​Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders (PMADS) 

​Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders (PMADS) happen in 1 out of 5 birthing people during pregnancy and/or during the first year after childbirth. PMADS include a wide range of emotional complications that affect an expectant or new parents during pregnancy or the first year after birth. Most commonly, PMADS impact the birthing person but many times fathers, partners, and adoptive parents can experience depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders after having a baby.
Symptoms may be gradual or sudden, but should not be ignored.
  • Not eating, not bathing, not taking care of oneself
  • Agitation/Anger/Sadness/Fear
  • Racing thoughts/jumping topics
  • Excessive concern about baby’s or own health
  • Fear of being alone with the baby
  • Feeling numb or not like yourself
  • Not sleeping when the baby is sleeping
​PMADS are impacted by the biology, physiology, lack of sleep, transition of identity from pregnancy to parenthood, one’s dreams, and one’s own expectations of motherhood/fatherhood versus the reality of having a baby.

Our Perinatal Providers

Our perinatal & postpartum therapists specialize in supporting parents and parents-to-be through pregnancy, infertility, birth trauma, and postpartum mood changes. Select View Full Profile to learn more, or request an appointment.

Photo of Jeanette McGie, MSW, LICSW, BOSW Approved Supervisor
JM

Jeanette McGie, MSW, LICSW, BOSW Approved Supervisor

Many times in life our story takes an unexpected turn and we struggle with feeling lost, hopeless, anxious, and fearful. We lose track of who we are and where we are going. As a therapist, Jeanette values walking alongs...

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Photo of Diana Huffer, MSW, LICSW
DH

Diana Huffer, MSW, LICSW

I want to be the type of therapist I would have wanted but never found when I went through big life transitions. Connecting with a new therapist is a lot like dating. It's awkward and new, scary and nerve-wracking. I get...

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Photo of Lindsay Carik, MSW, LGSW
LC

Lindsay Carik, MSW, LGSW

Hello! I enjoy helping individuals with grief and loss, those going through infertility, those going through life transitions, those working in healthcare and first responders, those with medical complexities, and older ...

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Photo of Cynthia Roeller, MA, LMFT
CR

Cynthia Roeller, MA, LMFT

Having recently gone through the infertility process and using IVF, I am passionate about working with mothers, couples and families experiencing this difficult and challenging time in their lives. My ideal client is so...

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Photo of Katie Beedle, MA, LPCC, LADC
KB

Katie Beedle, MA, LPCC, LADC

I work from a person-centered and strengths-based approach. I believe that if we can play off our strengths, we have a better chance at learning how to better ourselves and feel empowered. I will meet clients where they ...

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Photo of Megan Wallin, MA, LPCC, BBHT Approved Supervisor
MW

Megan Wallin, MA, LPCC, BBHT Approved Supervisor

Welcome to your next safe space! I often wonder what would be helpful for potential clients to know when they're looking for a new/different therapist which led me to ask for anonymous responses from clients of what th...

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Photo of Anna Ellis, MA, LPCC, LADC
AE

Anna Ellis, MA, LPCC, LADC

Hi, I’m Anna—and I’m glad you’re here. I provide therapy from a person-centered, strengths-based, and solution-focused perspective, integrating evidence-based tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational ...

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Photo of Phillip Martin, MA, LPCC
PM

Phillip Martin, MA, LPCC

You are encouraged to come as you are, as all are welcome, all are safe in my office. The process of starting therapy for many can feel daunting, scary, or embarrassing; but it doesn’t have to be. Many times, life place...

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Frequently Asked Questions 

​What are perinatal and postpartum mood disorders (PMADs)?
PMADs are mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy or in the year after birth, including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum OCD. They're common and highly treatable — they're not a sign of failure or weakness, and support is available.

What are the signs of postpartum depression or anxiety?
Common signs include persistent sadness or emptiness, excessive worry or racing thoughts, irritability, trouble sleeping (even when the baby sleeps), feeling disconnected from your baby, intrusive thoughts, or a sense that you're not yourself. If these last more than two weeks, it's worth reaching out.

When should I reach out for help?
There's no threshold you have to hit. If pregnancy or new parenthood feels harder than you expected, or these feelings are affecting daily life, connecting with a perinatal therapist can help. Earlier support usually means faster relief.

Are your therapists specially trained in perinatal mental health?
Yes. Several of our clinicians have advanced perinatal training, including certification through Postpartum Support International, and focus specifically on pregnancy, infertility, birth trauma, and postpartum mood changes.

Do you accept insurance for perinatal therapy?
Yes. Rum River Counseling is in network with all major insurance companies in Minnesota. Our registration team can confirm your specific plan's coverage when you schedule.

Can I do perinatal therapy by telehealth?
Yes. All of our therapists offer secure telehealth across Minnesota, so you can meet from home — often easier with a newborn — with the same quality of care as in person.

​"When action
meets compassion,
lives change."