Postpartum Depression Therapist in Annapolis, MD

Postpartum therapy in Annapolis

Postpartum depression therapist serving Annapolis, Maryland.

Postpartum depression and anxiety affect 1 in 7 new mothers. It’s not a personal failure, it’s a brain that’s been through enormous physical and hormonal shifts. Sanare Counseling Group connects new mothers in Annapolis with Maryland-licensed therapists who specialize in maternal mental health — postpartum depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, and the whole experience of becoming a parent.

What it looks like

If any of this sounds familiar.

Persistent sadness

This isn’t the baby blues that lift after two weeks. It’s a fog that doesn’t clear, sometimes weeks or months after birth.

Anxiety and racing thoughts

Worry about the baby, your body, the future. Checking on the baby compulsively. Postpartum anxiety often goes underdiagnosed.

Intrusive thoughts

Scary or unwanted thoughts about harm coming to your baby. Almost always more about anxiety than reality. Common, and treatable.

Disconnection

Feeling numb or like you’re going through the motions of motherhood. Wondering if you’re bonding “right.” Shame about not feeling what you expected.

How we help

Maternal mental health care that fits new-baby life.

Therapy you can attend during naptime, on the couch with the baby in your lap, or whenever you have a window. We work around your reality.

Postpartum-specialized therapy

Evidence-based approaches developed for postpartum depression and anxiety — IPT, CBT, and acceptance-based work tuned to maternal mental health.

Birth trauma processing

A traumatic birth, NICU stay, or pregnancy loss can shape early motherhood. We hold that with you.

Working with intrusive thoughts

Most new mothers have them. Most never tell anyone. We help you understand them, defuse from them, and stop being afraid of your own mind.

Medication coordination

Many SSRIs and other medications are safe in pregnancy and lactation. Our psychiatric team coordinates with your OB or midwife.

Insurance for Annapolis mothers

In-network with most major plans. Most clients pay $0 to $50 per session.

CareFirst BCBS
United Healthcare
Aetna
Cigna
Maryland Medicaid
Therapists serving Annapolis mothers

Our maternal mental health specialists.

Maria Perrootts, LCPC

Maternal mental health, life transitions, women navigating overwhelm. Read bio →

Coleen Alexander, LGPC

Maternal mental health, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges. Read bio →

Heather Hout-Pesta, LCPC

22+ years. Parenting, women’s mental health, life transitions. Read bio →

Juliann Siwicki, LCPC

Founder. Parenting, anxiety, life transitions. Read bio →

Common questions

A few honest answers.

How is postpartum depression different from baby blues?

Baby blues lift within two weeks of birth. Postpartum depression persists or starts later and lasts longer — often weeks or months. It’s not something you can “snap out of” with rest.

Can I have postpartum depression if my baby is older?

Yes. PPD can start any time in the first year and sometimes later. It’s not always immediate.

Will medication be safe while breastfeeding?

Many medications are well-studied in lactation. Our psychiatric team works with your OB or pediatrician to find safe options.

What if I have scary thoughts about the baby?

Intrusive thoughts are extremely common and almost never reflect a real desire to harm. They’re a sign of anxiety, not danger. We help you understand and manage them.

How do virtual sessions work with a newborn?

You can hold the baby, nurse, or have them napping nearby. We work around real new-mother life.

Ready when you are

You don’t have to figure this out alone.