You may have been told to call a therapist, speak with your OB and ask about medication. That can sound like three more jobs when you are already stretched. Understanding what each conversation is for can make the next call more useful.
Different providers can contribute to one plan
Assessment and treatment for postpartum depression may involve more than one professional. A provider may consider symptoms, medical concerns and treatment options such as therapy or medication. Your particular team depends on what you need and what each professional provides. MedlinePlus overview of assessment and treatment.
| Who you may speak with | A useful question to bring |
|---|---|
| Your OB, midwife or primary care clinician | “I am worried about these changes. What assessment or referrals would help, and are there medical concerns we should discuss?” |
| A therapist or psychologist | “What would therapy focus on, how would we set goals and how would we review progress?” |
| A qualified medication prescriber | “What are the benefits, risks and follow-up needs of the medication options for my situation?” |
| A pharmacist | “Can you help me understand the instructions and what to do with questions about this prescription?” |
Ask each professional what falls within their service and where they would refer you for something else. A job title alone does not tell you every service a particular practice offers.
Make coordination specific
At the end of an appointment, ask who is responsible for the next step. For example: “Will someone send the referral, or should I call? Who should I contact if I do not hear back? Which clinician should know if my symptoms change?”
If providers would benefit from sharing information, ask how consent and communication are handled and what information is needed. You can request an explanation of confidentiality and its limits. Avoid assuming that separate offices can already see the same records.
Keep a short care note
A simple note for your own use can hold the names of your providers, the next appointment, the current plan and your questions. If you take medication, keep the current instructions available and bring questions to the prescriber or pharmacist. A note is a memory aid; it does not replace medical advice or a clinician’s records.
Where Bloom fits
Bloom provides psychology services. You can ask about individual therapy, goals and whether the practice is a fit for your concerns. Medication decisions belong with a qualified prescriber.
For a non-emergency conversation, book a free 15-minute consultation. The medication questions guide, first-session guide and support-options guide can help you prepare. NIMH also offers practical appointment questions.
Urgent help should not wait for coordination
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 referral or routine consultation to be processed. NIMH emergency guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need every type of provider listed here?
Not necessarily. Your care team depends on your needs and the services each professional provides. Ask which assessment, treatment or referral is relevant to your situation.
How do I know who handles the next step?
Ask at the end of an appointment whether the office will send a referral or whether you should call, who to contact if nothing happens and which clinician should hear about changing symptoms.
Does Bloom prescribe medication?
Bloom provides psychology services. Medication decisions belong with a qualified prescriber. Ask how therapy and prescribing care can be coordinated if both are part of your plan.
Are records automatically shared between my providers?
Do not assume separate offices share the same records. Ask how consent and communication work, what information is needed and what confidentiality limits apply.
