Postpartum Depression Treatment for Teens and Young Adult
We offer curated group support and specialized individual therapy for people struggling with postpartum depression. Fill out the short form below, or give us a call, to start healing from PPD today with Charlie Health.
More than 90% of clients see improvements in their most severe mental health symptoms.
How is PPD diagnosed?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessment and standardized screening tools used by a dedicated health professional. PPD is not independently listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but depression criteria are typically used as a guideline for diagnosing the condition throughout the postpartum period.
Mental health professionals may also work collaboratively with perinatal healthcare professionals, like obstetricians and gynecologists, to fully understand a patient’s mental health.
How does Charlie Health treat PPD?
We provide comprehensive and tailored treatment for caregivers navigating the complexities of pregnancy-related mental health challenges, including PPD. Our maternal mental health program is designed to address the specific needs of those struggling with PPD.
With a focus on early intervention, personalized care plans, and evidence-based therapies, we strive to mitigate the risks of postpartum depression (PPD), which can impact both mothers and their children.
Our primary therapists are trained in this specialty programming so that all clients who are diagnosed with postpartum depression can be matched with a provider who is uniquely positioned to support them along their healing journey. We also curate groups for clients with PPD and shared experiences to create bonds with fellow caregivers, encouraging them to build connection and build long-term coping skills.
We proudly partner with many major insurance providers, including commercial and Medicaid
What are the best types of therapy for postpartum depression?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps those with postpartum depression recognize and reframe distorted thinking about parenthood, self-worth, and the challenges of being a new parent. This type of talk therapy helps people establish healthier behavioral patterns, addresses specific postpartum depressive symptoms like sleep disturbances and identity changes, focuses on building coping skills, and empowers people to manage pregnancy- and parenting-related stressors.
Mindfulness-based therapies
Mindfulness-based therapies focus on cultivating non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, which can help people with PPD (plus postpartum psychosis, postpartum anxiety, and a host of other maternal and perinatal mental health issues) notice thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed. Mindfulness techniques like meditation and mindful breathing are beneficial for managing intense postpartum depressive symptoms. Developing mindfulness skills improves the ability to respond skillfully to stressors and reduces rumination—valuable tools for coping with the challenges of new parenthood and alleviating PPD symptoms.
Group therapy
Group therapy for PPD creates a supportive environment for sharing experiences and challenges of parenthood, reducing stigma and isolation linked with PPD, and fostering community and mutual support under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The dynamic of group therapy allows people with PPD to exchange coping strategies and learn from others who faced similar difficulties with new parenthood, postpartum depression symptoms, and more. Also, group sessions often involve psychoeducation about PPD, allowing participants to gain a better understanding of their condition and normalize their feelings.
Why is group support effective for treating PPD?
Group support is highly effective in treating PPD because it creates a sense of community and shared understanding. People with PPD often feel isolated, and groups provide a safe space to express emotions, share struggles, and receive empathy from others facing similar postpartum depressive symptoms. Hearing others’ stories and coping strategies offers valuable insights and practical advice, lessens stigma, and may even contribute to lower rates of maternal mortality in the postpartum period.
Mental health conditions associated with postpartum depression
Other related areas of care may include
How it works
Reach out
Call our Admissions Team 24/7 or fill out our quick online form to verify your insurance coverage and get started
Get matched
We’ll conduct a thorough assessment to create your personalized virtual treatment plan
Start healing
Meet your peers in groups and your primary therapist in as little as 24 hours
FAQs for Postpartum Depression
See All FAQsWhat causes PPD?
The causes of PPD vary from person to person, but it is believed to be a result of hormonal changes after childbirth (particularly the rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after childbirth), genetic predispositions, and changes in neurotransmitter levels due to sleep deprivation and the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Also, psychosocial factors like a history of depression and lack of social support can play a role.
Are certain people more likely to develop PPD?
Anyone can develop PPD, but certain biological, psychosocial, and social factors can put someone more at risk. People with a personal or family history of mood disorders face an increased risk of developing PPD, in addition to those who deal with higher levels of stress, a history of trauma, or pregnancy or childbirth complications. Not all people with these risk factors will develop PPD, though, and people can develop the condition without these risk factors.
What are the main signs of PPD?
The signs of PPD vary depending on the specific condition someone is facing, but some of the main signs are as follows:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Heightened irritability
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Fatigue, headaches, muscle pain
- A loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
- Intrusive thoughts related to self-harm or harm to the newborn
If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, including an infant, this is a mental health emergency, and you should contact The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
How common is PPD?
PPD is relatively common, affecting about one in seven people in the year after childbirth. However, the true prevalence is likely higher due to underreporting and issues in diagnosis.
How long does PPD last?
The duration and intensity of PPD varies. For some, symptoms improve in a few weeks with treatment and support. However, for others, PPD can persist for six months or longer and may become chronic or reoccur with subsequent pregnancies. Timely treatment, including therapy, support groups, medication, or a combination, can help people recover quicker.
*Analysis based on self-reported outcomes data from 2023 clients who had severe anxiety or moderately severe to severe depression at intake, and improvements at discharge.