Supporting Your Mental Health: Is Therapy Right for Me?

Therapy is a way to get help for your mental health. During therapy, you meet with a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. They listen and can help you manage stress, sadness, worry, difficult memories, and other problems.

How is a Therapist Different from Other Providers?

You may see many different types of healthcare specialists during your pregnancy and afterwards. Each can help you with specific things.

• Therapist: Helps with feelings, thoughts, and coping skills
• Prenatal provider: Cares for your pregnancy and medical needs
• Social worker/case manager: Helps with connecting you to resources for housing, food, and other services

Why Try Therapy in Pregnancy or After Birth?

Mental health challenges are common during pregnancy and after you give birth. Therapy gives you a private space that is just for you to talk about your feelings. You are not alone.

To get started, ask your healthcare provider for a referral.

What Can I Expect if I Go to Therapy?

Your first visit will last about 30–60 minutes. During that time, you will talk about your symptoms and your story.

To get ready:

• Write down your feelings and any concerns you have, and when they started.
• Make a list of all medicines you take (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs).

You and the mental health provider will make a treatment plan. You will usually have several visits over time.

What Questions Can I Ask a Mental Health Provider?

A therapist is there to answer any questions you may have about your feelings, mental health concerns, coping strategies, and more. Here are some questions to help you get started with therapy:

• What can affect how I feel?
• What can I do to feel better now?
• Where can I find good, trusted information about mental health?
• What should I do if I have thoughts of hurting myself or others?
• If I have an emergency, who do I call? Will someone be there to help me?