Postpartum Anxiety & Depression Therapy in San Luis Obispo County
In-person in Pismo Beach and Atascadero, or online anywhere in California.
Postpartum Anxiety Therapy in San Luis Obispo County
Postpartum Therapy Near You in Pismo Beach & Atascadero
Postpartum Depression Counseling & Therapy
Support for Postpartum Anxiety, Depression & Intrusive Thoughts
If you haven’t felt like yourself since having your baby, you’re not alone, and help is available. BLOOM’s Perinatal Therapists support moms across San Luis Obispo County with postpartum anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts, in person at our Pismo Beach and Atascadero offices or online. Many moms start with a free consult call to see if we’re the right fit.
- Feelings of regret or guilt around missing your old life
- Feeling like something bad is going to happen to your baby
- Physical symptoms like tightness in your chest, muscle tightness, or extreme fatigue
- Crying often or labile mood
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A lack of appetite, or problems with overeating
- Inability to sleep at night when your baby is asleep
Reaching out for help is a courageous first step to feeling better
THERAPY IN PISMO BEACH, ATASCADERO & ONLINE IN CALIFORNIA
Cost, Insurance and Getting Started
Session Fees
Our BLOOM Perinatal Mental Health Therapist fees range from $195–$250 per individual or couples therapy session.
Insurance
BLOOM is a boutique private pay practice and is “out-of-network” with all private insurance companies. After each therapy session, you will be emailed a superbill to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. We will check your “out of network” benefits during the consult call and will let you know your reimbursement amount.
BLOOM is a CenCal provider for residents of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
Where & How
We have two office locations on the Central Coast for in-person therapy sessions. Our Pismo Beach office is located at 310 James Way, Suite 150, Pismo Beach, CA. Our Atascadero office is located at 7735 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA. We also see new moms and clients by telehealth/online video anywhere in California. Babies under 1 are welcome in session.
Your First Step
A Free Consult Call is optional, but it’s a chance to tell us what you’re looking for, ask questions, and check your insurance benefits. Then you choose the BLOOM Therapist you want to work with and book your Initial Therapy Session.
What is Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?
Postpartum depression is a common form of depression that affects 1 in 5 new moms (and some dads) and shows up as persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or joy in once-enjoyable activities. PPD is often dismissed as the “baby blues,” but it’s more serious, and can make taking care of yourself and your baby difficult.
Postpartum anxiety is just as common and affects 1 in 5 moms (and some dads) and involves feelings of excessive worry, fear, and heightened anxiety levels. You might have racing thoughts, can’t relax or sleep well, worry about the baby’s safety, or have fears of something bad happening. It’s more than the usual worry that new parents feel, and it can make daily life a challenge.
Parenthood adds a new dynamic to your life. Postpartum therapy can offer:
- A safe space for you to talk through your feelings without judgement
- Practical strategies to reframe negative self talk, anxious thoughts and improve your mood
- Self care skills to find a version of motherhood that works for you
- Strategies to increase your bond and attachment with your baby and children
- Nervous system regulation skills to help you handle the highs and lows of parenthood with confidence and calm
- A shift in the way you think about yourself, making way for personal growth and confidence in your motherhood journey
- Connection to perinatal referrals for lactation, pelvic floor therapy, chiropractic care, hormone support and perinatal support groups
BLOOM MATERNAL HEALTH
Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), our Perinatal Therapists explore how your thoughts affect your feelings, which then affect your behaviors. Reframing negative or anxious thoughts can help shift emotions around your birth, baby, or postpartum experience and affect how you approach your day-to-day life.
When anxiety around your baby’s health and keeping them safe turns into obsessions and compulsions, our Perinatal Therapists use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help reduce the distress caused by anxious and intrusive thoughts and help you live into your values of motherhood.
We recognize that birth trauma, miscarriage loss, postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression can often get trapped in our body’s nervous system. Our Perinatal Therapists use somatic practices like EFT Tapping, body scanning, diaphragmatic breathing, and nervous system regulation exercises, to help your body return to a calm and grounded state. By relaxing our body, we can then encourage our thoughts to follow suit.
We recognize that as a woman and mother we have multiple “parts” that make us who we are. Our Perinatal Therapists draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS) to acknowledge all of your parts and bring more compassion, understanding and acceptance to the parts of us that feel stuck; to experience wholeness and our true authentic self.
We believe that you are the expert in your life and that you have everything you need to overcome your postpartum mental health struggles. Our Perinatal Therapist’s role is to give you the tools and strategies to uncover your strengths, empowering you to find the version of motherhood that works for you.
Our Perinatal Therapists approach your postpartum mental health challenges from a complete mind, body, soul connection. We believe that how we treat our bodies in postpartum affects our mental health and vice versa. We recognize that uninterrupted sleep, daily movement, and healthy nutrition are the building blocks for mental wellness.
Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are very treatable. You don’t have to do this alone.
Megan Richert, LCSW, PMH-C | Founder & Clinical Director
Lindsay Beck, AMFT | BLOOM Associate Therapist
About Us
Why Choose Bloom Maternal Therapy
Because we are therapists who “get it”.
At BLOOM, we are more than just your general therapist. We’re specialized Perinatal Mental Health Therapists who are also mothers who genuinely understand the emotional highs and lows of pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. We pair personal experience with evidenced- based perinatal mental health care to support you through every phase of this journey.
We’re here to provide the tools, specialized therapy and emotional support you need to feel grounded and resilient- whether you’re adjusting to postpartum, struggling with anxious thoughts, low mood or difficulty bonding with your baby.
BLOOM Maternal Therapy was founded on deeply personal insights into the isolation and challenges of early motherhood, with one goal: to ensure no woman ever has to ask “Where is the support for me?”
Let us be your emotional sanctuary; your healing space; your place to let it all out – judgment free – during this beautiful, overwhelming, and transformative season of life.
We support women in Pismo Beach, Atascadero and virtually across California.
We Value
Compassion
Collaboration
Curiosity
Our Team
Therapists who specialize in therapy for postpartum Anxiety & depression
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Our Approach
How Our Therapy Works
Motherhood is a deeply personal journey, and finding the right path means discovering what truly resonates with you, your family, and your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have the baby blues?
The “baby blues” are a very common feeling affecting 70-80% of new mothers during the first 2-3 weeks postpartum (postpartum.net). Symptoms of the “baby blues” include mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, sadness, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
The symptoms are thought to be caused by hormonal shifts, acute sleep deprivation, and an intense adjustment period. The symptoms normally reside on their own after the 2-3 week period with no further treatment needed.
How do I know if I have postpartum depression?
Postpartum Depression occurs in 1 in 5 women (postpartum.net) and can be present anytime during pregnancy (known as prenatal depression) until two years postpartum. The symptoms of Postpartum Depression can include: depressed or sad mood, crying spells, irritability, withdrawal, loss of appetite, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, lack of energy, lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy, feelings of shame or guilt, hopelessness, and the inability to think clearly or concentrate. In some cases thoughts of harming your baby or yourself are also present.
Postpartum Depression is a serious condition that does not resolve on its own. With the right support – likely a combination of perinatal therapy and medication – postpartum depression symptoms can be managed while care is provided to heal and move forward.
How do I know if I have postpartum anxiety?
Postpartum Anxiety occurs in 1 in 5 women (postpartum.net) and can occur during pregnancy (known as prenatal anxiety) until two years postpartum.
The symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety are excessive worry, racing thoughts, inability to sleep at night when your baby is asleep, intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby, change in appetite, difficulty focusing or forgetfulness, feeling on edge, irritability, and an inability to relax.
Postpartum Anxiety is a condition that can be resolved with treatment; typically through a combination of perinatal therapy and medication.
Do I need to take medication to treat my Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety?
The short answer is not necessarily but maybe. It will be up to you and your BLOOM therapist to decide if an evaluation by an OBGYN, Primary Care Physician or Psychiatrist is necessary to explore medication options for your treatment of Postpartum Depression and/or Postpartum Anxiety.
Oftentimes, meeting with a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist can be effective in helping you navigate your symptoms of Postpartum Depression and/or Postpartum Anxiety. However, sometimes medication is necessary and essential in alleviating symptoms and helping you feel like yourself again. It is always your choice whether or not to pursue medication options as part of your treatment.
How is a Perinatal Mental Health trained therapist different from a general therapist?
A Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist (PMH-C) has taken an extensive clinical training with Postpartum Support International, completed two years of clinical experience with perinatal clients and passed the credentialing exam. PMH-C therapists also complete continuing education hours in perinatal mental health every two years.
As a group practice of Perinatal Mental Health Therapists, we realize that perinatal mental health challenges are not the same as general anxiety, depression or adjustment challenges. We also have a greater understanding of the female body, hormones, reproductive system, infertility treatments, common pregnancy ailments, birthing experiences, and mental, emotional and physical challenges during pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum and the parenting years.
All of our BLOOM Therapists are Perinatal Mental Health trained or PMH-C certified and bring a level of experience and understanding that is unique to your specific perinatal needs.
Postpartum Therapy in Pismo Beach, Atascadero & Online Across California
Feeling better is the best possible outcome
Every woman is different and comes to us with different challenges. Because of this, we can’t guarantee specific results or timeline.
However, with consistency and commitment, you may notice positive changes such as:
- Relief from your physical and emotional symptoms
- Feeling more connected to your baby
- Being better able to function in your daily life
- A sense of calm that allows you to feel more grounded
- Motivation to get outside and connect with others
- Starting to feel like yourself again
- Having more confidence in your parenting style
Contact Us
Get Started With Bloom Maternal Health
*If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or experiencing confusion, hallucinations, or rapid mood swings, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency. For local support, the SLO County Mental Health Line is 1-800-838-1381.
Book Online
We make getting started easy. You can book a Free Consult Call or Initial Therapy Session online. A Free Consult Call is optional, but provides you the opportunity to let us know what you’re looking for, ask any questions and check your insurance benefits. If you are ready to get started, you can book online using the buttons below.
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Bloom Maternal Therapy
Helping you navigate the most beautiful and challenging stages of motherhood with expert, compassionate care.
