How to Find a Postpartum Therapist in Georgia
How do I find a therapist? Given how decentralized the mental health care industry is, it can feel totally overwhelming to even know where to begin with a search. Add in being in the throes of postpartum makes it all the more complicated.
I’m hoping that you can come back to this post as your mental health journey unfolds, and that it could serve as a landing pad that you could save to reference, or share with a friend. One thing is for sure- mental health is an ever changing need and what serves us in one season may change for another. The following will include descriptions of resources that offer a great starting point for narrowing down your therapist search with an emphasis on perinatal mental health.
Resources for Perinatal and Women’s Mental Health:
Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman in Santa Barbara, California. The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Approximately 15% of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. Up to 10% will experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. When the mental health of the mother is compromised, it affects the entire family.
The link above goes to a directory of therapists who specialize in postpartum mental health. In addition to their state licensures, therapists listed have completed additional training in perinatal mental health and passed an exam certifying their knowledge in the area. To keep the PMH-C certification, they must submit continuing education every two years. For psychotherapy, Look for the credentials of LPC, LCWS, PhD or PsyD- these are all mental health practitioners. For medication management in mental health, you’ll also find psychiatrists, nurses, and doctors. You can also find lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists as well as doulas on this comprehensive directory!
Psychology Today
Psychology today is a reputable online therapist directory that can help you search for a therapist who meets your current needs. You can search terms like infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, to find a description of a therapist who sounds like they might be aligned with you. You can also search this directory for other preferences, like those who accept insurance, are in your area, or align with a certain identity (LGBTQ+, ethnic or racial minority, or religious to name a few). It’s a great place to start looking and has been a trusted database in the field for many years. Psychology Today vets those who request to be listed, so you can trust that you are finding a qualified practitioner.
Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health
Launched in 2022 as a community-funded program, the Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health is now a PSI Georgia program, with financial support from the Georgia Department of Public Health. The Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health provides fully funded therapy sessions for perinatal moms and parents who reside in Georgia. This includes those who are currently pregnant, are up to 2 years postpartum, have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss in the past 2 years, have experienced a pregnancy termination in the past 2 years. The therapists listed through the Georgia Fund all have additional training in postpartum mental health through Postpartum Support International.
If you meet the criteria or want to learn more, you can apply here: https://www.georgiafund.org/apply
Loveland Foundation
With the barriers affecting access to treatment by members of diverse ethnic and racial groups, the Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy nationally.
Pro-Choice Therapists
One of the most healing aspects of therapy is the relationship between client and therapist, and this must begin with a non-judgmental, healing space. The decision to have an abortion is deeply personal, and your mental health provider should support your decision no matter what. Whether you are seeking support before or after an abortion, or because you feel strongly about abortion rights, pro-choice therapists can connect you with a supportive clinician.
Referrals and Recommendations
Asking your community for a therapist recommendation is often a great way to narrow down your search. If you have friends in your similar stage of life, you may get a name or two that way, but also consider everyone you might interact with related to your health. Think of your OB-GYN or midwife, doula, pediatrician, or pelvic floor therapist. Your general practitioner can also be a great resource.
Final Tips
It’s a great idea to engage in an initial consultation call with a few therapists to get ask questions and talk with them to see if you feel you would work well together. Think about your goals for therapy- how would you know the process is working for you? Many treatment modalities can achieve positive results, but you may have a particular interest in using mindfulness to help ease your anxiety, for example, or a concrete plan to assist your medication in helping you pull out of a depressive period. If you have been through an acute trauma experience, you might benefit from someone who specializes in a shorter term, more targeted approach to help return your nervous system to its baseline.
When you know those goals going in, a well trained therapist can meet you where you are and adjust to meet your needs, or they can make an appropriate referral if what you are looking for is outside their scope. Pay close attention to how you feel when talking with them- is it someone you feel you could trust, form a good therapeutic relationship with? Are they able to answer questions about how they work, what they do, and articulate clear next steps?
Are you clear about your therapists’ rate and policies and are you comfortable with them? It’s great to make sure you are on the same page before you get in too deep. Keep in mind, even if you start working with someone and it turns out not to be a great fit, you can always pivot! At the end of the day, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to keep going until you find the right match. An effective therapist pushes your comfort zone a bit while still respecting and encouraging your autonomy.
