Postpartum Support: Therapy, Free Resources and Education

You may be comparing a therapist, a support group and a course while trying to understand what would actually help. These options do different jobs. You do not have to work through them in a particular order or buy something before asking for care.

When you want an assessment and personalized care

A health professional can help assess symptoms and discuss treatment. Therapy involves working with a clinician on your particular experience, goals and progress. If you are concerned about your mood, anxiety or ability to manage daily life, you can ask for an assessment without first deciding on a diagnosis. MedlinePlus explains assessment and treatment.

At Jana Rundle Psychology, therapy rates vary and the practice is out of network. A free 15-minute consultation is a place to ask about fit, eligibility and availability. See the fees and insurance page for current details; your insurer determines any applicable benefits.

When you want information or connection

Bloom’s resource library and blog offer free educational material. Postpartum Support International’s HelpLine can provide information, encouragement and connections to resources. Call or text 1-800-944-4773 in English; its website lists current language options and response arrangements.

The PSI HelpLine does not handle emergencies. If you want a support group, ask who facilitates it, what it covers and what support is available between meetings. A peer group, an educational resource and individual treatment should not be assumed to provide the same service.

When you want self-paced education

Bloom offers self-paced educational courses. The course overview has current prices, contents and access terms. You can review the available first lesson before deciding whether the material fits what you want to learn.

A course does not provide an individual assessment or replace therapy. You can use educational material alongside clinical care if it is useful, but buying a course is not a step you must complete before treatment. A low-cost option should not be presented as clinically sufficient just because it is more affordable.

A few questions can make the choice clearer

• Am I looking for information, a place to connect, or an assessment of what is happening?
• What will this service actually provide, and who provides it?
• What does it cost, and what is included?
• What happens if I need more support than it offers?
• Can I access it in my location and with my current responsibilities?

You can ask a clinician to help sort through these questions. Uncertainty is a reasonable reason to reach out.

When the next step is urgent

If you cannot keep yourself or your baby safe, or have possible postpartum psychosis symptoms such as hallucinations or severe confusion, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Call or text 988 for suicide or crisis support. Do not wait for a course, support-group meeting or routine consultation. NIMH emergency guidance.

For a non-emergency conversation about therapy at Bloom, book a free 15-minute consultation. You can start with what you are experiencing and what kind of help you are trying to find.