Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health Counseling
Support for Pregnancy, Postpartum & the Transition to Parenthood
Pregnancy and becoming a parent can bring tremendous change—emotionally, physically, and within your relationships. While some adjustment is expected, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, grief, overwhelm, or simply not feeling like yourself can make this season much harder than you anticipated.
At Avenues of Counseling and Mediation, our experienced therapists provide compassionate mental health support during pregnancy, postpartum, and throughout the transition to parenthood. Whether you are struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, coping with infertility or pregnancy loss, recovering from a difficult or traumatic birth, or having difficulty adjusting to life as a new parent, you don't have to navigate it alone.
We offer counseling at our Akron and Medina, Ohio locations, as well as virtual therapy for clients throughout Ohio.
Need immediate maternal mental health support?
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7.
Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
Perinatal & Maternal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health refers to emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the period following childbirth. Mental health concerns can develop for the first time during this period, or pregnancy and parenthood can intensify concerns that were already present.
Depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy are common—and they are treatable.
Our counselors can provide support for concerns including:
Postpartum depression
Postpartum anxiety
Depression or anxiety during pregnancy
Intrusive or unwanted thoughts
Difficulty bonding or connecting with your baby
Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, angry, or unlike yourself
Adjustment to motherhood and parenthood
Birth trauma
Infertility and fertility-related stress
Pregnancy loss and miscarriage
Grief
Relationship changes after having a baby
Changes in identity, confidence, or self-esteem
Balancing parenting, relationships, work, and self-care
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
The postpartum period can look very different from what you expected.
You may love your baby while also feeling sad, anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, angry, or exhausted. You may find yourself constantly worrying about your baby's safety, questioning whether you're a good parent, struggling to enjoy things you normally would, or feeling guilty because this isn't how you thought you would feel.
Some common signs that additional support may be helpful include:
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or frequent crying
Excessive worry or feeling constantly on edge
Irritability or anger
Loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feeling inadequate or like you're failing as a parent
Difficulty sleeping even when you have the opportunity
Sleeping or eating significantly more or less than usual
Feeling disconnected from yourself, your partner, or your baby
Unwanted or intrusive thoughts
Difficulty managing everyday responsibilities
You do not have to wait until your symptoms become severe to seek counseling. Therapy can provide a confidential place to talk honestly about what you're experiencing, understand what may be contributing to it, and develop strategies to help you feel more like yourself again.
Support Beyond Postpartum Depression
Maternal mental health encompasses much more than postpartum depression.
Our therapists understand that emotional challenges can occur throughout the entire journey to parenthood. Counseling may be helpful while navigating infertility, pregnancy after loss, miscarriage or pregnancy loss, anxiety during pregnancy, a difficult pregnancy, birth trauma, changing relationships, or the enormous adjustment that can accompany becoming a parent.
Treatment is individualized to your experiences, needs, and goals.
Akron Perinatal & Postpartum Therapists
Alissa Ward, MSW, LISW, PMH-C
Alissa specializes in women's mental health with a particular focus on the perinatal period. As a clinician certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C), she provides evidence-based counseling for individuals navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, adjustment to parenting, and postpartum and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Jennifer Fiala, MA, LPC
Jennifer works with adults, adolescents, couples, and families and has experience providing perinatal care, including counseling for postpartum depression and adjustment to early parenthood. Her approach incorporates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches.
Read more about Jennifer Fiala
Medina Perinatal & Postpartum Therapists
Kim Kahelin, MAEd, LPCC
Kim works with adults navigating postpartum depression and anxiety, perinatal loss, and the emotional challenges that can accompany becoming a new or young mother. Her approach incorporates solution-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a systems perspective that considers both the individual and the relationships and circumstances surrounding them.
Heather Shultz, MSW, LISW-S, CCFP
Heather supports individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into parenthood. With more than 15 years of clinical experience, Heather works with concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, stress management, and the emotional adjustments that can accompany becoming a parent.
Read more about Heather Shultz
You Don't Have to Wait Until You're in Crisis
If pregnancy, postpartum changes, loss, infertility, or parenthood are affecting your emotional well-being, reaching out for support is enough reason to begin counseling.
Our intake team can help connect you with a therapist whose experience and availability fit your needs.
Request an appointment online or contact Avenues of Counseling and Mediation to get started.
Need Support Right Now?
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
If you are pregnant, postpartum, or struggling with your mental health related to pregnancy or parenthood, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call or text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Trained counselors can provide immediate emotional support, information and resources, and help connect callers with additional local or telehealth care when needed.
Partners and family members may also contact the hotline for support.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.