Why You Should See A Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
When I was pregnant with my first child, I made what I thought was a responsible decision and scheduled a consultation with a mental health professional who I had seen previously. She assured me she had worked with pregnant people before. Here are just a few things she told me during that visit that have stuck with me this many years later. One, “Pregnancy is protective against mental health concerns. Two, “There are no safe psychiatric medications to use during pregnancy.” Three “If you experience anxiety during your pregnancy consider drinking chamomile tea.”
Of course, all there of these statements are patently false and exceedingly dangerous, but I didn’t know that at the time. Even as a trained psychologist, I trusted her advice and subsequently felt utterly helpless when I began to experience anxiety during my pregnancy. I was lucky enough to connect with a Perinatal Mental Health specialist who provided me with correct information and helped me navigate the hormonal and role shifts that come with pregnancy.
Why Perinatal Mental Health Matters
Over a decade later, I still hear stories like mine. As a practice specializing in Perinatal Mental Health, we hear countless stories from pregnant and postpartum patients whose symptoms were minimized or misunderstood, who were misdiagnosed, and who were undertreated for serious psychiatric concerns. The fact is the perinatal period is an extremely vulnerable time, and patients are at very high risk of developing mental health concerns or experiencing an increase in symptoms.
The Role of a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
This is where a Perinatal Mental Health specialist comes in. Perinatal therapists are trained to understand the hormonal, physical, emotional, relational, and identity-related shifts that come with pregnancy and the postpartum period. We are trained to assess and treat the full range of perinatal mental health conditions including perinatal depression and anxiety, birth trauma and PTSD, perinatal OCD, and postpartum psychosis. We use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, provide expert consultation and psychoeducation, and work collaboratively with doulas, OBs, midwives, and birth workers in a collaborative model of care.
Patients Deserve Better
Proper treatment for perinatal mental health concerns is essential. Left untreated, these concerns can impact long-term mental and physical health for parents, and can negatively impact parent-child bonding. Most importantly, pregnant and postpartum people deserve high-quality, effective mental health care.
How We Can Help: Expert Support for Perinatal Mental Health in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia
Navigating the complexities of the perinatal period can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our dedicated team of specialized therapists are here to help with in-person therapy in Washington, DC, and teletherapy in Maryland, Virginia, and over 40 states. We are trained to help patients experiencing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, perinatal loss, role transitions, identity concerns of new parenthood, and so much more. Contact us to learn more and get support now.