A step-by-step guide to finding a local & online counselor to support you with therapy near you in Los Angeles.
Hey there.
If you're reading this, chances are you're navigating the incredible journey of pregnancy or new motherhood. It's a time filled with so much joy, but let's be honest, it can also bring unexpected challenges to your emotional well-being.
You might be feeling more anxious than you ever have, struggling with sadness that just won't lift, or even experiencing overwhelming thoughts.
Know that you're not alone. Many women go through similar experiences during this perinatal phase, which includes pregnancy and the first year after giving birth.
These feelings can range from anxiety and depression to even more specific struggles like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's so important to understand that these aren't just the "baby blues" – they are real and significant conditions that deserve our attention and support.
For some of us, the experience of childbirth itself might not have been what we hoped for, leaving us with feelings of disappointment or even trauma. Then there are the deeply personal battles with infertility and pregnancy loss, which can bring their own unique set of emotional challenges and heartache.
It's estimated that around 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mental health condition like depression or anxiety, so what you're feeling is more common than you might think. When these feelings aren't addressed, they can really take a toll. It can become hard to enjoy everyday life, and you might find it difficult to connect with your little one.
Relationships with your partner and family can also feel strained. Ignoring these feelings can even lead to more serious and long-lasting mental health issues down the road.
If you've experienced birth trauma, you might find yourself replaying difficult moments in your mind, having nightmares, or trying to avoid anything that reminds you of the experience. The sadness and isolation that can come with infertility and pregnancy loss can also be incredibly tough to carry on your own.
Recognizing how much these challenges can affect our lives is the first step in understanding why prioritizing our mental health during this time is so crucial.
The good news is that there's support available, and seeking professional therapy can make a real difference. Think of therapy as a safe and private space where you can talk openly about everything you're feeling without judgment. Therapists who specialize in perinatal mental health truly understand the unique struggles you're facing and have specific training to help. There are different types of therapy that can be really effective. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you manage anxiety and sadness by looking at those negative thought patterns we all get stuck in.
Therapy can give you practical tools to cope, ease your symptoms, help you feel better overall, and strengthen those precious connections with your loved ones. Choosing to go to therapy is a brave act of self-care and a step towards healing and a brighter, more joyful experience.
Recognizing the need for specialized support is a sign of strength, and this article aims to guide mothers in the Los Angeles area through the process of finding the best therapist to navigate these unique experiences. Searching for a therapist near you can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with challenges like depression, anxiety, or parenting stress. Many people face long waitlists and struggle to find specialized mental health support that fits their schedule and needs.
Whether you're looking for in-person sessions or the convenience of online therapy, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to connect with the right mental health professional for your situation.
The therapist you choose can significantly impact your mental health journey. Here's why finding the right match is crucial:
When you're searching for a specialized therapist near you in Los Angeles, technically any licensed therapist can offer support, but those with specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) possess a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and evidence-based treatments for moms. This specialized training equips therapists to accurately recognize symptoms that might be misinterpreted by those without this expertise.
It is essential to find a therapist who has direct experience working with pregnant and postpartum individuals and possesses a genuine understanding of the nuances of this specific life stage
Once you have a few therapists in mind, take some time to really look at their profiles. When evaluating potential therapists near you, consider these critical factors:
Qualifications and licenses are super important. Make sure they have a valid license, like LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or PhD/PsyD. These licenses mean they've met specific education and training standards. Also, consider how many years of experience they have working with women facing perinatal challenges. Someone with more experience might have a deeper understanding of what you're going through. Pay close attention to their specific areas of expertise. Look for therapists who clearly say they specialize in prenatal therapy, postpartum issues, birth trauma, or infertility. A therapist who focuses their practice on these areas and has specific training is often the best fit. One special certification to look for is the Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International. This shows they've had advanced training and are highly competent in perinatal mental health, so it's a great credential to keep an eye out for. Maintaining the PMH-C certification requires ongoing continuing education, ensuring that certified therapists remain current with the latest research and best practices.
What to check:
Understanding the different therapy approaches a therapist uses can also help you decide if they're right for you. There are a few common types of therapy for perinatal challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you change negative thought patterns , which can be really helpful for anxiety, depression, and those racing thoughts. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is designed to process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact , which can be incredibly effective for birth trauma. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving your relationships , which can be so important during the postpartum period. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a specific type of CBT for dealing with the effects of trauma. Psychodynamic Therapy looks at past experiences to help you understand yourself better, which can be helpful for the complex emotions around infertility or loss. When you're looking at profiles or websites, see if they mention experience with these approaches.
Different therapy styles work better for different people and conditions:
Ask potential therapists about their methods and how they might adapt them to your needs.
Therapy is an investment in your wellbeing, but financial factors are important:
When searching for a "therapist near me," practical considerations matter:
During a consultation or first appointment, ask these important questions to help you evaluate fit with your therapist:
"What experience do you have treating [your specific concern]?" Understanding their background with your particular challenges helps ensure they have the right expertise.
"Do you accept my insurance, or what are your self-pay rates?" Clarify payment options early to avoid financial surprises.
"What therapy methods do you typically use for issues like mine?" Their answer will help you determine if their style matches your preferences and needs.
"How soon can I schedule my first appointment, and what's your typical availability?" This information helps you gauge whether their schedule will work with yours.
When you're making this important decision about who to trust with your prenatal and postpartum mental health in Los Angeles, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure you find the best fit for you.
The specific expertise of the therapist is really important. You want to find someone who has experience and training in exactly what you're going through, whether it's general support during pregnancy or postpartum, help with the difficult emotions after birth trauma , or navigating the complexities of infertility.
Think about the therapeutic approach they use too. Different types of therapy work better for different people. For example, if you've experienced birth trauma, looking for a therapist trained in EMDR or TF-CBT would be a great idea, as these are specifically designed to help with trauma. For anxiety and depression, CBT and IPT are often very helpful.
Let's talk about the practical stuff. Cost and insurance coverage are definitely things you'll want to figure out early on. Knowing their fees and whether they take your insurance can help make sure therapy is something you can realistically continue without added stress.
Think about location too. Do you want to see someone in person in Los Angeles? Or would online therapy (teletherapy) be easier for you right now? Online therapy can be a lifesaver, especially when you have a new baby and it's hard to get out of the house. There are many online platforms that connect you with therapists who specialize in perinatal mental health.
And maybe the most important thing of all is how you personally connect with the therapist. The relationship you have with your therapist is a big part of how well therapy works. You want to feel comfortable, understood, and like you can really trust them. Many therapists offer a quick initial chat, sometimes for free, so you can see if it feels like a good fit. This is your chance to get a sense of their style and whether you think they'll be the right person to support you.
To help you make your decision, it can be helpful to make a little checklist of what's most important to you. Then, as you look at different therapists, you can see who checks off the most boxes.
The relationship established between a mother and her therapist, often referred to as the therapeutic alliance, plays a pivotal role in the success of therapy. Feeling comfortable and genuinely understood by the therapist is paramount. When a mother feels safe, heard, and validated, it fosters open communication and allows for a deeper exploration of her emotions and challenges.
For mothers who have experienced adversity in the past, the therapeutic relationship can be particularly challenging due to potential difficulties with intimacy and trus . In such cases, the therapist's empathy and ability to build trust become even more critical.
The quality of this relationship can significantly influence a mother's willingness to engage in therapy and the progress she ultimately makes. A genuine connection and a sense of trust with the therapist provide the necessary foundation for vulnerability and personal growth.
Paying close attention to how the therapist communicates, whether they actively listen, and if they demonstrate empathy towards your concerns can provide valuable insights.
It is also important to notice if you feel a sense of connection and comfort with the therapist's overall demeanor and approach. The therapist should create a non-judgmental space where you feel safe to share your experiences honestly.
Trust in a therapeutic relationship involves feeling confident in the therapist's competence and believing they have your best interests at heart. Empathy refers to the therapist's capacity to understand and share your feelings.
Feeling validated, meaning your experiences and emotions are acknowledged and normalized, is also crucial.
Due to high demand, many in-person therapists in Los Angeles have long waitlists. If you have access to an internet connection, you may want to consider online therapy.
Taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful decision—whether you choose in-person or online therapy, you deserve support that fits your needs.
You can learn more about these by reading about differnet perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
Therapy costs in Los Angeles generally range from $100-250 per session without insurance. With insurance coverage, your copay might be $20-50 per session, depending on your plan. Some therapists offer sliding scale rates based on income.
Check that they have proper licensing for your state (look for credentials like Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and licensed psychologists). You can verify their license through your state's professional licensing board.
Therapists (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) provide counseling but typically cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists have doctoral degrees and can perform psychological testing. PMH-C is an additional specialized credential from Postpartum Support International in perinatal mental health. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication but often don't provide regular talk therapy.
Some people notice improvement after a few sessions, but meaningful change typically takes 6-8 sessions. More complex issues may require longer-term therapy.
It's completely normal to try more than one therapist before finding the right fit. Most therapists understand this and won't take it personally if you decide to continue your search.
Yes, many therapists specialize in maternal mental health. When searching directories, look for keywords like "postpartum," "perinatal," or "maternal mental health." Phoenix Health specifically focuses on this area.
Taking care of your mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby. It's okay to not feel okay, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're in Los Angeles, we really encourage you to use the information in this guide to find a therapist who understands what you're going through, whether it's prenatal or postpartum depression or anxiety , the challenges after birth trauma , or the emotional difficulties of infertility or pregnancy loss. Please know that healing is possible. With the right support from professionals and your community, you can navigate these challenges, take care of yourself, and truly enjoy this special time in your life.
If you’re searching for “therapist near me in Los Angeles”, remember: help is available, whether in-person or online. Phoenix Health offers compassionate, specialized care for moms navigating all kinds of prenatal & postpartum challenges.
We need some information about you to match you with specialized support.
Let’s start with your contact details:, then we'll forward you to our intake form.
We'll send our intake survey so that we can match you with a therapist!