Postpartum Anxiety Therapist in Austin, TX
Specialized treatment for new mom anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks
Dr. Jana Rundle, PsyD • Licensed Clinical Psychologist • 15+ Years Experience
Dr. Jana Rundle, PsyD
Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
Understanding Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety affects up to 15-20% of new mothers, making it one of the most common postpartum mental health conditions. Unlike typical new parent worries, postpartum anxiety involves excessive, uncontrollable worry that interferes with daily life and bonding with your baby.
Common Signs of Postpartum Anxiety:
- •Constant worry about baby's health, safety, or development
- •Intrusive, scary thoughts you can't control
- •Panic attacks with racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness
- •Hypervigilance and constant checking on baby
- •Difficulty sleeping even when baby is sleeping
- •Physical symptoms: racing thoughts, muscle tension, nausea
- •Avoiding situations or activities due to fear
You're not alone, and this is treatable. Postpartum anxiety responds very well to specialized therapy. With the right support, most mothers see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks.
What Does a Postpartum Anxiety Therapist Do?
A specialized postpartum anxiety therapist understands the unique challenges of maternal anxiety and uses evidence-based treatments specifically adapted for new mothers. Here's how therapy helps:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identify and change anxious thought patterns that fuel worry and panic.
- • Challenge catastrophic thinking
- • Develop realistic perspectives on baby safety
- • Build confidence in your parenting abilities
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Gradually face feared situations and reduce avoidance behaviors.
- • Reduce checking and reassurance-seeking
- • Build tolerance for uncertainty
- • Address intrusive thoughts effectively
Somatic & Relaxation Techniques
Manage physical anxiety symptoms and activate your body's relaxation response.
- • Diaphragmatic breathing for panic attacks
- • Progressive muscle relaxation
- • Grounding techniques for intrusive thoughts
Sleep & Lifestyle Optimization
Address sleep deprivation and lifestyle factors that worsen anxiety.
- • Strategic sleep scheduling
- • Nutrition and anxiety connection
- • Support system development
Specialized Focus: Unlike general anxiety therapy, postpartum anxiety treatment addresses the unique triggers of new motherhood: hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, identity transition, and the intense responsibility of caring for a newborn.
Your Treatment Journey
Recovery from postpartum anxiety follows a predictable path. Here's what to expect:
Initial Assessment (Week 1)
Comprehensive evaluation of your anxiety symptoms, triggers, and impact on daily life. We'll create a personalized treatment plan and begin teaching immediate coping strategies.
Symptom Relief Phase (Weeks 2-6)
Learn evidence-based techniques to manage panic attacks, reduce physical symptoms, and challenge anxious thoughts. Most mothers notice reduced panic attacks and better sleep within 3-4 weeks.
Deep Work Phase (Weeks 6-12)
Address intrusive thoughts, reduce checking behaviors, and build confidence in your parenting abilities. Gradual exposure work helps you face feared situations and reduce avoidance.
Maintenance & Prevention (Week 12+)
Solidify skills, plan for potential setbacks (weaning, returning to work), and transition to less frequent sessions. Many mothers move to monthly check-ins for ongoing support.
Expected Timeline:
- •2-4 weeks: Reduced panic attacks and better physical symptom management
- •6-8 weeks: Significant reduction in intrusive thoughts and worry
- •8-12 weeks: Restored confidence, improved sleep, and return to normal functioning
Why Choose Dr. Jana Rundle for Postpartum Anxiety?
Specialized Training
Advanced training in perinatal mental health, OCD treatment, and maternal anxiety disorders
500+ Mothers Helped
Over a decade of experience specifically treating postpartum anxiety and related conditions
Evidence-Based
Uses only proven treatments: CBT, ERP, and somatic interventions with documented success rates
"I understand the scary thoughts, the panic, the constant worry. And I know how to help."
As a mother myself and a specialist in perinatal mental health, I've helped hundreds of mothers overcome postpartum anxiety. You don't have to struggle alone—effective treatment is available, and you can feel like yourself again.
— Dr. Jana Rundle, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Serving Austin & All of Texas
In-Person Therapy (North Austin)
Our office is conveniently located in North Austin, serving families from:
Virtual Therapy (All of Texas)
Secure telehealth sessions available for mothers throughout Texas, including:
Office Address: 13706 N Hwy 183 Ste 114, Austin, TX 78750
Phone: (512) 898-9510
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a postpartum anxiety therapist do?
A postpartum anxiety therapist specializes in treating anxiety disorders that occur during pregnancy and after childbirth. They use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness techniques to help mothers manage excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, and physical anxiety symptoms. Treatment focuses on understanding anxiety triggers, developing coping strategies, and addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of maternal anxiety.
How do I know if I need a postpartum anxiety therapist?
You may benefit from a postpartum anxiety therapist if you experience: excessive worry about your baby's health or safety that interferes with daily life, intrusive or scary thoughts you can't control, panic attacks with physical symptoms like racing heart or shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping even when baby sleeps due to racing thoughts, constant checking behaviors or hypervigilance, fear of being alone with your baby, or avoiding situations due to anxiety. If anxiety is affecting your ability to care for yourself or your baby, professional help can make a significant difference.
What's the difference between postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression?
Postpartum anxiety and depression are distinct but often co-occurring conditions. Postpartum anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, racing thoughts, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, hypervigilance, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat. Postpartum depression involves persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness, difficulty bonding, and low energy. Many mothers experience both conditions simultaneously, which is why specialized perinatal mental health treatment is important. A postpartum therapist can assess and treat both conditions with tailored approaches.
How long does postpartum anxiety therapy take?
Most mothers begin experiencing relief from postpartum anxiety symptoms within 4-6 weeks of starting therapy. Complete treatment typically takes 12-16 weeks, though this varies based on symptom severity and individual circumstances. Many mothers notice reduced physical anxiety symptoms (panic attacks, racing heart) within the first month, while intrusive thoughts and chronic worry may take 8-12 weeks to significantly improve. Regular weekly sessions with homework practice between sessions accelerate progress.
Can I do postpartum anxiety therapy virtually in Austin?
Yes, virtual postpartum anxiety therapy is available throughout Texas. Dr. Jana Rundle offers secure telehealth sessions that are just as effective as in-person treatment. Virtual therapy provides flexibility for new mothers who may have difficulty leaving home due to newborn care, breastfeeding schedules, or anxiety about going out. Texas-licensed therapists can provide virtual care to any resident in Texas, making specialized postpartum mental health treatment accessible regardless of your location.
Insurance & Payment Options
Out-of-Network Benefits
While we are an out-of-network provider, many insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits that can cover 50-80% of session costs. We provide Super Bills (itemized receipts) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
How it works: You pay for sessions at the time of service, then submit the Super Bill to your insurance for reimbursement. Many patients find this model offers more flexibility in scheduling and treatment approach.
Session Investment
- • Initial Assessment: $250 (90 minutes)
- • Individual Therapy: $195 (50 minutes)
- • Insurance reimbursement: 50-80% typical
- • Super Bills provided for all sessions
Payment Methods
- • Credit/Debit cards accepted
- • HSA/FSA cards welcome
- • Payment plans available for financial hardship
- • Secure online payment portal
You Don't Have to Suffer in Silence
Postpartum anxiety is treatable. You can feel like yourself again.
Specialized treatment helps most mothers see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks. The intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, and constant worry can end—and you can enjoy motherhood again.
📞 Call: (512) 898-9510
✉️ Email: info@bloompsychologynorthaustin.com
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