Perinatal
The period spanning pregnancy through roughly the first year after birth. Clinicians increasingly use 'perinatal' rather than 'postpartum' because many mood and anxiety conditions begin during pregnancy, not after delivery.
Postpartum
The period after childbirth — commonly the first twelve months. Postpartum mental health conditions can begin any time in that window, not just the first weeks.
PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders)
The umbrella term for the family of conditions that can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum year: depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, PTSD, bipolar episodes, and psychosis. PMADs are the most common complication of childbirth.
Baby blues
Mood swings, tearfulness, and irritability that affect up to 80% of new mothers, beginning a few days after delivery and resolving on their own within about two weeks. Symptoms that persist past two weeks or intensify may indicate postpartum depression. Baby blues vs. PPD: how to tell the difference →
Postpartum depression (PPD)
A depressive episode beginning during pregnancy or within the first year after birth, affecting roughly 1 in 8 mothers. Symptoms include persistent sadness or numbness, loss of interest, guilt, sleep and appetite changes, and difficulty bonding. PPD is highly treatable with therapy, and sometimes medication. Find a PPD specialist →
Postpartum anxiety (PPA)
Excessive worry, racing thoughts, and physical tension in the perinatal period — estimated to be at least as common as postpartum depression, though less discussed. Often involves constant worst-case-scenario thinking about the baby's safety. Find a PPA specialist →
Postpartum OCD / intrusive thoughts
Unwanted, distressing thoughts or images — often about harm coming to the baby — accompanied by compulsive checking or avoidance. The thoughts are ego-dystonic: they horrify the person having them, which distinguishes them from psychosis. Highly treatable, especially with ERP. Find an intrusive-thoughts specialist →
Postpartum rage
Sudden, intense anger or irritability in the postpartum period — a common but under-recognized symptom of perinatal mood disorders, often co-occurring with anxiety and sleep deprivation. A symptom, not a character flaw.
Postpartum psychosis
A rare psychiatric emergency (about 1–2 per 1,000 births) involving confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, or beliefs that don't align with reality, usually within weeks of delivery. Requires immediate medical care — call 988 or go to an emergency room.
Birth trauma
Psychological trauma resulting from a distressing childbirth experience — emergency interventions, fear for one's life or the baby's, or feeling unheard during delivery. Can lead to postpartum PTSD symptoms: flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance. Defined by the person's experience, not the medical chart. Find a birth trauma specialist →
Matrescence
The developmental transition into motherhood — physical, hormonal, psychological, and social — analogous to adolescence. The term normalizes the identity upheaval of new parenthood as a developmental stage rather than a disorder. Find a matrescence specialist →
PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification)
A certification from Postpartum Support International indicating a clinician has completed specialized training in perinatal mental health and passed a certifying exam. Profiles in our directory display PMH-C when a clinician holds it.
EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)
The most widely used postpartum depression screening tool in the world: 10 questions about the past 7 days, scored 0–30. Scores of 10 or higher warrant follow-up with a provider. A screening result is not a diagnosis. Take the free EPDS self-screening →
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
A structured, evidence-based trauma therapy in which the client briefly holds a traumatic memory in mind while following bilateral stimulation. Recommended in WHO and APA guidelines for PTSD, and widely used for birth trauma. What is EMDR, and can it help with birth trauma? →
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
A structured, first-line therapy that works on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. One of the best-evidenced treatments for perinatal depression and anxiety.
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)
The gold-standard treatment for OCD, including postpartum OCD: gradual, supported exposure to feared thoughts or situations while resisting compulsions, which teaches the brain the alarm is false.
Telehealth
Therapy conducted by secure video or phone. Therapists can generally see clients via telehealth anywhere in the state where they're licensed — which is why many profiles here serve their whole state, not just their city.
Sliding scale
Reduced session fees based on financial need. Many therapists reserve a number of sliding-scale spots; profiles in our directory note it when offered, and it never hurts to ask.
Superbill
An itemized receipt an out-of-network therapist provides so you can seek partial reimbursement from your insurance plan. A common way to afford a specialist your insurance doesn't cover directly.
NICU
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A NICU stay is a known risk factor for postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD in parents — a specialty some therapists focus on specifically. Find a NICU family specialist →
Beyond definitions
Every therapist in the directory is licensed, verified, and fluent in all of this.
Find a Postpartum Therapist →