What even is a perinatal mental health therapist?

Written By Jordyn Bell, LCPC

This question comes up SO much! To be honest, I had never heard of the term “perinatal therapist” until I was in the field for several years. It wasn’t until my own experiences in pregnancy that I couldn’t stop seeing the term “perinatal” everywhere. If you’ve had that question too, this post is for you!

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Pregnancy and parenthood bring joy, excitement, and anticipation. They also bring anxiety, fear, and overwhelm.

A perinatal mental health therapist is a mental health professional with specialized training to support people through pregnancy, postpartum, and their transition into parenthood. Training is centered on support during the “perinatal” period, a.k.a. conception through the first year after birth, and often includes education regarding fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, adoption, surrogacy, and adjustment to life with a new baby.

What do they do?

Perinatal therapists often support individuals and families experiencing:

  • Anxiety or depression during pregnancy or after birth

  • Intrusive or frightening thoughts

  • Birth trauma or a difficult pregnancy

  • Pregnancy or infant loss

  • Fertility challenges

  • Postpartum rage, guilt, or overwhelm

  • Changes in identity, relationships, or intimacy

  • Difficulty bonding with a baby

  • The mental load and pressures of parenting

  • Adjustment and transitions related to parenting

Any parent can benefit from this support. Therapy is a useful place to process major life transitions with someone who understands their emotional complexity.

What is a PMH-C?

I hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International (PSI). This certification reflects specialized education and training in perinatal mental health, including pregnancy, postpartum, loss, trauma, and the emotional adjustment to parenthood. This certification combines extensive continuing education training and clinical experience working with clients navigating the perinatal period.

As a mom of two, I also understand personally that parenthood can hold seemingly opposite emotions at the same time. You can love your children deeply and still feel exhausted, anxious, disconnected, or unsure of yourself. These feelings do not make you a bad parent, and you do not have to navigate them alone.

What does therapy look like with a perinatal mental health therapist?

Sessions offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can speak honestly - including about thoughts or feelings that may be difficult to share elsewhere. Depending on your needs, therapy may include practical coping tools, education about perinatal mental health, processing difficult experiences, and reconnecting with yourself amidst all the chaos of being a parent.

The goal is to help you feel more supported, understood, and equipped for the season you are working so hard to navigate.

When should you reach out?

You may consider reaching out if your emotions are interfering with sleep, relationships, daily functioning, or your ability to enjoy life. Support can also be helpful if you feel lost, unlike yourself, or overwhelmed.


If you are in immediate danger or concerned that you may hurt yourself or someone else, call 988, 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

PSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773

National Maternal Mental Health Line: 1-833-TLC-MAMA



Jordyn Bell, LCPC