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.

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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.

Monica Andrus

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, MB, BC, and NB.
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Monica Andrus

Monica Andrus

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
$200/session
Identity and Self-Exploration, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, ADHD, Attachment, Emotional regulation, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Transitioning into Adulthood, Anxiety, Depression, BIPOC, Burnout, Trauma, Childhood trauma, Chronic and acute illness, Fertility, Couples, Break-up recovery, Nervous system regulation, Intergenerational trauma, Attachment trauma, Perfectionism, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Perinatal, Building Meaningful Connections, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships
Identity and Self-Exploration, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, ADHD, Attachment, Emotional regulation, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Transitioning into Adulthood, Anxiety, Depression, BIPOC, Burnout, Trauma, Childhood trauma, Chronic and acute illness, Fertility, Couples, Break-up recovery, Nervous system regulation, Intergenerational trauma, Attachment trauma, Perfectionism, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Perinatal, Building Meaningful Connections, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships
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Sonya Salonen Cornies

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Kingsville, ON)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
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Sonya Salonen Cornies

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
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
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Offers In-Person (Uxbridge, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Stephanie Moncada

Stephanie Moncada

Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
$165/session
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, 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, Parenting, Life transitions, Stress, Eating disorders, Maternal mental health, Chronic Dieting, Involuntary Childlessness, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, 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, Parenting, Life transitions, Stress, Eating disorders, Maternal mental health, Chronic Dieting, Involuntary Childlessness, Grief and Loss
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Sofia Forman

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Sofia Forman

Sofia Forman

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
$250/session
Fertility, Perinatal, Grief and Loss, Wellness Counselling, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Existential questions, Stress, Spirituality
Fertility, Perinatal, Grief and Loss, Wellness Counselling, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Existential questions, Stress, Spirituality
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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.