Providers Trained In Perinatal Mental Health
PSI-Utah proudly partnered with the Utah Department of Health to create and maintain a current data base of providers trained in Maternal Mental Health conditions. This database can be found at maternalmentalhealth.utah.gov or by following the link below
Why a Perinatal Trained Therapist?
Seeking treatment with a therapist who specializes in pregnant and postpartum parents is important. These specialists, often called perinatal psychotherapists, are educated about treatment options during pregnancy and postpartum and specifically for Perinatal Mental Health Conditions. Mood and anxiety disorders present differently during this time and require different treatment as well. The therapist should be a member of an organization that serves perinatal women, such as Postpartum Support International or our local chapter. They should have received training from PSI or another reputable organization or provider, such as 2020Mom or a well-recognized PSI Coordinator, as many offer this training in their state. A qualified therapist can name five books for families and five books for clinicians with ease, as well as name several online resources.
Ask the therapist what type of therapy he or she would use. Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapies are the most effective methods to treat Perinatal Mental Health Conditions. This is not the time to delve deeply into childhood issues, but rather, the focus should be on skills, solutions, and crisis intervention. Treatment should include referrals to appropriate complementary resources, such as a support group or a psychiatrist, if appropriate. Ultimately, trust your intuition and keep looking elsewhere if the fit doesn’t seem right. Keep reaching out! You deserve to be well.
If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, it is a great idea to select some therapists now so you have options prepared should the need arise.