Maternal Mental Health Resources

Pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period are major life transitions. While this time can be exciting and joyful, it can also bring stress, anxiety, changes in mood, and feelings that may be difficult to navigate.

Some parents adjust easily, while others may need additional support. You do not have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out for help.

The “baby blues” are common after birth and typically improve within the first couple of weeks. Some parents may experience more persistent or intense symptoms, including postpartum anxiety, depression, or other perinatal mental health concerns. We want all mothers to know that  these experiences are treatable, and support is available.

Even if you are not experiencing a specific mental health condition, talking with a therapist during pregnancy or postpartum can be a valuable part of your support system. Having someone to talk to during this major transition can make a meaningful difference.

If you are pregnant or recently had a baby and are experiencing any of the symptoms below, we encourage you to reach out to one of the resources listed below:

  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

  • Anxiety all or most of the time or panic attacks

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or shame

  • Sadness/crying frequently

  • Loss of pleasure/interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Obsessive, racing, scary thoughts

  • Excessive irritability, anger or rage

  • Fear of being left alone with the baby, or that you are not a good enough mother

Local Mental Health Support

Center for Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders – Eatontown, NJ

The Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Eatontown provides specialized mental health care during pregnancy and throughout the first year postpartum. The center also supports individuals and families experiencing infertility or coping with pregnancy or infant loss. Their multidisciplinary team includes professionals in psychiatry, nursing, and social work who specialize in perinatal mental health. Services include individual and couples counseling, therapy for partners and fathers, support groups, trauma and art therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, pregnancy support groups, and mother–baby bonding programs. Free weekly postpartum support groups are also available. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to seek support. Consider reaching out if you’re experiencing persistent sadness, frequent crying, overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive or frightening thoughts, intense irritability, difficulty sleeping even when your baby sleeps, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or concerns that you’re not a good enough parent. The center provides a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals and families can receive personalized support and begin feeling more like themselves again.

Location: 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 3500, Eatontown, NJ

Phone: 862-781-3755

Most insurance plans are accepted, although a copayment may be required.

Learn more about the Center for Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

Modern Wellness — Laine Happel

Laine, founder of Modern Wellness, offers specialized therapy support for mothers during the early postpartum period. She provides weekly in-home therapy sessions during the first six weeks after birth, allowing new mothers to receive compassionate mental health support from the comfort of their own homes. A holistic, person-centered therapist with 15 years of experience, Laine supports mothers as they navigate the emotional, hormonal, and personal changes that can come with postpartum and motherhood. As a working mother of two, she brings personal understanding to the many complexities of motherhood. Laine offers authentic, judgment-free support for new mothers, experienced mothers, and “do-it-all” moms. After the initial six weeks of in-home visits, clients can continue with therapeutic support and resources as they navigate their individual postpartum and motherhood journeys.

Visit her psych today profile‍ ‍Phone: (908) 386-5328

LaLuna Counseling & Wellness

La Luna Counseling is a therapy and wellness center specializing in maternal mental health. Whether you are pregnant, newly postpartum, or a seasoned mother, their team offers a wide range of resources to support you throughout every stage of motherhood. Their therapists provide a holistic approach to mental health and maternal wellness, grounded in compassionate, whole-person care. Whether you are preparing for birth, navigating anxiety, adjusting to motherhood, or experiencing a major life transition, their work is centered on helping you feel more connected, empowered, and supported every step of the way.

Visit LaLuna Counseling & Wellness‍ ‍Phone: (732) 943-6791

Powerful Women's Health

A multidisciplinary women’s health practice with two therapists who specialize in maternal mental health, including pregnancy/postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and PTSD. They also offer pelvic floor physical therapy, fertility support, prenatal/postpartum massage, and labor & delivery preparation and recovery.

Visit Powerful Women’s Health‍ ‍Phone: 732-705-6226

Alexandra Howlett, LCSW, PMH-C — Telehealth

A licensed clinical social worker and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) therapist who provides telehealth support for individuals during pregnancy, postpartum, and the perinatal period. Her work focuses on supporting mental health and emotional well-being during the transition into parenthood.

Visit Alexandra’s profile here‍ ‍Phone: (848) 294-2687

Marisa Peterson, LPC

A New Jersey-licensed Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who provides virtual therapy and has a background working with mothers. She offers a supportive, person-centered approach for those navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Marisa is available for telehealth sessions throughout New Jersey.

Visit her work profile here and Psych Today‍ ‍Phone: (908) 408-2166

Advanced Wellness Consultants, LLC — John Mercurio

An integrative wellness practice led by John Mercurio, a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, certified advanced clinical hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Instructor, and Qigong/Tai Chi instructor. With over 27 years of experience in stress management and wellness, John offers a variety of mind-body approaches including massage, hypnotherapy, Reiki, meditation, Qigong/Tai Chi, and wellness education.

Visit his website here‍ ‍Phone: 732-267-1635

National Mental Health Resources

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides information, support, and resources for families experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.

PSI HelpLine:
Call or text 1-800-944-4773

Text “HELP” to 800-944-4773 in English. Spanish support is also available.

The PSI HelpLine can provide support, information, and referrals to resources in your area.

Visit Postpartum Support International

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

A free, confidential, 24/7 resource for pregnant and postpartum individuals and their loved ones.

Call or text: 1-833-852-6262

Learn more about the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate emotional support:

Call or text 988

The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential crisis support 24/7 in the United States.

You Are Not Alone

Asking for help is not a sign that you are failing as a parent. Reaching out for support is an important part of caring for yourself and your family.

If something doesn't feel right, talk to your healthcare provider, therapist, or another trusted professional. You deserve to be heard and supported.

Philomena Birth provides non-clinical birth and postpartum doula support. The resources on this page are provided for educational and informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional mental health or medical care.