Perinatal Psychology

Perinatal mental health covers the stretch of life from pregnancy through the first year after birth—and the hopes, fears, and identity shifts that come with it. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) provider through Postpartum Support International.

As a mother of four, I understand both professionally and personally how this season can be meaningful and demanding at the same time. Therapy offers a place to slow down, feel understood, and get support that is specific to this chapter—not generic advice.

I work with clients in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, and Hidden Hills, elsewhere in the Conejo Valley, and throughout California through secure telehealth.

Support during pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring excitement alongside anxiety, mood changes, difficult medical news, or memories of a previous loss or birth. You may be trying to make decisions about work, your birth preferences, or how to care for other children while your own needs keep shifting.

In therapy, we can talk about what you are carrying, plan for the kind of support you will need after the baby arrives, and make room for mixed feelings without judgment. If worry has become constant, or if sadness and numbness are taking over days that you thought would feel different, those are important reasons to reach out.

The transition into parenthood

The perinatal period is not only about symptoms. It is also about becoming a parent, renegotiating relationships, and making sense of how your body, identity, and daily life have changed. I often describe therapy as opening the filing cabinets of your life—sorting through the experiences and beliefs that are shaping how you move through this transition.

When depression or anxiety shows up after birth, we can focus more specifically through postpartum therapy. If the birth itself still feels raw or frightening, birth trauma therapy may be the right door in. Families who spent time in the NICU can start on the NICU parents page.

A perinatal psychologist for Westlake Village and the Conejo Valley

Clients in Westlake Village often look for a perinatal psychologist who understands both the clinical and the everyday sides of this work. I also support clients in Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, and Hidden Hills. In-person sessions are available in Ventura County, and telehealth is available anywhere in California.

Related specialties include infertility and family building and pregnancy loss therapy for those whose path to parenthood has been more complicated than they hoped.

Frequently asked questions

What does PMH-C mean?

PMH-C stands for Perinatal Mental Health Certified, a credential offered through Postpartum Support International. It reflects specialized training in the emotional needs of women during pregnancy, postpartum, and related seasons.

When should I start perinatal therapy?

There is no single right time. Some people begin while they are trying to conceive or during pregnancy. Others reach out after birth, when the gap between what they expected and what they are living has become hard to carry alone. If you are wondering whether it is “too early” or “too late,” it is worth a conversation.

Do you work with partners or only with mothers?

My practice is dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and related transitions. If it would be helpful to include a partner in a session at some point, we can talk about whether and how that might support your goals.