10 Mental Health Resources for New Parents

For many new parents, parenting can usher in a variety of challenges that can feel insurmountable. The long nights, the social isolation, and the guilt of not measuring up that seems to permeate parenthood can all take a toll on any mother’s mental health. Not being able to leave a child at home in order to get to a therapist appointment shouldn’t be the deciding factor in whether or not a parent has access to treatment and support. And that’s why we love the option of online therapy and support. What does that mean for a new mom? It means access to help without having to move mountains.  

Poppy Seed Health

Poppy Seed Health is an on-demand advocacy app, offering 24/7 emotional and wellbeing support for all birthing people...and those experiencing pregnancy loss. Here, a vast and diverse network of birthing experts, such as doctors, nurses, and doulas, are, quite literally, one text away from offering help from pregnancy through postpartum. Learn more about Poppy Seed and its founder.

Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International provides a range of mental health resources for moms and dads, including a provider directory that points parents toward local resources, a helpline that folks can call for in-the-moment assistance, and online support groups. Here are just some of the parent support groups they offer:

• Queer and Trans Parent Support
  
• Black Moms Connect
  
• Birth Trauma Support
  
• NICU Postpartum Parents
  

Seven Starling

This mom-focused mental health organization provides evidenced-based care to guide parents through the many stages of parenthood, including pregnancy, postpartum, miscarriage and loss, and preconception.

Amwell’s Postpartum Depression Treatment Online

Parents who experience postpartum depression (PPD) suffer through an array of symptoms that can include overwhelming feelings of anxiety or sadness that can interfere with their ability to connect with and care for their baby. This is why online therapy to treat PPD is so important because a therapist can meet a mother exactly where she is via the internet, from the comfort of her own home. Amwell sessions have a flat per-session rate of $109 or $129, depending on the therapists background.

boober

Boober is a doula-founded pregnancy and postpartum resource destination where parents can find virtual and in-person doulas and lactation support...plus, a variety of classes led by experts. For example, Boober has a $15 virtual 1-hour Preparing For Postpartum course that focussed on building your support team, tips on  postpartum healing, and more. Boober also offers access to experienced, licensed, and vetted therapists who specialize in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum issues, ranging from postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety to birth trauma, to transitioning back to work.  

Open Path

For those who are underinsured or lack health insurance, Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is an affordable option, offering a one-time $65 lifetime membership fee with sessions starting as low as $40. (Per-session fees range from $40 to $80, while a typical therapy sessions average $150 in private practices.) The intention is to provide quality mental health services for those without insurance so if you have insurance you might not be able to sign up. That said, if you have Medicaid you may qualify if there are no therapy options in your area. 

BetterHelp

BetterHelp is a great option for those who want to use text or email, video or voice to conduct their therapy sessions. Their huge pool of licensed therapists offer opportunities to work with one who specializes in specific issues such as parenting, family conflicts, trauma, LGBTQ+ matters, addictions, and many more. Therapy sessions through BetterHelp range from $60 to $90 a week and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Centre for Interactive Mental Health Services (CIMHS)

CIMHS is a free and interactive eight-week course to help anyone who wants to manage their depression. These self-guided courses are based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been long-known to be an effective treatment for depression. Each session begins with a tool that helps you measure your mood, gives you educational lessons on how to manage emotions and moods, and gives you the chance to practice cognitive behavioral techniques to reinforce the lessons. Note: This program does not include therapy with a trained professional.

7 Cups

While 7 Cups does offer online therapy for $150 a month, it’s also perfect for those who are simply looking to be heard. This organization uses a huge network of volunteer “listeners” who offer their ear to anyone who needs to unload. They have volunteers geared toward teens, adults, and for specific issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, LGBTQ+, and more. This is not therapy but rather, an opportunity to connect with other people through online chatting.

Health Sapiens

Health Sapiens is an affordable online therapy option for those looking for a subscription-based model. Meaning, you pay a monthly fee for services that you expect to continue over the course of a longer period of time. Depending on how many sessions you need a month, the fee of $197 a month works out to be one of the more affordable options out there and includes access to board-certified licensed therapists.

For more on maternal mental health, check out these articles:

• Mental Health Resources for Black Parents
• 5 Ways SNOO Supports Parents' Wellbeing
• One Mom Shares: What I Want You to Know About Maternal Mental Health
• Celebs Who’ve Spoken Out About PPD
• Coping With Parental Anxiety

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.