Therapist recommendations for pregnancy loss?
Very recently I had to end my pregnancy due to fetal abnormalities at 24 weeks. I am looking for a therapist who specializes in this - preferably the therapist would accept Anthem Blue Cross PPO insurance. Thank you
Feb 17, 2022
Parent Replies
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. It’s a tremendous loss with so many facets to the grief. Good for you for taking steps to talk to someone.
Lynn Byk (https://www.drlynnbyk.com) is a psychologist based in SF who greatly helped me through my pregnancy losses. I hope you find someone you feel comfortable with. Wishing you calm and healing.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but you’re not alone. 💛💛💛
I know of a support group that UCSF and CMPC host for these types of losses called Life After Loss that you might want to check out. Try this email Summer.Segal [at] ucsf.edu.
I did not find a therapist that specifically specialized in this area but met a woman therapist who volunteered her time to meet with families who’ve experienced this type of loss. It wouldn’t be a long term option but message me for contact info if interested.
Finally, I’m not a professional but have experienced a loss similar to yours at 23 weeks and several losses beyond that. I’m now a new mom to a healthy baby boy. I’m happy to talk and share my experience and support, if helpful. Hang in there.
I'm so sorry to read about this decision you recently had to take. I terminated a pregnancy last July for medical reasons as well and it was a heartbreaking fog I lived in for a while. I found an online FB group, 'ending a wanted pregnancy' and it has been an amazing resource of support and information. I am know I've recommendations for the type of therapists were seeking. If you are open to it I would strongly recommend joining the group as an additional resource and support. Happy to chat as well, if you wanted to connect with someone in person.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm not sure about insurance (you may be able to submit a claim) ... but Donna Rothert specializes in pregnancy loss. https://donnarothert.com/. Highly recommend her. She sees patients via zoom right now too.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this but would highly recommend Molly Nourmand, who was invaluable to me during the conception, pregnancy and postpartum period (with all the highs and lows that come with that time). She’s based in LA but I’ve seen her via zoom for almost two years and find that to still be a great experience. She’s also covered by my Anthem PPO plan.
I'm so sorry that you've recently experienced this loss. I had to go through something very similar back in 2017 when we found out at our 21-week anatomy scan that there was an abnormality, and my partner and I made the extremely difficult decision to end our pregnancy. I don't have a recommendation for a therapist but Oakland Kaiser hosts a support group called "Beyond Choice" for those who've gone through a similar loss. I believe the support group is still free and open to non-Kaiser members as well. You can probably find out more at this website https://handsupport.org/services or googling "beyond choice Kaiser". Additionally, this website was pretty helpful to me as I processed our loss: https://endingawantedpregnancy.com/. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Postpartum Support International offers a helpline and referrals, including for those who have experienced pregnancy loss.
https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/loss-grief-in-pregnancy-postpartum/
I’m so sorry for your loss. I second Dr. Rothert. I wasn’t in your exact situation, but had two very medically scary/stressful pregnancies that Dr. Rothert helped me through. I’ve been seeing her for 3.5 years and can’t recommend her enough. She doesn’t take insurance, but my insurance covers 70% after I hit my deductible so that might be a way to help cover costs if your insurance does too.
So sorry for your loss. Here are some resources in addition to what others have already shared. As you can see, you are not alone in walking this difficult path. Best wishes for your healing.
https://rtzhope.org/parents - virtual support groups and in-person retreat
https://perinatalpsychotherapy.com/ - team of three local therapists
http://www.miriamschultzmd.com/ - local psychiatrist specializing in reproductive issues including loss