Perinatal Mental Health

Support for Pregnant and Postpartum Birthing Parents in San Diego, CA

Maternal Mental Health & Perinatal Therapy

Inclusive pregnancy and postpartum support for birthing parents of all genders

Overview & my Personal EXPERIENCE

The perinatal period—including pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting—is a time of major transition. While it can bring moments of indescribable bliss and connection, it’s also one of the most vulnerable times for mental health. You might feel like your entire life changed overnight- and the emotional whiplash is disorienting. Many birthing parents experience postpartum depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, grief or identity shifts that aren’t often talked about—especially in a culture that idealizes new parenthood while overlooking the full emotional and psychological experience- all while withholding necessary supports such as accessible childcare (can you tell this angers me?).

When I (Allyson) went through the birthing and postpartum experience, I felt like I was thrown into turbulent waters without a map of where to go. Though you lose yourself in many ways in this experience, you will also be tasked with facing parts of yourself you didn’t expect to meet. While this sounds intense (and it is)- it’s also a portal to healing and breaking cycles. For this reason, I LOVE working with new parents. It is unique, special, and so fulfilling to walk alongside folks in the trenches of this journey.

How We Can Help

At our practice, we provide affirming, trauma-informed perinatal mental health support for people of all genders, including LGBTQ+ parents, nonbinary and trans birthing people, single parents, and those in blended or chosen families. We recognize how pregnancy and postpartum can intersect with eating disorders, body image distress, and past trauma. Your body has undergone real and often profound changes, and in a society that pushes unrealistic postpartum “bounce back” narratives, this can feel very activating- even if you have been in a place of solid recovery for years. The hormonal changes in the perinatal period can trigger a wide array of mental health issues including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, ADHD, Eating Disorders and even Psychotic Disorders. Getting support is a crucial component to surviving this tender season.

So, whether you're navigating postpartum depression or anxiety, struggling with an eating disorder during pregnancy, or feeling disconnected from your body and identity, you deserve a space to be seen and supported. Our approach to perinatal mental health therapy is compassionate, relational, attachment focused, anti-oppressive, and grounded in your autonomy. We support clients in building self-trust, addressing internalized shame, and creating sustainable care practices during this tender chapter of life. Please reach out to schedule a free consultation call to see if we would be a good fit for you! You may also directly request an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

"When a mother is cared for, the whole family benefits. We must mother the mother, so she can mother the baby."
Dana Raphael

New mom and baby San Diego

Allyson (our founder) and her precious little one, Amari!

Allyson, Georgia & Parisa stand in front of water fountain in Balboa Park

Ready to start therapy?

Ready to start therapy? ⟡

At Eating Disorder OCD Therapy, we offer compassionate, relational, and individualized care, rooted in the belief that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Honoring client autonomy, collaboration, and anti-oppressive, neurodivergent-affirming practices, we walk alongside you as the expert in your own life. We provide therapy for Eating Disorders, OCD, Body Image, Trauma, Maternal Mental Health, and offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), Group Therapy (globally), Recovery Coaching (globally), and Clinical Consultation and Supervision for clinicians. We are currently accepting new clients for in-person therapy in San Diego and virtual services in California, Washington, Utah, and Florida.