Maternal Mental Health

Psychotherapists based in Offered in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York.
Also serving clients virtually in Oregon and Massachusetts

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that 10% of pregnant people (and 13% postpartum) struggle with a mental disorder, making maternal mental health vital to discuss and support. Pregnant or postpartum people can find comprehensive care at Brooklyn Integrative Psychological Services, either virtually or in one of our several locations. Compassionate therapists with intensive training and convenient telehealth options support a more optimal maternal experience. Complete the online booking form today to request a telehealth appointment with the Brooklyn Integrative Psychological Services team or an in-person visit in their New York City offices.

What are maternal mental health disorders?

Maternal mental health, or perinatal mental health, is concerned with supporting parents during and after pregnancy as they navigate fluctuating hormones, permanent life changes, and new fears and expectations.

The most common maternal mental health disorders are postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum psychosis. You may be at greater risk if you have:

A history of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
Ongoing relationship conflict
A stressful lifestyle
Poor social support

The Brooklyn Integrative Psychological Services team aims to support better outcomes with evidence-based therapies, education, and culturally-humble support.

Why is maternal mental health so vital?

Depression, psychosis, or other mental health disorders create barriers to parent and child bonding and care, impeding the newborn’s growth and development and causing significant suffering for parents.

Diarrhea, malnutrition, and other infant health conditions can result from maternal depressive episodes. In extreme cases, unchecked mental health emergencies can lead to death for the parent or infant. Having proper support restores dignity and protects parents’ and babies’ physical and mental health.

The Brooklyn Integrative Psychological Services team has expertise with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) to provide the highest standard of care.

For maternal mental health emergencies, text or call 1-833-TLC-MAMA for immediate help.

What treatments benefit maternal mental health?

The good news is that maternal mental health can respond favorably to treatment, and the Brooklyn Integrative Psychological Services team creates a treatment plan tailored to your concerns and goals.

Your plan may include:

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can support new parents by providing a safe place to share difficult emotions. It also provides essential tools and helps them establish healthy patterns from the get-go as they begin a new chapter.

Your provider may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP), or another psychotherapy technique, depending on your needs.

Medication

Medications may be used on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat perinatal mental health disorders. If you receive a prescription for antidepressants, keep in mind that they usually require 4-8 weeks to have full effect.

Don’t be discouraged if it feels like change is happening slowly — it is coming, and things will get better.

If you are struggling with maternal mental health concerns, help is close at hand. Don’t wait — complete the online booking form today to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment with the Brooklyn Integrative Psychological Services team, and your provider can refer you to a top-tier medication prescriber who understands the needs of people in the perinatal period.