WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH
Raising Babies is Tough Stuff...
Pregnancy and the post-partum period can bring up a great deal of anxiety and fear about the best ways to raise your child, or complex feelings about your past. Are you grappling with self-judgment, guilt, overwhelm, or shame during this transformative time? Perhaps you feel as though healthcare providers only suggest exercise, stress reduction, or losing weight without understanding your unique challenges. The changes that women experience in pregnancy are profound. Our brains literally shift and rewire when we are pregnant, leaving many women feeling as though they have lost themselves.
If you are a pregnant or postpartum woman who is feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted, we are here to support you in developing a plan to structure your life to experience less stress and a greater connection with your child and your partner. We offer pre-baby and post-baby couples therapy support to manage the shifts and changes in your relationship.
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Perhaps you're feeling isolated and struggling to maintain connections with friends or loved ones. Maybe you don't like to look in the mirror and see your new post-partum self. If you want to embrace positive change in your life but find it hard to take the first step, that you're not alone.
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Postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, or low self-esteem can feel like a constant struggle, but it doesn't have define your experience. With the right mental health support tailored for new expectant mothers, you can take control of your emotions and thrive during this special journey.
​We know how difficult it can be to raise a child. We support moms to be, postpartum moms, moms who have lost a child, fur-baby moms, and moms to bonus children. Our clients appreciate that many of our clinicians are moms ourselves and have first-hand experience birthing and raising children. As mothers, it's easy to put the needs of others above our own. We want to work with you to recognize ways to balance both attending to your needs while caring for others.
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Post-Partum anxiety and depression can feel frightening, uneasy, overwhelming, and strange. It can feel as though you are in a fog or trudging through mud. Sleep deprivation causes its own challenges such as irritability and brain fog.
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Managing all of the changes life can bring to a partnership can be extremely challenging. Our experienced couples therapists help to support new parents in setting up their lives for success as children grow, including managing division of labor and mental load disagreements.
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Your Child Deserves a Happy Parent
Our clinicians, experienced in supporting pregnant and postpartum women, offer a compassionate blend of CBT, mindfulness, attachment theories, coaching, and emotion regulation techniques tailored to your unique journey. We are here to help you recognize patterns, navigate the emotional changes of motherhood, and understand how your body responds to stress during this transformative time, empowering you to embrace the joys and challenges of new motherhood with confidence.
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Many of our clients express feeling more at ease after discussing their concerns in therapy, often noting that our supportive and action-oriented approach has made a significant difference in their postpartum experience.
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We believe in nurturing self-love and encourage you to know that despite all of the messy (and gross) moments of motherhood you are stronger than you know. We help moms to learn to treat themselves with the kindness and understanding they deserve you navigate this incredible journey.
But This Phase Doesn't Last Forever...
You would to anything for your baby. Making time to take care of yourself IS taking care of your child. Moms deserve to have someone who truly listens to you during this incredible yet challenging journey of pregnancy and postpartum, It's beneficial to our children that we work through our experiences of motherhood and have someone understand the unique emotions and struggles in this period of life. Give yourself permission to experience the same love and compassion you would offer to a dear friend or family member. In the therapy space, you’ll find a safe, judgment environment where you can express yourself for a full 55 minutes and feel genuinely understood and supported.
New Phases Bring New Challenges...
As a postpartum woman, you may find that different stages of motherhood bring up a different range of emotions, and while a spa treatment or quick workout can provide temporary relief, those feelings can resurface hours or days later. Dedicating time to your mental health with a trained psychotherapist can be essential for long-term growth, helping you navigate these changing emotions and maintain your well-being.
Just like a car needs regular tune-ups, prioritizing your mental health ensures you can continue to support yourself and your child effectively. Remember, maintenance is key to thriving in this beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood.
Featured Women's Mental Health Psychotherapists
Kimberley Brams, LCSW-C
Senior Clinician
Pamela Newman, LCSW-C
Founder/Senior Clinician
Emily Pitocchelli, LCPC
Senior Clinician
Marjorie Theard, LCSW-C
Senior Clinician
Frequently Asked Questions About Maternal Mental Health
Do I need postpartum depression to benefit from therapy?
No. Therapy can also offer space to work through overwhelm, guilt, changing relationships, or feeling disconnected from yourself. You do not have to wait until you are struggling to function to seek support.
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Can I start therapy while I’m pregnant?
Yes. Anxiety and depression can begin during pregnancy, not just after delivery. Therapy can also provide space to explore worries about childbirth, changing responsibilities, and becoming a parent.
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How do I know if it’s the “baby blues” or something more?
The baby blues typically involve mild mood changes that improve within two weeks after birth. Symptoms that persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life deserve professional attention. You do not need to wait two weeks if symptoms are severe or you are concerned about your safety.
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What if I feel anxious or irritable rather than sad?
Maternal mental health concerns do not always look like sadness. Persistent worry, irritability, guilt, difficulty relaxing, or trouble sleeping even when your baby sleeps are reasons to talk with a healthcare professional.
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Can I love my baby and still miss my old life?
Yes. Loving your child can coexist with missing your independence, relationship, work routine, or time alone. Therapy offers space to discuss those feelings without having to pretend that every part of motherhood feels rewarding.
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Can therapy help with tension between my partner and me?
Yes. Individual therapy can help you clarify your needs and communicate boundaries. Couples therapy can address disagreements about parenting, division of responsibilities, emotional connection, and changing expectations.
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What happens in maternal mental health therapy?
We start by understanding what feels hardest and what you would like to change. At PRN Counseling, sessions may include practical coping strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and exploring how your experiences and relationships shape your transition into motherhood.
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Will I need medication?
Not everyone does. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, or both, depending on your symptoms and needs. If medication is being considered, a prescribing clinician can discuss your options, including considerations during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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How do I get started with PRN Counseling?
Contact us through our website or call 240-242-3600 to discuss your concerns and current availability. We offer in-person therapy in North Bethesda and telehealth options based on your location and your clinician’s licensure.