Postpartum Mental Health Resources: Where to Get Help

You have read this far. You know something is wrong. Maybe you are experiencing postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, birth trauma, or another perinatal mental health condition. Or maybe you are supporting someone who is.

Help for postpartum mental health is available and it works. Resources range from free support groups to therapy to medication, and you do not have to choose the most intensive option. Here is a list of where to get help depending on what you need.

Sources: ACOG, Postpartum Support International, NHS. Cradld content is medically reviewed.

The question is: where do you go from here?

You do not have to figure this out alone. Professional support is available and it works.

This guide is for you. These are the resources that actually exist.

Crisis Resources

If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

In the US: The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

In Canada: The Crisis Text Line is available by texting HOME to 741741. The Canada Suicide Prevention Service is available at 1-833-456-4566.

Postpartum Support International (PSI) has a helpline at 1-800-944-4773 specifically for perinatal mental health support. It is available in English and Spanish.

Hotlines and Text Lines

Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773. This is your first call for perinatal mental health support. Trained volunteers can provide information, resources, and support.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Available 24/7 for any type of crisis.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746. Available in English and Spanish, 24/7. Specifically for pregnant and postpartum women.

Finding a Therapist

Finding a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health is important. General therapists may not understand the specific context of new parenthood, birth trauma, or infant loss.

Postpartum Support International Provider Directory: postpartum.net has a searchable directory of mental health providers who specialize in perinatal mental health.

Psychology Today: Use the filter for perinatal depression or postpartum depression to find therapists in your area who list this specialty.

EMDR therapists: If you have birth trauma or PTSD, search for EMDR-trained therapists in your area at emdria.org.

Support Groups

Peer support from other new parents can be really helpful. Support groups allow you to connect with people who understand what you are going through because they are going through it too.

Postpartum Support International groups: PSI sponsors support groups across the US and online. Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers, many of whom have personal experience with perinatal mental health conditions.

Local hospital groups: Many hospitals offer postpartum support groups. Ask your OB or midwife for referrals.

Online communities: There are active communities on Reddit (r/postpartum_depression, r/PPD_Support), the What to Expect forums, and various Facebook groups. Online support can be particularly helpful if you live in an area without local resources.

Intensive Treatment Options

If outpatient therapy and medication are not enough, intensive treatment options exist:

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): These provide several hours of structured treatment per week, including therapy and medication management. IOPs are designed for people who need more support than weekly therapy but do not require hospitalization.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): These provide full days of treatment, typically 5 days per week. PHP is more intensive than IOP and may be appropriate for more severe depression.

Residential treatment: For severe postpartum depression that has not responded to other treatments, residential programs provide 24-hour care. These are rare but exist.

For Partners

Partners can also experience perinatal mental health conditions and also need support.

Postpartum Dads: postpartumdads.org provides resources specifically for fathers experiencing depression or anxiety.

Fathers mental health: Partners can access the same crisis lines and therapy resources. PSI also has resources for partners.

Medication Resources

Many people worry about taking psychiatric medication while breastfeeding. The LactMed database (nih.gov) provides information on medication safety during breastfeeding. Your provider can also consult with a reproductive psychiatrist or the InfantRisk center to discuss options.

Postpartum International helpline can also provide guidance on medication questions.

Insurance and Cost

If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover mental health treatment:

Sliding scale therapists: Many therapists offer a sliding scale based on income. Ask when you call.

Community mental health centers: These provide low-cost or free mental health services.

Open Path Collective: openpathcollective.org connects people with therapists offering sessions at reduced rates ($30-$80).

Mira Perspective

You did the hard thing. You read this far. You are looking for help. That is not nothing. That is actually the hardest first step. You are not alone. These resources exist. Help exists. And you deserve to access it.

Community Signal

Cradld users ask me: I cannot afford therapy. What do I do? My answer: try the sliding scale options first. If those are not available, look at support groups, which are often free. And keep using Cradld. It is not a replacement for therapy, but it is something.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Postpartum Support International helpline?

PSI helpline (1-800-944-4773) is a free, confidential helpline available for anyone experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or other perinatal mental health concerns. Trained volunteers provide support and resources.

How do I find a therapist who specializes in postpartum mental health?

Start with PSI provider directory at postpartum.net. Psychology Today also allows you to filter by specialty. Ask potential therapists about their experience with perinatal mental health specifically.

Are there free support groups for postpartum depression?

Yes. PSI sponsors free support groups across the US and online. Many hospitals also offer free postpartum support groups. Online communities like Reddit provide free peer support 24/7.

Can I get help without insurance?

Yes. Sliding scale therapists, community mental health centers, and organizations like Open Path Collective offer reduced-cost options. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can also help connect you with low-cost resources.

If you are in crisis

You do not have to go through this alone. In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In Canada, call 1-833-456-4566.

The Postpartum Support International helpline (1-800-944-4773) is available for perinatal mental health support, or text HOME to 741741.

---

Cradld's AI companion Mira is here whenever you need to talk. Talk to Mira at Cradld.