Getting therapy online for postpartum depression lets you meet with a licensed therapist by video or phone, often from your own home. For new parents juggling feedings, recovery, and very little sleep, that flexibility can make getting support feel more possible.
Postpartum depression is common and treatable, and you deserve quality care that fits your life right now. We put this guide together to explain how online therapy works, how well it can help, and how to find the right therapist.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is depression that develops in the weeks and months after having a baby. It falls under perinatal depression, a term that includes depression during pregnancy and after birth. Mood changes that are severe or last longer than two weeks after birth may be a sign of postpartum depression.
Our guide to postpartum depression signs walks through signs and symptoms in more detail. Some people find it comforting to know that they’re not alone, which can make it easier to reach out for help.
How Common Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is common, and some people are at higher risk of developing symptoms.k. In one CDC analysis, symptoms were more common among people who had depression before or during pregnancy, were 19 or younger, or had experienced intimate partner violence.
The same survey found that some new parents were never asked about depression at their postpartum visit. If no one has asked you, it is okay to bring it up yourself. Therapy can help, and this has become more accessible with the expansion of telehealth in the last few years.
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Does Online Therapy Work for Postpartum Depression?
Talk therapy is a core treatment for postpartum depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are evidence-based therapies for perinatal depression. CBT helps you change unhelpful thoughts and habits, and IPT focuses on relationships, support, and adjusting to new roles.
Counseling may also help prevent depression. National guidelines recommend counseling interventions such as CBT or IPT for people at higher risk during pregnancy and after birth.
Research on the effectiveness of online therapy for this group is also encouraging. In a large trial of more than 1,200 pregnant and postpartum adults, therapy delivered by telemedicine worked about as well as in-person sessions for depression symptoms. That flexibility can help make getting treatment a lot easier.
What Are the Benefits of Online Therapy for New Parents?
Online therapy removes some of the barriers that make it hard to get care after having a baby. Many parents appreciate the following.
- No travel. You can join from home without packing a diaper bag, loading a car seat, or arranging a ride.
- Less need for childcare. You may not need a sitter, and you can ask your therapist whether it is okay to have your baby nearby.
- Easier scheduling. Without travel time, it can be easier to fit a session between feedings or naps.
- Recovery-friendly care. Meeting from home can help while your body heals from birth, including a cesarean delivery.
- A wider choice of specialists. You can look beyond your neighborhood for a therapist with perinatal training.
Keep a Few Practical Details in Mind
- Licensing. Therapists generally need to be licensed or permitted to practice in the state where you are located during your session.
- Privacy. Telehealth visits are generally covered by the same privacy rules as in-person care, and meeting in a quiet space on your own is important to ensure your privacy.
- Urgent needs. Online therapy is not designed for emergencies, so your therapist may ask where you are at the start of each session in case urgent help is needed.
When Should I Get Help Right Away?
Some symptoms need urgent care, even if you already have a therapist. Reach out right away if you notice any of these signs.
- You are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
- You feel unable to care for yourself or your baby.
- You notice signs of postpartum psychosis, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there, confusion, paranoia, or beliefs that are not true.
Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency. If you or someone you love shows signs of it, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are having thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988 at any time.
Here is some information to help you choose a therapist when you are ready to get support. How Do I Find an Online Therapist for Postpartum Depression?
Look for a licensed therapist with experience in perinatal mental health. Some therapists hold the Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International, which recognizes competency in helping families through perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Most therapists do not prescribe medication. If medication might help, your OB-GYN, primary care provider, or a psychiatrist can talk through options, including medications approved specifically for postpartum depression.
We created Mental Health Match to make this step easier, and it is free to use. You answer a few questions about your needs, preferences, and budget, and we introduce you to five therapists best suited to help. Our guide to remote versus in-person therapy can also help you decide which format works better for you.
| Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional about any medical concerns. If you are in crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. |
