Services for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS)

At Essential Insights Counseling Center, we specialize in providing compassionate and effective perinatal and postpartum therapy, understanding that the journey to parenthood is filled with both joy and challenges. Our dedicated clinicians are here to support you, offering a safe space to navigate the emotional, psychological, and physical changes that come with pregnancy, childbirth, and the transition into parenthood. We believe that caring for your mental health is just as essential as caring for your physical health—and we’re here to help.

Our therapists are experienced in providing evidence-based, empathetic care tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family. Together, we work toward a brighter, more balanced path to parenthood, helping you develop strategies for resilience, emotional well-being, and deeper family connections.

Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

The perinatal period, which encompasses pregnancy through the first year after childbirth, is a time of significant transition. Many new and expecting parents find themselves facing unexpected emotional and mental health challenges, commonly known as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). PMADs include a range of experiences, such as perinatal depression, perinatal anxiety, postpartum depression, and other mood-related struggles.

Research shows that PMADs affect around 1 in 7 women and up to 10% of men, though these numbers may be underreported due to stigma and lack of awareness. PMADs can have lasting effects on parents and families, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Seeking help for PMADs is an empowering choice that can lead to a healthier, happier transition into parenthood.

Common Challenges We Address in Therapy

PMADs often bring a variety of complex and intense emotions, which many parents feel uncomfortable discussing openly. Here are some of the issues that may bring clients to therapy with us:

  1. Perinatal Anxiety & Depression: Anxiety and depression during pregnancy or after childbirth are common experiences. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, irritability, overwhelming anxiety, changes in sleep or appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.

  2. Postpartum Depression (PPD): Postpartum depression impacts up to 20% of new mothers and can involve severe mood swings, guilt, difficulty bonding with the baby, and even a sense of worthlessness. PPD can affect both parents, making it hard to enjoy the early stages of parenthood.

  3. Birth Trauma: A challenging or traumatic birth experience can leave lasting emotional scars. Feelings of grief, anger, or even symptoms of PTSD can arise, making it hard to heal and find joy in early parenting.

  4. Perinatal Loss & Grief: The loss of a pregnancy, miscarriage, or infant is a deeply painful experience. Grieving while navigating complex emotions and societal expectations can feel isolating, and therapy provides a space to honor these feelings.

  5. Identity Changes & Role Transitions: The transition to parenthood often brings shifts in identity, priorities, and relationships. Many parents struggle with a sense of self or stress as they adjust to their new role.

  6. Infertility & Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Challenges with conception, fertility treatments, or infertility can create feelings of anxiety, frustration, and grief. Therapy can help individuals and couples process these experiences and build resilience.

“Being a parent is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed”

— Linda Wooten

Why Seek Therapy for PMADs?

Caring for the mental and emotional health of parents is crucial—not only for their own well-being but also for the health and development of their children. Research highlights that untreated PMADs can impact child development and family dynamics. Therapy provides effective tools to help parents manage their symptoms, find balance, and create a supportive home environment. Here’s how our therapy services can help:

  • Providing a Safe, Non-Judgmental Space: We create a comfortable space for you to explore emotions like sadness, anger, anxiety, or frustration—feelings that might feel uncomfortable to discuss with others.

  • Developing Coping Strategies: We help you build practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. Techniques like mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and relaxation exercises empower you to handle daily challenges effectively.

  • Helping You Process Traumatic Experiences: From a challenging birth to neonatal loss, trauma can create lasting emotional challenges. We help to guide you in processing these experiences and finding a path toward healing.

  • Encouraging Self-Compassion and Self-Care: Therapy emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and self-care, reminding you that looking after your own well-being is vital for both you and your family.

  • Strengthening Bonding and Attachment: If bonding with your baby feels difficult, we work with you to understand and address any barriers, helping build a strong parent-child connection.

Clinicians Who Offer These Services

“Postpartum is a quest back to yourself. Alone in your body again. You will never be the same, you are stronger than you were.”

— Amethyst Joy

Take the First Step Toward Healing and Hope

If you or a loved one is facing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, Essential Insights Counseling Center is here to help. Contact us today to start your journey toward a healthier, more balanced path to parenthood. Together, we’ll turn this transition into one of resilience and growth.

To begin, schedule a free 15-minute consultation through our online scheduler below. In this call, our intake coordinator will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and connect you with the best therapist to support you.