Perinatal mental health therapy in California
+9 moreNo commitment. We'll confirm your coverage before your first session.
Mental health therapy in California
If you're a new or expecting parent in California, you've probably already discovered that the things that should be easy here are not. Finding a therapist who actually understands postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, or birth trauma can take weeks of calls, waitlists, and insurance back-and-forth. By the time you reach someone, you may have been white-knuckling it for a month. The rest of California life doesn't pause to make space for that search. Bay Area, LA, and San Diego traffic mean an in-person session can easily eat two to three hours once you account for the drive and parking. The cost of living adds financial pressure that started before the baby arrived. In the Central Valley and the more rural inland communities, the specialists are simply not there in person at all. Phoenix Health therapists are licensed in California and hold PMH-C certification in perinatal mental health. Sessions happen by secure video, on a schedule built around feeds, naps, and pickup times. You don't need to find parking near a Berkeley office, line up backup childcare for a 50-minute appointment, or wait for an opening in San Diego. From Sacramento to the coast, from the Central Valley to LA, the session comes to you.
Mental health parity in California
California's SB 855 (signed 2020, effective 2021) is the strongest state-level mental health parity law in the country. It explicitly prohibits insurers from using more restrictive medical necessity criteria for mental health than for comparable medical conditions, eliminates arbitrary visit limits, and requires coverage to be based on generally accepted standards of care — not insurer-defined criteria. California insurers cannot cap the number of therapy sessions or impose higher cost-sharing for mental health than for medical specialist visits. If you are denied coverage, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) at 1-888-466-2219.
Dr. Emily Guarnotta
Psychologist & Founder
From our founder
When I had my first child, I was shocked by the challenges I faced as a new mother.
Like so many women, the shame of postpartum depression and anxiety kept me silent for nearly two years. When I began working with postpartum clients, I was struck by how many stories were so similar to my own.
I founded Phoenix Health to make it easier for new mothers like me to find the right help.
Therapists in California
Most Phoenix Health therapists hold PMH-C certification — the gold standard in perinatal mental health.
Sailys Concepcion
LMHC, LPC, LPCC, PMH-C
Sailys is a bilingual therapist who helps parents navigate the emotional journey of pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, and loss across California, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Washington, and Louisiana.
Licensed in CA, LA, WA, AZ, GA, FL
Analisa Velasco-Lopez
LCSW
Analisa is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who offers a holistic and trauma-informed approach to supporting parents through every stage of their family-building journey.
Licensed in CA
Nadine Mejia
LCSW, PMH-C
Nadine is a licensed clinical social worker who helps parents navigate postpartum depression, grief, and major life transitions in California, South Carolina, and Florida.
Licensed in CA, SC, FL
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Natalia Cruz Navarro
LCSW
Natalia Cruz Navarro is a bilingual therapist who supports parents through pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and postpartum mental health challenges in California.
Licensed in CA
Conditions we treat in California
Our therapists specialize in the full range of perinatal mental health conditions.
Real clients. Real relief.
What our clients say about their experience.
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“My emergency C-section left me with nightmares and panic attacks. I couldn't talk about the birth without shaking. Therapy helped me process the trauma and reclaim my story. I'm pregnant again now, and I actually feel ready.”
— expecting mom of 1
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“I had intrusive thoughts that terrified me. I was too ashamed to tell anyone, even my partner. My therapist explained postpartum OCD and helped me understand I wasn't dangerous. The intrusive thoughts are 90% gone now. I wish I'd reached out sooner.”
— mom of 2
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“After three failed IVF rounds, I was told to just stay positive. My therapist was the first person who acknowledged the grief, the anger, and the exhaustion, and helped me process what I had been through. I finally felt seen.”
— hopeful mom
Expert care.
Covered in California.
- ✓Aetna (incl. CVS Health, First Health, & Meritain)
- ✓BCBS (incl. Anthem, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, & state plans)
- ✓Cigna / Evernorth
- ✓United Healthcare (UHC) / Optum (incl. UBH, UMR, Surest, Oscar, & Oxford)
- ✓Magellan Healthcare
Most clients pay less than $20 per session.
Accepted Insurance Networks
Ready to book? Here’s how it works.
The whole process takes about 5 minutes. We handle insurance — you just show up.
- 1
Book your free call
A quick 15-minute chat to hear what you're going through, answer your questions, and make sure we're a great fit for your needs. No cost, no commitment.
- 2
Get matched
We'll pair you with the right specialist for your specific situation. We'll also check your insurance, so you know your exact cost per session before moving forward.
- 3
Start your first session
Meet your therapist from the comfort of home. No commute, no waiting rooms, no judgment. Most clients notice a real difference within just 2 to 3 sessions.
No commitment · Most insurance accepted · Available this week
Common questions
- Yes. Phoenix Health provides telehealth therapy to residents of California. Sessions are conducted via secure video from your home, office, or anywhere private — no commute required. All Phoenix Health therapists are licensed and authorized to practice in California.
- PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification) is awarded by Postpartum Support International (PSI) to clinicians who have completed advanced training in perinatal mental health — covering postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, birth trauma, and related conditions. It represents the gold standard of specialization in this field.
- If you're struggling — with your mood, your thoughts, your relationship, or just how you're coping — that's enough of a reason to talk to someone. You don't need a diagnosis. A free consultation is a low-commitment first step.
Trusted by leading voices in parenting and mental health
OBs, doulas, and pediatricians refer their patients to us because we specialize in maternal mental health.
The sooner you start,
the sooner you'll
feel like yourself again.
You've been surviving. It's time to start healing.
No commitment · Covered by insurance · Available this week