Postpartum Depression Counseling for New Parents
You were told this would be the happiest time of your life. Instead, you're exhausted in a way sleep doesn't fix, crying without knowing why, or lying awake with worries you can't turn off. Maybe you feel disconnected from your baby and afraid to say that out loud.
You're not failing, and you're not alone. Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of having a baby — affecting around 1 in 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers, according to Postpartum Support International. It's also highly treatable.
At Morrisville Counseling and Consulting, our therapists specialize in postpartum depression treatment and the broader range of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders — the clinical term for depression, anxiety, and related conditions that can start during pregnancy or anytime in the first year after birth. We work with birthing parents, fathers, and non-birthing partners, using evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and attachment and parent-infant work.
If medication is part of your plan, therapy works well alongside care from your OB or a psychiatrist.
Rates and Insurance Coverage
Morrisville Counseling and Consulting (MCC) is proudly in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and several other insurance providers, making it easier for you to access quality care.
Our self-pay rate is $170.00 per session.
If you’re using an out-of-network provider, we can provide a Superbill to help you request direct reimbursement for a portion of your session cost, depending on your plan’s terms.
For specific details, please check with your insurance provider.
Insurance Coverage Details
We are in-network with the following Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans:
PPO's
HMO's *
Blue Value
Blue Options
Blue Advantage
Blue Care
BCBS UNC Health Alliance and Blue Home
Classic BlueState Health Plan for state employees
Federal for federal employees
* Morrisville Counseling is in-network with a select number of HMO's. Verification will be required
Signs of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression doesn't always look like sadness. Many parents describe it as:
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Feeling numb, flat, or disconnected from your baby
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Crying often, sometimes without a clear reason
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Irritability or anger that feels out of proportion
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Exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest
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Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
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Guilt, shame, or a sense that you're not a good parent
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Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps
Symptoms can begin during pregnancy or anytime in the first year after birth — not just in the first few weeks.
Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety is just as common as postpartum depression, and often goes unrecognized because it can look like "normal" new-parent worry.
The difference is intensity. Postpartum anxiety can mean racing thoughts you can't quiet, checking on the baby again and again, a constant sense that something terrible is about to happen, or physical symptoms like a tight chest and trouble breathing.
Some parents experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts about harm coming to their baby — thoughts that are frightening precisely because they're the opposite of what you want.
Those intrusive thoughts are a recognized symptom, not a sign you're dangerous, and they respond well to treatment.
Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
Most new parents experience the "baby blues" — tearfulness, mood swings, and feeling overwhelmed in the first couple of weeks after birth. The baby blues are common and usually fade on their own within about two weeks.
Postpartum depression is different. It lasts longer, feels heavier, and gets in the way of daily life. If what you're feeling hasn't lifted after two weeks, is getting worse, or is making it hard to care for yourself or your baby, it's worth talking to someone.
Learn more about the difference →
Postpartum depression and anxiety aren't limited to birthing parents. Fathers and non-birthing partners can experience them too, and we work with them as well.
Learn more about perinatal mood disorders in dads and partners →
You deserve peace of mind.
We can help you get there.
Step 1: Schedule a Free 15-minute phone consultation.
Fill out the form and we will respond to schedule a time for your consultation.
Step 2: Our Staff will create a plan and walk with you through your journey.
Step 3: Start living and feeling the way you’ve always wanted!
Schedule a Consultation or Send us a Question
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
A Holistic Approach to Emotional Well-Being. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands as a beacon of support for individuals navigating the complexities of perinatal mood disorders. It begins by unraveling negative thought patterns, guiding individuals to confront and challenge their impact on emotions and behaviors. By dismantling distorted beliefs about self and situation, CBT paves the way for a healthier self-perception, instilling confidence in one's abilities amid emotional turmoil.
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Improved self-perception and confidence
CBT therapy for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders helps individuals unravel negative thought patterns and challenge distorted beliefs about themselves and their situations.
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Coping toolkit for managing stress and emotions
CBT equips individuals with tangible coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and effective problem-solving skills.
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Tailored Parenting Guidance
For new parents, CBT offers tailored guidance on parenting concerns, bolstering their confidence in nurturing their child despite internal struggles.
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Enhanced Social Support and Relapse Prevention
CBT focuses on enhancing social support by strengthening communication within support networks. Additionally, it provides individuals with relapse prevention strategies, helping them identify triggers and craft coping plans.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emerges as a transformative approach in the realm of perinatal mood disorders, offering a profound path to emotional wellness. Rooted in acceptance, ACT encourages individuals to embrace their challenging emotions without judgment, fostering a liberating sense of emotional freedom. Mindfulness becomes a guiding light, teaching individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed, granting them control over their emotional landscape.
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Embracing Challenging Emotions
ACT encourages individuals to accept and embrace their challenging emotions without judgment, promoting emotional freedom and well-being.
Clarifying Values and Goal Setting
ACT empowers individuals to clarify their values and set achievable goals, providing purpose and focus during emotional turmoil.
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Mindfulness and Emotional Control
ACT teaches mindfulness, allowing individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed, granting them control over their emotional landscape.
Enhanced Parenting and Resilience
ACT supports individuals in parenthood by infusing mindfulness, patience, and self-compassion. It fosters resilience and adaptability in the face of parenting challenges, ultimately promoting emotional well-being and healthier parent-child relationships.
Exposure Therapy for Postpartum Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts
Exposure Therapy, a powerful intervention for perinatal mood disorders, helps individuals confront fears and anxieties with resilience and courage. Here's how it works:
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Systematic Desensitization
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Exposure Therapy gradually exposes individuals to their childbirth, parenting, and baby well-being fears, starting with imaginary encounters and progressing to real-life experiences under therapist guidance.
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Therapist Support and Coping Strategies
Skilled therapists provide unwavering support, teaching coping strategies such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and mindfulness techniques tailored to individual needs.
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Cognitive Restructuring
This technique empowers individuals to challenge and reframe negative thoughts linked to perinatal mood disorders, helping them view their experiences more positively.
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Empowerment and Triumph Over Fears
Exposure Therapy leads to a profound sense of empowerment, instilling confidence in individuals to confront anxieties, fostering emotional well-being, and illuminating the path to resilience and recovery from perinatal mood disorders.
Postpartum Therapy Near Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Apex
Our Morrisville office is a short drive from Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill — right at the intersection of I-40 and 540. We also offer telehealth throughout North Carolina, which many new parents find easier than getting out the door with a newborn.
Find us just off of i40 and 540 at:
2880 Slater Rd, Suite 100 Morrisville, NC 27560
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Depression
How long does postpartum depression last?
Without treatment, postpartum depression can last months or longer. With therapy, many parents start feeling meaningfully better within a few months. Every person is different, which is why we check in regularly on how treatment is going.
What's the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression?
The baby blues usually fade within about two weeks. Postpartum depression lasts longer, feels heavier, and interferes with daily life. If you're unsure, a free consultation is a good place to talk it through.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
Symptoms can vary but may include persistent sadness, irritability, anxiety, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Common symptoms of postpartum psychosis include hallucinations, both auditory and visual, delusions, disorganized thinking, extreme mood swings, agitation, confusion, and severe insomnia. Women experiencing postpartum psychosis may have thoughts of harming themselves or their baby, making it a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention and intervention. It is essential to reach out to a healthcare professional promptly if any of these symptoms are present to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Learn more about recognizing the symptoms.
Can I get help during pregnancy?
Yes. Depression and anxiety can begin during pregnancy, not just after birth. This is why clinicians use the broader term "perinatal," which covers both. We work with parents at any point during pregnancy and the first year after.
Can postpartum depression affect fathers and partners?
Yes, perinatal mood disorders can affect fathers and partners as well, not just mothers. They can experience symptoms of depression and anxiety before, during pregnancy and after the baby is born. Learn more about the connection between birth trauma and postpartum mental health.
What causes postpartum depression?
Perinatal mood disorders can be caused by a combination of hormonal changes, genetics, sleep deprivation, and stress related to pregnancy and parenting.
Is therapy effective for postpartum depression?
Yes, therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches, is highly effective in treating perinatal mood disorders. Therapy provides coping strategies, emotional support, and a safe space to discuss feelings and concerns.
How can partners support someone with a perinatal mood disorder?
Partners can provide emotional support, assist with daily tasks, encourage seeking professional help, and educate themselves about perinatal mood disorders to better understand their loved one's experience.
Learn even more about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please reach out now. Call or text 988, call 911, or contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline — call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). It's free, confidential, and available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
