Where to Turn for Support and Professional Care

This is a good place to start when you are looking for help because you already have a relationship with that provider, and your OB is likely to be connected to providers and other resources in your community. The obstetric service may have mental health professionals who provide services in their office. The hospital may also offer support groups for expecting and new moms. Some OBs are also comfortable prescribing medications for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy can be provided by licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and psychiatrists who specialize in therapy. It is important to look for professionals with experience in perinatal mental health to ensure specialized care. In some cases, OBs may also prescribe medications for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Some of these providers may have a Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMH-C); however, there are many excellent providers who have experience in the treatment of perinatal mental health issues who do not have this certification.

• Postpartum Support International maintains an online directory of qualified perinatal mental health professionals in the US, Canada, and Australia.
• Psychology Today also maintains a list of mental health providers available for in-person or telehealth visits.

Psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants have the authority to prescribe medication; their prescribing rights vary by state. Some of these providers may have a Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMH-C); however, there are many excellent providers who have experience in the treatment of perinatal mental health issues who do not have this certification.

• Postpartum Support International maintains an online directory of qualified perinatal mental health professionals in the US, Canada, and Australia.
• Psychology Today also maintains a list of mental health providers available for in-person or telehealth visits.

Support may come from many different places, including family, friends, neighbors, other moms, and your community. Support groups, whether in-person or virtual, can be immensely helpful in decreasing the isolation many moms feel and can help moms learn about other resources and connect with their community. There are also specialized groups that support women with specific backgrounds or needs.

• Postpartum Support International offers over 50 FREE and virtual support groups led by trained peer facilitators. Many of these groups cater to specific populations, for example military moms or individuals with fertility challenges.
• Your local hospital may also offer support groups.
• Postpartum Support International volunteer coordinators can help you find support resources in your community.
• Postpartum Support International also offers a Peer Mentor Program that pairs individuals in need of support with a trained volunteer who has also experienced and recovered from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.