Find care
Someone who specialises in this
People who work with new mothers every day and will not be surprised by anything you say.
We don't list providers ourselves yet. We would rather send you to directories that are real and maintained than show you a search box backed by names we haven't verified. These are the ones worth your time.
Postpartum Support International
The largest directory of perinatal mental health specialists, plus free weekly support groups and a phone line that will help you search.
Search the PSI directoryOr call 1-800-944-4773 and a volunteer will help you find someone.
Postpartum Psychiatric Consultation
Many US states run free consultation lines that let your own doctor or midwife get expert perinatal psychiatry advice about your care — often the fastest route when there is a waiting list.
See how the consult line worksYour clinician calls it, not you. Ask them to.
Your own maternity team
Your OB, midwife, GP or your baby's pediatrician can all start the referral, and they usually know who locally is good with this. The pediatrician route surprises people — they see you more often than anyone in the first year.
What to say to themYou do not need a diagnosis to ask for a referral.
Who does what
The titles are confusing and nobody explains them. Briefly:
- Perinatal therapist or counsellor
- Talking therapy with someone trained in pregnancy and postpartum. Look for PMH-C after their name in the US — it means certified in perinatal mental health.
- Reproductive psychiatrist
- A doctor who prescribes, with specific expertise in medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The right person for the “can I take anything?” question.
- Postpartum doula
- Practical, in-home support — the baby, the house, the sleep. Not mental health treatment, but genuinely protective against getting worse.
- Peer support
- Free, immediate, and evidenced. PSI runs online groups you can join this week without a referral or a waiting list.
Words you can borrow
The hardest part is usually starting the sentence. Say any of these to your OB, midwife, GP, or your baby's pediatrician.
- “I'd like a referral to someone who specialises in perinatal mental health.”
- “I filled out an Edinburgh scale at home. I'd like to talk about it.”
- “Do you know anyone locally who works specifically with new mothers?”
- “How long is the wait, and what should I do in the meantime?”
- “Is there a consultation line my practice can call about my care?”
If you are dismissed — told this is normal and sent away while you are still frightened — that is a reason to ask someone else, not a verdict. Bring a written note, bring your partner, or bring the score from the reflection. Persistence is not being difficult.
If you can't find anyone near you
Rural areas, long waiting lists and no insurance are all real. Two things that genuinely help: PSI's free online support groups start this week and need no referral, and many perinatal therapists now see patients by video across a whole state.