Specialized Therapy for
Postpartum Mental Health
in New Jersey
Online Therapy for Postpartum Depression, Anxiety & Mood Disorders helps new & soon-to-be parents overcome the challenges that come with the perinatal and postpartum phase so they can fully embrace the beauty of motherhood. Our therapists are dedicated to offering personalized care, ensuring you find support and strength with postpartum counseling at Mind by Design
Postpartum Counseling Helps Clients Overcome...
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) affects about 6% to 28% of women, often co-occurring with PPD. It is characterized by constant worry or fear, which can be overwhelming and debilitating.
Symptoms of PPA Include:
- Persistent worry or fear
- Difficulty sleeping despite exhaustion
- Extreme fatigue beyond what’s typical for new parents
- Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or nausea
Women are twice as likely as men to experience PPA, and like PPD, it can significantly impact the ability to care for a newborn. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking help is crucial to managing anxiety and maintaining mental well-being.
Unlike the transient “baby blues,” Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a more severe and long-lasting condition that can develop anytime within the first year after childbirth. Affecting between 13% and 20% of mothers and 2% to 25% of fathers, PPD can severely impact a parent’s ability to care for their child and themselves.
Common Symptoms of PPD Include:
- Persistent feelings of inadequacy as a parent
- Overwhelming guilt about having a child
- A pervasive sense of despair and hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Disrupted sleep and appetite beyond typical new-parent adjustments
- Social withdrawal and isolation
Risk Factors for PPD:
- A history of depression or other mental illnesses
- Experiences of abuse
- High systemic inflammation (from infections, trauma, etc.)
- Pain from childbirth or breastfeeding
- Perceived negative birth experiences
- Lack of social support
PPOCD affects between 3% and 5% of new parents. It involves intrusive, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) aimed at preventing perceived dangers to the baby.
Common Obsessive Symptoms of PPOCD:
- Fear of accidental or intentional harm to the baby
- Excessive concern about the baby contracting a severe illness
- Worries about environmental toxins harming the baby
- Reluctance to be alone with the baby
- Anxiety over making decisions that could negatively affect the baby
Common Compulsive Behaviors in PPOCD:
- Removing sharp objects from the home
- Constantly checking on the baby during sleep
- Excessive cleaning and sanitizing
- Seeking frequent reassurance that the baby is unharmed
- Avoiding tasks like bathing or feeding the baby due to fear of causing harm
Postpartum Psychosis is characterized by a rapid onset of severe symptoms. These can appear within hours or days after giving birth and may include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Mania
- Low Mood
- Rapidly Chancing Mood
- Confusion/Paranoia
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of postpartum psychosis is not fully understood, but several factors may increase the risk, including:
A Personal or Family History of Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis
Previous Episodes of Postpartum Psychosis
Sleep Deprivation
Hormonal Changes
Symptoms of Baby Blues
- Mood swings
- Sadness and crying spells
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
Types of Online Therapy for Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating postpartum depression. This therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Through regular sessions, mothers learn coping strategies that help them manage symptoms and regain control over their mental health.
CBT is particularly beneficial for those who experience intrusive thoughts, constant worry, or overwhelming guilt, common in postpartum depression. By addressing these issues directly, CBT empowers mothers with the tools to improve their mental outlook and overall well-being.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on the relational aspects of postpartum depression, recognizing that poor communication and strained relationships can exacerbate depressive symptoms. This therapy helps mothers understand how their interactions with others, including their partners and family members, affect their emotional state.
IPT typically spans 12 to 16 weeks, during which mothers work on improving their communication skills and building a stronger support network. This approach not only alleviates the symptoms of postpartum depression but also enhances the quality of the mother’s relationships, contributing to a more positive home environment.
Group therapy provides mothers with the opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This shared space allows for the exchange of stories, coping strategies, and emotional support, all of which can be incredibly validating and reassuring for those suffering from postpartum depression.
In a group setting, mothers learn that they are not alone in their struggles, which can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and despair. Additionally, group therapy often includes educational components that help participants better understand postpartum depression and how to manage it effectively.
Postpartum depression doesn’t just affect mothers; it can also strain marriages and relationships. Couples therapy is an excellent option for those whose relationships have been impacted by PPD. This therapy focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and rebuilding emotional connections between partners.
By addressing the relational dynamics that may contribute to or exacerbate postpartum depression, couples therapy helps both partners better support each other during this challenging time. This collaborative approach not only aids in the mother’s recovery but also strengthens the overall relationship.
How Postpartum Counseling Can Help You
Mind by Design Counseling offers virtual postpartum counseling and in-home services for homebound new parents.
If you’re based in Middlesex County or Monmouth County, New Jersey, our professionals can offer in-home sessions. Through online or in-home therapy for postpartum wellness, you can gain a better understanding of your feelings, learn coping strategies for managing anxiety or depression, and develop a stronger connection with your baby.
DID YOU KNOW...
Depression, Anxiety & Mood Disorders
impact nearly 1 in 5 expectant or new mothers
PMADs, or Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, are the most prevalent challenges during & post-pregnancy & most often treated by postpartum counseling specialists
Let Therapy For Postpartum
Mental Health Help you & your family
In addition to individual postpartum counseling & talk therapy, we offer new parents alternative & supportive postpartum counseling including:
• Expressive Art & Movement Therapy →
• Trauma-Informed Counseling →
• Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy →
Professional Help is Here.
If the journey of pregnancy or the initial postpartum year has been emotionally taxing, you’re in the right space. If you’re concerned about your emotional health, we urge you to consult a healthcare expert. If you are having a mental health crisis, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
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Our therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your experiences, helping you to process any difficult emotions and work through feelings of guilt, sadness, or overwhelm. Postpartum Counseling offers practical support, such as stress management techniques, ways to improve sleep, and tools to strengthen relationships with your partner and support network. Therapy for Postpartum Wellness can empower you to feel more confident and capable as you adjust to your new role as a mother.
Start Working with a specialist
in postpartum counseling today
frequently asked questions about
postpartum counseling in new jersey
Where are you located? I need a therapist near me
We are fully online, which means that your therapy sessions will be help via video call on our HIPAA compliant Platform. Anyone in New Jersey can access our therapy services
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
Does my insurance cover my visits?
We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.
Our Insurance Page might answer your questions about your insurance information, cost and OON coverage.
What are out-of-network benefits?
Visits our FAQ About Insurance to learn more about OON coverage for mental health services. We can also check your benefits for you. When using OON benefits, patients typically pay the full cost of the treatment upfront and then file a claim with their insurance company for reimbursement.
Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that tele-therapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether tele-therapy is working for you.
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share.
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?
Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.
Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?
Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?
You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:
- Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
- Your therapist respects boundaries
- You’re moving towards your goals
- You feel listened to
You’re doing better in life - Your self-esteem is getting better
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
What Geographic Areas Are Served?
Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.
Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?
Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection
What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?
Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:
- How often will we meet?
- What do you specialize in?
- What experience do you have with my issue?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will I know I’m progressing?
- How long do you usually work with clients?
- How will we set my treatment goals?
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
Our Qualifications:
Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.
- LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
- LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.