Are You Expecting OR Trying To Conceive?

I offer a well-rounded and compassionate approach to mental health, looking at all aspects of your lifestyle before making any treatment recommendations. In addition to gathering a thorough medical, psychological, social, and perinatal history, we will also assess your sleep habits, nutritional intake, current stressors, and cultural and spiritual preferences before making recommendations. 

Once all of this information is compiled, I will go over your diagnosis and treatment options. In follow-up sessions, we will review how well the medication is working and take inventory of your mental and physical symptoms. These sessions usually only take 15-30 minutes.

I believe in collaborating with you and giving you options when prescribing medications without pressure to start medication right away. Utilizing psychoeducation to outline your treatment options will help explain how psychotropic medication can target your symptoms as well as what needs to take place physiologically to improve your physical and mental health. 

Taking a holistic approach to treatment—including physical fitness, medication management, psychotherapy, proper nutrition, and reducing external stressors—can vastly improve how you feel. And with my background in postpartum nursing, I will also provide you with tips, skills, and resources for navigating through the unique challenges of the perinatal period. Together, we can anticipate future issues and “cope ahead” before they become problems. 

It’s natural to have misgivings about taking psychiatric medication right now. However, looking at the bigger picture while weighing the risks and benefits can help you arrive at a decision that makes sense for you. While there may be some side effects to taking medication, there can also be both short and long-term effects for you and your baby if your mental health is left untreated. By thoroughly explaining the medication options and the possible side effects each may have, I aim to give you enough information to make an informed decision. 

If we decide to prescribe medication, I will always start at the lowest dosage and then gradually increase it every 2-4 weeks or as needed based on how it’s working. My goal is always to prescribe the least amount of medication necessary that will be effective.

The good news is that with help and support you can be the best version of yourself. Seeking treatment for perinatal anxiety and depression is not only important for yourself but your baby.

Ensuring that anyone who needs mental health services during the perinatal period is extremely important to me. I never turn away a client due to a lack of finances. I accept Medicaid, Aetna, Care First, and Cigna. And if you are out of network, I offer a sliding scale. I can also provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider to determine what reimbursement you may be eligible for. What’s most important is that you receive help.

You have nothing to be ashamed of. Anxiety and depression are common during the prenatal and postpartum period and receiving treatment is the bravest thing you can do to help yourself and your baby. I provide a safe, judgment-free zone where you can open up about how you truly feel and receive the medicinal support you need to recover. I will also protect your confidentiality so it’s completely up to you who knows you’re getting treatment. Please know you are not alone and that help is available. 

I understand that it can be challenging to find time to attend postpartum treatment for depression or anxiety, especially after having a baby. However, if your mental health is at risk, it’s vitally important that you get help. For your convenience, I offer telehealth, evening, and weekend appointments and can always work around your schedule. 

Your outlook on pregnancy and parenthood can improve under the skilled guidance of a nurse practitioner.  To learn more about the  treatment options for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, please call 443-420-7028 or visit my contact page.