Therapy & Counseling
Postpartum Depression Therapy
Postpartum depression is a common, treatable mood condition that can arrive during pregnancy or in the year after birth, far more than the baby blues. Therapy helps you through the low mood, anxiety, and overwhelm, and helps you reconnect with yourself and your baby. It is not a reflection of your love or your capability, and you do not have to push through it alone.
We see clients in person at our South Bay office and virtually across California, which fits life with a newborn.
Postpartum depression affects an estimated 1 in 7 new mothers, and partners are affected too (Postpartum Support International). It is one of the most common complications of childbirth, and it responds well to treatment.
Source: Postpartum Support International.
What it can look like
- Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or emptiness beyond two weeks
- Anxiety, racing thoughts, or intrusive worries
- Irritability, anger, or feeling disconnected from the baby
- Guilt, worthlessness, or feeling like a bad parent
- Changes in sleep or appetite beyond the usual newborn disruption
Postpartum psychosis is a rare medical emergency. If a new parent becomes confused, paranoid, or detached from reality, or has thoughts of harming themselves or the baby, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Our approach
We provide evidence-based therapy for postpartum depression and anxiety within our wider support for new parents and our depression care. When medication would help, we coordinate with psychiatry, mindful of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
As Jack Foley, LMFT, puts it:
"So many new parents suffer in silence because they think they're supposed to be glowing. Postpartum depression is common and treatable, and naming it out loud is usually the first step toward feeling like yourself again."
What to expect
Care begins with a free 15-minute consultation. From there we match you thoughtfully and build support around your life and your baby, coordinated with medical care when needed.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. You are not alone, and help is available.
How it works
Starting is simple.
Book a free consultation
A confidential 15-minute call to understand what you need.
Get matched
We pair you with the right clinician for your goals.
Begin care
Start in person or online, at a pace that feels right.
Questions
Frequently asked
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common, treatable mood condition that can develop during pregnancy or in the year after birth. It is more than the baby blues: persistent low mood, anxiety, or hopelessness that interferes with daily life and bonding.
How is it different from the baby blues?
The baby blues are mild and pass within about two weeks. Postpartum depression is more intense, lasts longer, and does not lift on its own. If low mood persists beyond two weeks, it is worth an evaluation.
Can therapy treat postpartum depression?
Yes. Therapy is a first-line treatment for PPD, and when medication is needed we coordinate with psychiatry, mindful of pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations.
Do fathers and partners get postpartum depression?
Yes. Partners can experience postpartum depression and anxiety too, and the same support applies.
What about scary or intrusive thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are common postpartum and usually do not mean you are a danger. But thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or feeling out of touch with reality, need urgent care: call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
When you're ready, a conversation is the place to begin.
Book a complimentary 15-minute consultation, confidential, and without obligation.
Book a free consultation