The expert resource for women, families and healthcare providers offering the information you need to combat the effects of pregnancy related mood disorders
If you are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming your baby go to your nearest hospital emergency room IMMEDIATELY. These ideas are symptoms of serious perinatal mood or anxiety disorders - they are NOT a reflection of you. Remember
YOU ARE NOT ALONE, YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME WITH HELP, YOU WILL BE WELL!!
No mother deserves to suffer - there is treatment for whatever symptoms you may be experiencing. Recovery cannot start until treatment begins!
Who is qualified to treat myself or my loved one for postpartum depression or related disorders?
Clinical Social Workers who carry the advanced license (LCSW, licensed clinical social worker which is only offered at the Master's level of completed education) deliver most of the individual mental health services sought by consumers today. The advanced license is conferred only after after rigorous exams and thousands of supervisory hours of clinical practice. The license is maintained through additional annual educational requirements and continuing training in their chosen area of specialty.
Clinical social workers maintain group or independent private practices, are accepted by insurance companies, do not need a physicians oversight to determine diagnosis and treatment, but do not prescribe medication. They are among the most respected mental health practitioners for women, families and children with a special appreciation for the biopsychosocial perspective.
Clinical Psychologists must have a PhD and a state license in order to practice or offer mental health services independently outside an agency or hospital setting. Today, many psychologists are employed for their specialized skills in testing and evaluation. They also provide individual therapy, but are not able to prescribe medication.
Nurse Practitioners - Are licensed to assessed, treat and in some cases prescribe medication for the clients they see. A rapidly developing field of private practice, nurse practitioners are highly trained clinicians whose medical background and experience gives them great professional understanding of the perinatal period.
Psychiatrist - Is an MD who has chosen to dedicate his practice to the field of mental health. Psychiatrists assess, evaluate and treat clients and may prescribe medication or admit clients to an inpatient programs atg affiliated hospitals where they may remain under their care. Psychiatrists may offer therapy themselves or make therapy referrals to social workers, nurse practitioners or psychologists.
Always ask what specific training your provider has had in perinatal mood disorders to ensure the best possible match between your needs and his/her professional expertise. A mental health provider with this specialty should be able to see you within 48 hours of referral, sooner if there is an emergency.
If you live in the tri-state area, please contact Blue Skye Consulting at 201-567-5596. We can offer you a professional assessment and referral within 48 hours of your call and ongoing therapy if you live in our cachement area. Blue Skye Consulting does NOT provide assessment or therapy over the net or on the phone. You need to be evaluated IN PERSON by an experienced clinician who understands the nature and course of these highly treatable illnesses.
To find help in your area across the country and many places in the world, visit PSI's worldwide local help and support locator... you will be connected with someone in your state who can direct you to local services. In addition, MediSpin maintains a listing of providers who have taken some training in perinatal mood disorders.