When to See a Perinatal Psychologist vs. a General Therapist
Wondering whether you need a perinatal mental health specialist or a general therapist? Here is what is different and what to ask before you book.
When to see a perinatal psychologist vs. a general therapist
If you are thinking about therapy during pregnancy or after having a baby, you may wonder whether you need someone who specialises in perinatal mental health or whether a general therapist is enough.
Both can help. The useful difference is in the area of training and experience they bring to this stage of life.
What a general therapist can help with
A general therapist has broad training in mental health and may work with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, stress and earlier experiences that continue to affect you.
If the main concern began before pregnancy, or is not closely connected to pregnancy, birth or the postpartum period, a general therapist may be a good fit. A therapist you already trust and feel comfortable with can also be an important part of the decision.
What specialised perinatal training adds
A psychologist with specialised training in perinatal mental health understands the period around pregnancy, birth and the postpartum year in greater depth.
That training can include the biological, neurological, hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy and postpartum, as well as the emotional, psychological and social changes that can happen during this time.
Postpartum depression and anxiety
Intrusive thoughts and perinatal OCD
Birth related trauma and difficult birth experiences
Changes in identity and relationships after becoming a mother
How pregnancy and postpartum experiences can affect mental wellbeing
Working alongside a mother's gynaecologist or paediatrician when appropriate
So which one should you choose?
There is no single right answer.
If your concerns are closely connected to pregnancy, birth, postpartum changes, your identity as a mother or symptoms that began during this period, specialised perinatal training may be particularly relevant.
If you are working through a longstanding concern that started before pregnancy, a general therapist may be a very good fit.
If you are unsure, ask about the therapist's experience with pregnancy and postpartum mental health before you book.
Questions to ask before you book
Have you worked with mothers during pregnancy or postpartum recently?
What perinatal mental health concerns do you commonly work with?
Are you comfortable working with intrusive thoughts, postpartum anxiety or birth related distress?
Would you coordinate with my gynaecologist or paediatrician if needed?
A clear answer about their experience can help you decide whether their training and approach match what you need.
When to seek support
You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable before asking for help. Consider speaking with a mental health professional if low mood or anxiety persists, daily functioning becomes difficult, you feel disconnected from yourself or your baby, or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek urgent professional help. In India, Tele-MANAS provides 24×7 tele-mental health support at 14416 or 1800-89-14416.
You care for your baby, we care for you. — Woon Health
Questions people ask
1. What is the difference between a perinatal psychologist and a general therapist?
A general therapist has broad mental health training and can support concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationships and stress. A psychologist with specialised training in perinatal mental health has additional experience with pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
Do I need a perinatal mental health specialist after having a baby?
Not necessarily. Both general therapists and psychologists with specialised perinatal training can help. A perinatal specialist may be particularly relevant when your concerns are closely connected to pregnancy, birth, postpartum changes or becoming a mother.
Can a general therapist help with postpartum depression?
Yes. A general therapist can support depression and anxiety, including concerns that occur after having a baby. If your difficulties are closely connected to pregnancy, birth or postpartum experiences, you may also find specialised perinatal training useful.
When should I see a psychologist with specialised perinatal training?
It may be worth looking for specialised perinatal experience if you are dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety, intrusive thoughts, birth-related distress, or changes in your identity and relationships after becoming a mother.
What should I ask a therapist before booking an appointment?
You can ask whether they have recently worked with mothers during pregnancy or postpartum, what perinatal concerns they commonly work with, and whether they are comfortable discussing concerns such as intrusive thoughts or birth-related distress.