Depression during pregnancy: know a good therapist?

<3 I was there a year ago. Strongly recommend Women's Wellness Psychiatry. It's all remote, but they're so wonderful. Dr. Michelle Barton especially. https://annaglezermd.com/

Glad you are seeking help and hope you find the perfect therapist.   I wanted to share that there are new studies out about folic acid and depression in pregnancy if you have a MTHFR mutation.  May be worth checking out, I did not know I had it until after my daughter was born and wish I had known sooner so thought I would share.  Of course talk to your Dr but if you are already taking a multi you could ask about trying a methylated one which would have the more bioavailable form of folate to see if you notice any difference.  Congratulations and sending my best for finding the best care.  

Sorry to hear this has been tough! I did not particularly struggle emotionally during pregnancy but have had a good experience working with Susan Sekler on other issues and have known others to find her helpful through pregnancy and postpartum challenges. She is also one of the rare therapists who takes insurance (at least mine, which is Anthem BlueCross BlueShield). Recommend giving her a try! 

Not a therapy recommendation, but highly recommend asking your ob to try Zoloft, which is safe in pregnancy, and/or for a referral to a psychiatrist- ideally one who has experience with pregnancy/postpartum. 

Hi there, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Sending you lots of love and hope that you’ll find some relief soon.
 

Here are a few therapist names that were passed to me that specialize in this area: 

Caitlin Steele (remote only)

Ellie Ehrenhaft (office on college Ave)

Stacy George (remote but may have in person availability later) 

also, if you’re interested in seeing a psychiatrist that specializes in medication during pregnancy, this person came highly recommended and is an expert in this area (didn’t see her though so can’t vouch personally): http://www.miriamschultzmd.com/repro.html

So sorry you are experiencing this, and great that you're seeking support.  I don't have a personal recommendation, but wanted to be sure you know about

Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/

and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline

If you plan to nurse your baby, I recommend asking potential providers how they can help you accomplish that goal. There are still providers who believe that lactation is incompatible with maternal mental health, but that doesn't have to be the case for everyone. Also, get good skilled lactation support from the start (even prenatally), since challenges with nursing can definitely worsen/trigger any existing mental health issues. 

So sorry you are dealing with this. I had two very rough pregnancies that came with a lot of fear and anxiety. Dr. Donna Rothert was recommended to me by my OB and a friend and she is wonderful. She's very intuitive and can read between the lines even over zoom. I can't recommend her enough. 

Unfortunately, I'm not able to recommend a therapist (I don't know of any with current openings), but I'd also recommend seeing an acupuncturist who specializes in supporting women during pregnancy. My hormones caused me all kinds of difficulty during pregnancy and postpartum. My acupuncturist was able to help stabilize me. I currently go to Mitchell Family Acupuncture in Berkeley (https://mitchellfamilyacupuncture.com) and see Lauren, though there are quite a few practices in this area that also specialize in women's health (you could try doing a Yelp search for one in your area). Wishing you relief!

I’m sorry you’re going through this, but good for you for recognizing and reaching out for help. I know it’s not easy. Please check with your OB practice, they may have a list of resources for you. You can also try to go through insurance, but I found this to be more frustrating as every therapist I contacted through it was either too booked or did not respond at all. Take good care of yourself and good luck. 

Sharon Tyson for therapy and Miriam Schulz for peri/postnatal psychiatry. Talk was beneficial but the right SSRI rescued me. Hang in there. 

Hi! I have had bad depression in both my pregnancies. I am working with Sand Chang as my therapist, though I’m not focusing on depression specifically with them.

I also see Dr. Melissa Tyler at PAWC for my psychiatrist. I highly recommend talking to a psychiatrist about considering meds. Sometimes people are very nervous to do so in pregnancy but it is an option. There are safe meds you can take in pregnancy and it literally saved my life. 
Finally, in case finding a psychiatrist is hard, (finding a Psychiatrist to take me quickly, while pregnant was hard last time your OB or pcp can probably prescribe antidepressants to get you started.

Hi, I am sorry to hear you are experiencing depression symptoms during your second pregnancy. I am a therapist in the Bay Area, mother of two young kids and I really enjoying working with pre/postpartum parents who are needing more mental health support during those big times of transition. Here is my website: www.ferriswahl.com, please feel free to each out if you think we might be a good fit. Take care & hope you find the support you need! Ferris 

Amy Wallerstein Friedman in Oakland was wonderful. (510) 482-9889

While you're waiting to find a therapist, definitely get lots of sunshine, walk outside a lot, eat comfort foods. Try to avoid doomscrolling (that's what I did during my postpartum depression). Hang in there!

If you happen to have Kaiser - they have (or at least had 5 years ago) a pari-partum/ post partum group therapy program for mom’s (or soon to be mom’s) experiencing depression/anxiety. It was weekly/drop in. It was super helpful for me. (Along with my own individual therapy). Hang in there <3

I am very sorry you are struggling right now. I highly recommend Shara Kaufman. She is a LCSW with a lot of experience in perinatal mental health. Here is her phone number: 510-288-2705. 
good luck!