Finding a Postpartum Therapist Near You: What to Look For and What to Ask
Hey, Shameless Mamas - Let’s Talk about Maternal Mental Health
Becoming a mother changes everything—and sometimes, it changes more than you expected. If you’ve been Googling “postpartum therapist near me” or “California postpartum therapy,” you’re not alone. Every day, thousands of women search for compassionate, expert care to help them navigate the emotional rollercoaster that can follow childbirth. Whether you're experiencing postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, birth trauma, or just a vague sense that something is “off,” the right therapist can make a powerful difference.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to look for in a postpartum therapist, the essential questions to ask, and how to find someone who gets it.
Why a Postpartum Therapist Is Different
Postpartum mental health is a specialized area of therapy. It goes far beyond traditional talk therapy and requires an understanding of the hormonal, neurological, emotional, and relational shifts that occur after birth.
A good postpartum therapist:
Understands the difference between baby blues and clinical postpartum depression
Is trained to support clients with intrusive thoughts, rage, grief, or birth trauma
Recognizes how perfectionism, guilt, and shame can show up for high-functioning new moms
Has experience with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
Look for someone certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) or who markets themselves specifically as a postpartum or maternal mental health provider.
What to Look For When Searching “Postpartum Therapist Near Me”
If you're searching online for help, here’s what to pay attention to when browsing directories or therapist websites:
Specialty & Credentials
Look for terms like:
Postpartum therapist
Perinatal mental health
PMH-C certification
Maternal mental health specialist
Birth trauma-informed therapy
If a therapist’s profile only mentions general “depression” or “anxiety” but not pregnancy, motherhood, or postpartum-specific concerns, they may not be the best fit.
Experience With Intrusive Thoughts
One of the most misunderstood postpartum symptoms is intrusive thoughts—unwanted, distressing images or ideas that pop into your head. A qualified postpartum therapist will understand these are common and treatable, not signs of danger.
Virtual Availability (Especially in California)
In a large state like California, proximity shouldn’t limit your options. Many licensed therapists now offer virtual postpartum therapy statewide, which means you can see a specialist even if they aren’t located in your city.
Questions to Ask a Postpartum Therapist Before Starting
You deserve to feel confident in your care. Here are important questions to ask during a consultation:
1. What is your experience working with postpartum women?
You want to hear that they’ve treated a range of perinatal issues, not just generalized depression or anxiety.
2. Are you trained in any evidence-based approaches for postpartum mental health?
Look for certifications in:
PMH-C (Postpartum Support International)
CBT or ACT (for anxiety and mood)
3. How do you support clients dealing with intrusive thoughts or scary emotions?
Their response should be normalizing, not judgmental. You want someone who won’t panic if you say, “I’m afraid I’ll hurt my baby”—because that fear, in itself, is often a symptom, not a risk.
4. Do you offer teletherapy?
This is especially key in California, where specialists may not be in every town. A therapist licensed in CA can legally see you anywhere in the state.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Minimizing your feelings (“Everyone feels like that”)
Lack of mention of maternal mental health in their bio
No specific experience with birth trauma or postpartum mood disorders
Dismissive of medication or trauma-focused approaches if needed
You need a provider who doesn’t just validate your struggle—but helps you navigate it expertly.
You’re Allowed to Choose the Right Fit
Too many new mothers stick with a therapist who “kinda gets it” because they’re afraid of being high maintenance. But this is your mental health. If the first person you meet isn’t the right fit, you can keep looking. Therapists expect this, and the good ones want you to feel safe and seen.
You are not being dramatic. You are not weak. You are doing something powerful: advocating for yourself, your healing, and your family’s future.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve This
You don’t have to be falling apart to deserve help. You don’t have to “earn” therapy by hitting rock bottom. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, numb, angry, or just...not yourself, that’s enough. That’s valid. That’s the time to search for a postpartum therapist near you—or, if you're in California, someone like me who can see you virtually, wherever you are.
There is no shame in struggling after birth. Only strength in choosing to heal.
Ready to start your healing journey? Contact Shameless Mama Wellness today to schedule a free consultation.
With Warmth and in Solidarity,
Marilyn
I provide a safe haven to discuss the thoughts you keep hidden.
As a Postpartum Therapist in California, I offer many services utilizing evidence-based treatments. Some services at Shameless Mama Wellness include treatment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, birth trauma therapy, fertility counseling, therapy for miscarriage and loss, pregnancy therapy and treatment for NICU PTSD.
