Online postpartum therapy for new moms in Maine

Support that comes to you

In much of the state, the nearest specialist or support group can be far away, and getting out the door with a newborn is its own project. Online therapy removes the drive.

Your OB, midwife, pediatrician or family doctor is still an important part of your care. With your permission, I can coordinate with them.

You might be looking for help with

• worry about the baby that’s hard to switch off
• crying, irritability or sadness that lasts beyond the first couple of weeks
• intrusive, frightening thoughts you’d never act on
• feeling disconnected from the baby, your partner or yourself
• isolation, especially through the first winter
• trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps

This is individual psychotherapy with a licensed clinician. It isn’t coaching. Couples and family sessions are a different format that insurance may treat differently, so ask before you book if you’re interested in a joint session.

If you need help now: If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, see or hear things others don’t, or feel confused, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For support any time, call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262, or call or text 988.

What we might work on

• Screening for postpartum depression and anxiety
• Intrusive thoughts, and how to stop fighting them
• A sleep plan that protects one longer stretch
• Asking for help in specifics, from people near and far
• Identity after a baby
• Planning the return to work and childcare

How sessions work

Sessions combine a standard clinical assessment with the Care Map Method™, the framework I use to look at your sleep and health, your feelings, your relationships and your daily demands, then build one practical change at a time. More about therapy in Maine.

Protect one stretch of sleep

If you have a partner or helper, split the night so each adult gets one protected block, for example 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. During your block, use earplugs or another room. One longer stretch can change how the next day feels.

Sessions, licenses and insurance

Sessions are online by video for adults who are physically located in Maine, or another state where I’m licensed, during each session. I’m licensed in Maine (LCSW #LC26593), and also in California, New Jersey, Oregon and Iowa.

Through Alma, I’m in network with Aetna, Cigna, Carelon, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and Optum plans including UnitedHealthcare, Oscar and Oxford. Coverage depends on your specific plan, not only the insurance company’s name. Alma checks it before your first session, including any copay or deductible, and handles the billing. How using insurance works.

Check Insurance and Availability on Alma →

Questions people ask

Is it the baby blues or something more?

Baby blues usually ease within about two weeks. When low mood, anxiety or disconnection lasts longer, or feels intense, it’s worth raising with your provider. These conditions are common and treatable.

Can my baby be with me during sessions?

Yes. Feeding or holding the baby is fine. You just need a spot where you can talk freely.

I have scary thoughts about the baby. Can I talk about them?

Yes. Intrusive thoughts are common, and talking about them is part of treating them. If you’re worried you might act on a thought, or feel confused or out of touch with reality, call 911.

Is there practical help too?

Therapy focuses on how you’re feeling. For a practical plan for nights, help and childcare, new mom coaching is a separate private-pay service.

Do you take my insurance?

I see clients through Alma, and through Alma I’m in network with Aetna, Cigna, Carelon, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and Optum plans including UnitedHealthcare, Oscar and Oxford. Coverage still depends on your specific plan. Alma checks it before your first appointment, including any copay or deductible. Please share plan and health details through Alma’s secure intake, not by text or email.

Do I need to be in Maine for sessions?

Yes, or in another state where I’m licensed. Sessions are online by video, and you need to be physically in Maine, California, New Jersey, Oregon or Iowa during each one. If you’ll be traveling, tell me ahead of time so we can plan around it.

Sources and resources

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (HRSA)
• Postpartum Support International
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

More for Maine