What is the difference between the “baby blues” and postpartum depression?

“Baby blues” are mild mood changes that typically resolve within two weeks of giving birth. Postpartum depression is deeper, longer-lasting, and may interfere with sleep, bonding, or daily life. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks or feel severe, therapy can help.

Can postpartum therapy help with intrusive thoughts about my baby?

Yes, evidence-based therapy can help. Remember, these thoughts are a common symptom of postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD, and they are not a reflection of your character.

Is postpartum therapy only for mothers?

No, partners, fathers, and co-parents can also experience postpartum mood and anxiety changes. SD Psychology offers individual and couples support for both new parents.

Can I do postpartum therapy virtually?

Yes, SD Psychology offers telehealth across California, which can help when leaving home, managing feeding schedules, or finding childcare feels difficult.

When should I seek postpartum support?

There is no wrong time. Some clients begin in pregnancy, others in the first weeks postpartum, and others months or years later. If something feels off, that is reason enough to reach out.

What if I am having thoughts of harming myself or my baby?

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support.

Postpartum Therapy in San Diego, CA

Does parenthood feel heavier, lonelier, or more overwhelming than you expected? You’re not alone—perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect roughly one in five new mothers. Postpartum counseling & therapy in San Diego can help you navigate this new season of life.

At SD Psychology, our licensed psychologists offer evidence-based postpartum counseling in San Diego for new parents navigating depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, or relationship strain. Sessions are available in La Jolla, Encinitas, and through virtual therapy in California.

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When Postpartum Life Doesn’t Feel Like What You Expected

In the first weeks after birth, sadness, irritability, exhaustion, and tearfulness are common. This is often called the “baby blues,” and it typically passes within two weeks. But when these feelings deepen, persist, or begin to interfere with sleep, bonding, or daily life, they may signal something more.

Postpartum depression therapy in San Diego supports the full range of what new parents move through, including:

Persistent sadness, emptiness, or emotional heaviness that doesn’t feel like your usual self
Anxiety about your baby’s safety, your parenting, your health, or whether you’re doing enough
Irritability, anger, or resentment that feels intense or difficult to understand
Difficulty bonding with your baby, even when you care deeply
Guilt, shame, or fear that you’re not being the parent you “should” be
Intrusive thoughts that feel upsetting or out of character
Grief related to birth, breastfeeding, identity, career changes, or the loss of your previous routine
Relationship strain with a partner, family member, or support system
Feeling isolated, invisible, or emotionally unsupported

These experiences don’t mean you are failing. They might be signs that your mind, body, and nervous system need more care during a major life transition.

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What Therapy for New Mothers Helps You Work Through

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Postpartum counseling in San Diego addresses the most common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts, and birth-related trauma.

Intrusive thoughts, including unwanted fears about your baby’s safety, are more common than most parents realize, and they’re not a reflection of your character or your love for your baby. It’s also common for partners or co-parents to experience perinatal mood changes, too.

Specialized counseling after childbirth supports the relational shifts that come with new parenthood. Sleep loss, mental load, intimacy changes, and different parenting expectations can create distance between partners. Some clients begin individually, while others choose to participate as couples.

You don’t have to force gratitude, and we never want you to feel judged. Our goal is to help you navigate this transition with more steadiness, self-compassion, and connection.

Meet the Therapists Supporting New Parents

At SD Psychology, postpartum therapy is provided by licensed clinicians experienced in therapy for women and major life transitions. Our care is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and tailored to where you are in your postpartum journey.

Each provider brings a different background and clinical focus, so you can find an approach that feels aligned with your needs.

Dr. Stamatia Daroglou

Licensed clinical psychologist and founder of SDPsychology with 30+ years of experience, specializing in adult and couples therapy, trauma, anxiety, and complex emotional care.

Dr. Ivy Kensinger

Psychological Associate (Dr. K) specializing in therapy for adults and adolescents, with expertise in trauma, chronic illness, grief, and LGBTQ+ mental health, using a personalized, strengths-based, existential approach.

Dr. Casey Adamson

Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 15+ years of experience, specializing in trauma care, veteran support, and evidence-based therapies, providing counseling for individuals, couples, and families.

Dr. Danna Gonzalez Casas

Psychological Associate specializing in adult and couples therapy, with a bilingual (Spanish/English), integrative approach focused on trauma, BIPOC and immigrant communities, and holistic, evidence-based care.

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What to Expect from Postpartum Therapy in San Diego

Postpartum therapy begins with understanding your experience. Your therapist will ask about your pregnancy and birth, your emotional health, your sleep and support system, and what kind of support would feel most helpful. You’re not expected to have everything organized before your first session.

In sessions, you may:

Build emotional awareness around sadness, anxiety, guilt, or overwhelm
Learn coping skills for intrusive thoughts, panic, or spiraling worry
Process grief, birth trauma, or unmet expectations
Explore identity shifts that come with becoming a parent
Strengthen communication with a partner or support system
Develop practical strategies for rest, boundaries, and asking for help

Your therapist may draw from evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and trauma-informed care, with attention to safety, pacing, and consent. When appropriate, we can coordinate care with medical providers around screening, medication, or additional support.

Our San Diego Locations for Postpartum Therapy

SD Psychology offers postpartum therapy in San Diego, CA, with options for in-person sessions at multiple locations, along with virtual therapy when appropriate. Each office is designed to provide a private, calm environment where you can speak openly and receive support without judgment.

Having access to local postpartum counseling can make it easier to stay connected to care during a season when leaving home, managing appointments, or asking for support may already feel difficult.

Explore Our Therapy Services

SD Psychology provides individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, and group therapy, along with specialties relevant to new parents.

Anxiety Therapy · Grief & Loss Therapy · Therapy for Women · Couples Therapy · Trauma & PTSD Therapy · Individual Psychotherapy

Begin Postpartum Counseling with More Clarity

If postpartum life feels heavier than you expected, you don’t have to sort through it alone.

A first consultation gives you space to ask questions, share what has been difficult, and decide whether postpartum counseling in San Diego is the right next step for you. From there, sessions move at a pace that works for your life as a new parent.