenthood

When motherhood doesn't feel like you expected. Identity shifts, relationship changes, and overwhelming responsibility are real challenges requiring real support.

When to Seek Perinatal Therapy

During Pregnancy:

  • • Excessive worry about baby or birth
  • • Panic attacks or increasing anxiety
  • • Depression or persistent sadness
  • • Difficulty bonding with pregnancy
  • • Previous pregnancy loss affecting current pregnancy
  • • History of mental health concerns
  • • Relationship stress or isolation

Postpartum Warning Signs:

  • • Sadness lasting beyond 2 weeks
  • • Difficulty bonding with baby
  • • Intrusive, scary thoughts
  • • Rage or irritability
  • • Feeling like you're "not yourself"
  • • Difficulty sleeping even when baby sleeps
  • • Thoughts of harming yourself or baby*

*If experiencing thoughts of harm, please reach out immediately or call 988

Evidence-Based Perinatal Mental Health Treatment

Immediate Relief Strategies

  • • Coping tools for anxiety and intrusive thoughts
  • • Sleep hygiene for new parents
  • • Mindfulness for present-moment awareness
  • • Breathing techniques for panic

Processing & Healing

  • • EMDR for birth trauma
  • • Grief therapy for pregnancy loss
  • • Cognitive restructuring for anxious thoughts
  • • Attachment support for bonding concerns

Systemic Support

  • • Partner involvement when appropriate
  • • Coordination with OB/GYN and pediatrician
  • • Referrals to psychiatry if medication needed
  • • Connection to support groups

Why Timing Matters

Early intervention improves outcomes. Starting therapy during pregnancy can prevent postpartum complications.

Specialized Perinatal Mental Health Expertise

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Advanced Training

Specialized certification in perinatal mental health

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Personal Understanding

We get the unique challenges of modern motherhood

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No Judgment Zone

Formula feeding? Sleep training? We support your choices

Flexible Scheduling

Because naptime is unpredictable

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Virtual Options

No need to find childcare—therapy from home

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Collaborative Care

We work with your medical team

Your Perinatal Therapy Journey

1-2

Week 1-2

Assessment and immediate coping strategies

3-6

Week 3-6

Building skills and processing experiences

7-12

Week 7-12

Deeper healing and pattern recognition

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Ongoing

Maintenance and continued growth

Most clients report significant improvement within 6-8 sessions.

What You're Wondering

"Is this postpartum depression or baby blues?"

Baby blues resolve within 2 weeks. If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with functioning, it's time for support.

"Can I bring my baby to sessions?"

Absolutely! In-person sessions are baby-friendly. For virtual sessions, feeding and holding baby is completely fine.

"Will you judge my parenting choices?"

Never. We support your decisions and help you trust your instincts while managing anxiety.

"Do I need medication?"

Not necessarily. Many women improve with therapy alone. If medication would help, we'll coordinate with prescribers.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Motherhood is hard enough without fighting your mental health. Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or anywhere in between, specialized support makes all the difference.

Available for new clients | Evening appointments | Insurance accepted

Located in Bucktown, Chicago. Serving expecting and new mothers throughout Chicago and Illinois via telehealth.