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Perinatal Mental Health Services in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

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Perinatal Mental Health Services in Michigan help people who are pregnant, postpartum, trying to conceive, or adjusting after a loss. This care focuses on mood, anxiety, sleep, stress, and bonding with your baby. If you feel “not like yourself,” cry a lot, worry all the time, or feel numb, you are not alone—and you are not to blame. With the right support, many people start to feel steadier and more hopeful.

Signs You Might Benefit

Perinatal mental health concerns are common and treatable. Some symptoms can feel like “normal new-parent stress,” but they may last longer, feel more intense, or make daily life hard. Reach out if any of these feel true for you.

  • Ongoing sadness or frequent crying, especially for more than two weeks
  • Feeling very worried or “on edge”, or having panic attacks
  • Racing thoughts that keep you from resting
  • Sleep problems even when the baby sleeps (trouble falling asleep, waking often, or nightmares)
  • Feeling angry or irritable more than usual
  • Feeling numb, disconnected, or not bonding with your baby the way you hoped
  • Feeling guilt, shame, or like you’re a “bad parent”
  • Changes in appetite (not hungry or overeating)
  • Intrusive thoughts (scary thoughts that “pop in” even though you don’t want them)
  • Trauma symptoms after a tough pregnancy, birth, NICU stay, or medical scare
  • Grief after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility stress
  • Using alcohol or substances to cope

Benefits of care often include:

  • Less anxiety and fewer panic symptoms
  • Better sleep routines and calmer nights
  • More confidence in parenting and decision-making
  • Stronger coping skills for stress, feeding issues, or colic
  • Improved relationships with partners and family
  • Better bonding and more joy in daily moments

Evidence-Based Approach

We use research-backed therapy and careful clinical reasoning to match care to your needs, your culture, and your life. The goal is not to “push through” or “think positive.” The goal is to help your brain and body feel safe again.

Our work is informed by major medical and mental health guidance, including resources and evidence summaries from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which support talk therapy as an effective treatment for perinatal depression and anxiety when tailored to the patient.

Common therapy methods we may use

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you notice unhelpful thoughts and build new coping patterns. This can be very helpful for anxiety, panic, and depression.
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): Focuses on role changes (like becoming a parent), relationship stress, grief, and support. IPT is widely used for postpartum depression.
  • Mindfulness and skills-based support: Simple tools for grounding, breathing, and getting through hard moments—especially when you feel overwhelmed.
  • Trauma-informed therapy: For birth trauma, medical trauma, or prior trauma that resurfaces in pregnancy or postpartum. We move at your pace and focus on safety.
  • Parent-infant mental health support: Helps with bonding, reading your baby’s cues, and reducing stress in feeding and sleep routines.

Clinical reasoning: how we choose the right plan

Perinatal symptoms can have many causes. We look at the whole picture, including sleep loss, hormone changes, medical history, past mental health concerns, social support, and stress at home or work. When needed, we coordinate with your OB/GYN, midwife, primary care clinician, or psychiatrist to ensure care is aligned and safe.

Safety and Michigan licensing standards

Care is provided by clinicians who follow Michigan licensing rules and professional standards for scope of practice, ethics, and confidentiality (for example, Michigan-licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, or licensed clinical social workers). We also follow mandated reporting laws and safety planning best practices. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, we take that seriously and respond with steady, nonjudgmental support and clear next steps.

What to Expect

Starting therapy can feel like one more task on an already full plate. We keep the process clear, gentle, and practical.

Step 1: First contact and scheduling

We’ll ask what you’re hoping help with, your timing needs, and whether you prefer in-person or telehealth (if available in Michigan). If you have urgent concerns, we will help you find fast support.

Step 2: Intake appointment

Your intake is a longer first visit. We talk about your symptoms, pregnancy or postpartum timeline, sleep, support system, medical history, and any past trauma or mental health care. We may use short screening tools for depression and anxiety to guide treatment and track progress over time.

Step 3: Treatment plan and goals

Together we set goals that fit your real life—like “reduce panic,” “sleep longer stretches,” “stop spiraling at night,” “feel less rage,” or “enjoy my baby.” We also discuss how often to meet (many people start weekly or every other week).

Step 4: Ongoing sessions

Sessions are supportive and structured. You can expect:

  • A calm space to talk without being judged
  • Skills you can use the same day, not just insight
  • Help with triggers like feeding struggles, body changes, family conflict, or returning to work
  • Progress check-ins so you can see what’s improving

If medication might help, we can coordinate with a prescribing clinician. Therapy and medication can be used together, and treatment decisions are always yours.

Insurance

Insurance can feel confusing—especially when you’re tired. We aim to make costs and options clear.

Copays, deductibles, and common terms

  • Copay: A set amount you pay each visit (like $20–$60), depending on your plan.
  • Deductible: The amount you may need to pay before insurance starts covering care. Some plans apply the deductible to mental health visits; others do not.
  • Coinsurance: A percentage you pay after the deductible (example: insurance pays 80%, you pay 20%).

Mental health parity

Many health plans must follow mental health parity rules. This means mental health benefits should be covered in a way that is similar to medical benefits. Coverage details still vary by plan, so we encourage you to check your benefits or ask us for help with the right questions to ask your insurer.

Good questions to ask your insurance plan

  • Is outpatient mental health therapy covered?
  • Do I have a copay, coinsurance, or deductible for therapy?
  • Do I need prior authorization?
  • Is telehealth covered in Michigan?
  • Are there limits on number of visits?

If you are paying out of pocket, ask about self-pay rates and receipts you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement (if your plan allows).

FAQ

Is postpartum depression the same as “baby blues”?

No. “Baby blues” are common in the first 1–2 weeks after birth and often improve on their own. Postpartum depression usually lasts longer, feels heavier, and can make it hard to function. If symptoms are strong, last more than two weeks, or worry you, professional support is recommended. APA and NIH resources describe effective treatments, including therapy, for perinatal depression and anxiety.

Can anxiety happen during pregnancy, not just after birth?

Yes. Anxiety can begin during pregnancy (sometimes called perinatal or antenatal anxiety). It can look like constant worry, trouble sleeping, panic, or fear about the baby’s health or the birth. Perinatal Mental Health Services in Michigan support you during pregnancy and postpartum, not just after delivery.

What if I have scary intrusive thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts or images that can feel upsetting. Many people fear they mean something about who they are—but often they are a symptom of anxiety or OCD and can improve with the right care (like CBT and exposure-based strategies). We assess safety carefully and without shame, then build a plan to reduce distress and regain trust in yourself.

Do partners and non-birthing parents also need perinatal mental health support?

Yes. Partners and non-birthing parents can experience depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress too—especially with sleep loss, financial pressure, or a NICU experience. Support can include individual therapy, couples sessions, and parenting-focused coping tools.