Understanding Perinatal Mental Health

The perinatal period—from pregnancy through the first year postpartum—can bring significant emotional changes. While our network of perinatal specialists is growing, you can explore therapists who support parents through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Want help finding the right therapist? Call or text us at 778-486-0068

Irina Carayannis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Virtual sessions in ON
Irina Carayannis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$150/session
Life transitions, Managing ADHD symptoms, ADHD, Overwhelm, Self-Regulation, Anxiety, Perfectionism, Identity and Self-Exploration, Boundaries and boundary setting, People pleasing, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Emotional regulation, Relationships, Overthinking, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Burnout, Caregiver burnout, Childhood trauma, Confidence, Depression, Disability, Early childhood, Eating disorders, Emotional Numbness, Empowerment, Financial Stress, Personal Growth, Perinatal, Neurodivergent, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Relationship Trauma
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Caitlin Sigouin
Registered Social Worker
- Virtual sessions in ON, QC
Caitlin Sigouin
Registered Social Worker
She/her
Offers free consultation
$165/session
Grief and Loss, Maternal mental health, Parenting, ADHD, Anxiety, Attachment, Assertiveness, Boundaries and boundary setting, Caregiver burnout, Domestic violence, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Fertility, Infertility, LGBTQ2IA+, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, People pleasing, Perinatal, Postnatal Care, Pregnancy, Women's Health, Neurodivergent
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Holly Gunn
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Virtual sessions in AB, ON, MB, SK
Holly Gunn
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
she/her
Offers free consultation
$130/session
Life transitions, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Anxiety, Burnout, Women's Health, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Stress, Somatic Therapy, Self-esteem, Relationships, Perinatal, Overwhelm, Nervous system regulation, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Interpersonal dynamics, Identity and Self-Exploration, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Effective communication, Early childhood, Attachment wounds, Childhood trauma, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy
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Emily Hiram
Registered Psychotherapist
- Virtual sessions in ON
Emily Hiram
Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
Offers free consultation
$170/session
Negative body image, Chronic Dieting, Maternal mental health, Anxiety, Attachment wounds, Anger, Career Stress, Confidence, Dreams, Existential questions, Health anxiety, Identity and Self-Exploration, Life transitions, Parenting, Perinatal, Postnatal Care, Pregnancy, Relationships, Self-Criticism, Coping Skills, Self-Image, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Parts Work, Negative thinking and ruminating
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Jennifer Rocha
Registered Social Worker
- Virtual sessions in ON
Jennifer Rocha
Registered Social Worker
She/her
Offers free consultation
$160/session
Parenting, Perinatal, Postnatal Care, Anxiety, Aging, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Burnout, Building Self-Care Routines, Career Stress, Caregiver burnout, Caregivers, Coping Skills, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Emotional regulation, Grief and Loss, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Negative thinking and ruminating, Perfectionism, People pleasing, PTSD, Self-Criticism, Workplace stress, Work-Life Balance, Infertility
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Alexa Harder
Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Virtual sessions in BC, AB
Alexa Harder
Registered Clinical Counsellor
she/her/hers
Offers free consultation
$165/session
Eating disorders, Perinatal, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Relationships, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Overwhelm, Familial and social relationships, Fertility, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative body image, Nervous system regulation, OCD, Building Self-Care Routines, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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Sonya Salonen Cornies
Registered Psychotherapist
- Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
Sonya Salonen Cornies
Registered Psychotherapist
$160/session
Building Meaningful Connections, Boundaries and boundary setting, Caregiver burnout, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Depression coping skills, Maternal mental health, Prenatal care, Perinatal, Pregnancy, Postnatal Care, Relationships, Conflict resolution, Familial and social relationships, Parenting, Family Conflict, Emotional regulation, Effective communication, Thought Restructuring, Interpersonal dynamics, Goal Setting, Highly Sensitive Person, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness Practices, Overwhelm, Personal Growth
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Stephanie Moncada
Registered Psychotherapist
- Offers in-person (Uxbridge, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON
Stephanie Moncada
Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
Offers free consultation
$165/session
Maternal mental health, Parenting, Body Dysmorphia, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Burnout, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Infertility, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Nervous system regulation, Perinatal, Pregnancy, Self-Regulation, Self-esteem, Life transitions, Stress, Eating disorders, Chronic Dieting, Involuntary Childlessness, Grief and Loss
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Sofia Forman
Registered Psychotherapist
- Offers in-person (Toronto, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON
Sofia Forman
Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$300/session
Fertility, Perinatal, Grief and Loss, Wellness Counselling, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Existential questions, Stress, Spirituality
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Natalie Saroya
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Waitlist
- Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
Natalie Saroya
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$150/session
Relationships, Life transitions, Maternal mental health, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Career Performance, Career Stress, Cultural Challenges, Early childhood, Family Conflict, Family issues, Goal Setting, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative thinking and ruminating, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Perinatal, Pregnancy, Racism, Separation and divorce, Trauma processing, Work-Life Balance, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Burnout
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Browse all therapists

Perinatal mental health encompasses the emotional and psychological well-being of parents during pregnancy and the year following birth. This period often brings profound changes—physically, emotionally, and relationally—that can affect how you feel day to day. Many parents experience mood shifts, anxiety, or difficulty adjusting during this time, and seeking support is both common and encouraged.

Therapy during the perinatal period can provide a safe space to process the complex emotions that arise around becoming a parent. Whether you're navigating anxiety about pregnancy, recovering from a difficult birth, or adjusting to life with a newborn, working with a therapist can help you develop coping strategies and feel more grounded. First Session connects you with licensed professionals who understand the unique challenges of this life stage—browse therapist profiles and watch intro videos to find someone who feels right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is perinatal mental health?

Perinatal mental health refers to emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. This period can bring a range of experiences, from joy and excitement to anxiety, sadness, or feeling overwhelmed. Perinatal mental health support addresses these experiences and helps parents navigate the transition with greater ease and understanding.

What are common perinatal mental health concerns?

Common concerns include prenatal anxiety, postpartum depression, adjustment difficulties, birth trauma, bonding challenges, and mood changes. Many parents also experience identity shifts, relationship stress, or difficulty coping with the demands of new parenthood. These experiences are more common than often discussed, and support is available.

Who can benefit from perinatal mental health support?

Anyone navigating pregnancy, birth, or early parenthood may benefit from perinatal support. This includes first-time parents, those with previous mental health concerns, individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss, and parents adjusting to unexpected challenges. Partners and co-parents can also benefit from support during this transition.

How do I find a perinatal mental health therapist?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and filter by specialty areas. While our network of perinatal specialists is growing, many therapists offer support for anxiety, life transitions, and parenting challenges that overlap with perinatal concerns. Watch intro videos to get a sense of each therapist's approach before booking.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you're seeking perinatal support, you might also explore therapists who work with anxiety, life transitions, maternal mental health, pregnancy, or family issues. These related areas often overlap with perinatal concerns and can provide meaningful support during this time.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session makes it easy to find a therapist who fits your needs. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty, location, or availability. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, and you can book directly online when you're ready to take the next step.

You deserve more from therapy.

You made the courageous decision to reach your full potential. Find the right therapist to help get you there, and make the most of the time and money you’re investing in yourself.

Find your therapist

Understanding Perinatal Mental Health

Therapists

Irina Carayannis

Irina Carayannis

Caitlin Sigouin

Caitlin Sigouin

Holly Gunn

Holly Gunn

Emily Hiram

Emily Hiram

Jennifer Rocha

Jennifer Rocha

Alexa Harder

Alexa Harder

Sonya Salonen Cornies

Sonya Salonen Cornies

Stephanie Moncada

Stephanie Moncada

Sofia Forman

Sofia Forman

Natalie Saroya

Natalie Saroya

Frequently Asked Questions

You deserve more from therapy.