In this week’s episode of So Glad You Asked, Allie and I sit down with Sheehan Fisher, PhD, to discuss partners’ mental health during the perinatal period. While clinical care and public attention have focused primarily on mothers, a growing body of evidence highlights that partners—including fathers, non-birthing parents, and other caregivers—also experience significant emotional and psychological challenges during this time.

Sheenan Fisher, PhD is a perinatal clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. His work focuses on the mental health of all parents, with particular attention to fathers. He directs a Fathers’ Mental Health Specialty Clinic, which provides tailored, evidence-based care for dads.

Why Partners’ Mental Health Matters

Research indicates that parental mental health is interconnected. When one parent is struggling, the effects often extend to the other parent and the child. Despite this, partners’ symptoms—such as depression, anxiety, and stress—are frequently underrecognized and undertreated.

Key Themes from the Episode

  • Parental mental health is interdependent; supporting one parent benefits the entire family system.
  • Traditional gender roles continue to shape unequal distributions of caregiving and emotional labor.
  • Fathers and non-birthing partners are less likely to be screened or referred for mental health care.
  • Open, direct communication between partners can reduce stress and improve coping.
  • Inclusive, family-centered care improves outcomes for parents and children.

Implications for Clinical Care

Dr. Fisher emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and holistic approach to perinatal care:

  • Clinicians can acknowledge and engage partners during visits, even when the birthing parent is the primary patient.
  • Simple steps—such as inviting questions or asking about stress—can improve identification of mental health concerns.
  • Screening tools and clinical language should reflect diverse family structures and avoid heteronormative assumptions.

Recognizing and supporting all parents is an essential step toward improving perinatal mental health outcomes for families.