Postpartum Depression Therapy
in North Carolina for new mothers experiencing persistent low mood, anxiety, or difficulty bonding with their baby after childbirth. Evidence-based treatment using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps mothers process the emotional challenges of new parenthood and build confidence, connection, and lasting relief from postpartum symptoms.
Postpartum Depression Therapy
Quick Facts
- Who this is for: New mothers experiencing postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or difficulty coping with, functioning in, or bonding with their baby following childbirth
- Conditions treated: Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, baby blues that have persisted beyond the first few weeks, and emotional difficulties related to the transition into new parenthood
- Modalities offered: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Session types and lengths: Individual therapy; first appointment is 60 minutes; ongoing frequency is flexible based on client needs
- Telehealth: Available statewide across all of North Carolina
- Locations: Durham, NC (3710 University Drive, Suite 302) and Cary, NC (570 New Waverly Place, Suite 210)
- Insurance: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, NC State Health Plan, and Medicaid plans including Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete, and Wellcare; out-of-network superbills and private pay also accepted
Motherhood Isn’t Always Easy
It’s not uncommon for women to feel emotional or anxious following childbirth. There is a natural shift in hormones during this time which lends itself to changes in mood, not to mention the added impact of sleep deprivation and adjustment to new life as a parent. For many women, this may last a few weeks and is typically referred to as the “baby blues.” However, when symptoms persist beyond those first few weeks and begin to interfere with a mother’s ability to cope, function, care for, or bond with her child, then it falls in the category of postpartum depression or anxiety. If you find yourself in this category it is important to seek out support and help through postpartum depression therapy.
What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby blues are a common and temporary response to the hormonal shifts and sleep deprivation that follow childbirth, typically lasting a few weeks. Postpartum depression is more persistent, more intense, and begins to interfere with daily functioning and the ability to care for and connect with your baby. If symptoms are not improving after the first few weeks, it is worth reaching out for support.
Bring Happiness To Motherhood
At Acacia Collaborative we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy, to work with new mothers struggling with postpartum related issues. Utilizing these approaches to therapy, we help women process the range of emotions that come along with childbirth and new parenthood; we work together to address negative and unrealistic thoughts which feed into depression and anxiety; and we identify specific ways of coping with the symptoms, stressors, and significant life transition that they are experiencing. With appropriate treatment and support in place, women can experience significant improvement in postpartum symptoms and a greater ability to take on and cope with the challenges of parenthood.
How do DBT and ACT support new mothers?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps mothers manage intense emotions and develop skills for tolerating distress without feeling overwhelmed. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on accepting difficult feelings without judgment and aligning daily life with personal values, which can be especially helpful during the significant identity shift that comes with new parenthood.
How Therapy Works
1. Reach Out: Call or email to ask questions and take the first step. You do not need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.
2. Intake: Complete electronic forms before your first appointment. Insurance and scheduling details are confirmed at this stage.
3. First Session (60 Minutes): Share what you have been experiencing since childbirth, discuss how symptoms are affecting your daily life, and begin building a personalized treatment plan with your therapist.
4. Understanding Your Experience: Your therapist helps you make sense of the hormonal, emotional, and lifestyle shifts that follow childbirth, separating what is typical from what needs direct clinical attention.
5. Processing and Coping: Using CBT, DBT, and ACT, you and your therapist work through the range of emotions tied to new parenthood, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build practical coping skills for the specific stressors you are facing.
6. Strengthening Connection: As symptoms improve, therapy focuses on deepening your confidence as a mother and your ability to bond with and care for your baby.
7. Ongoing Support: Adjust session frequency as you progress, with flexible scheduling designed to work around the realities of life with a newborn.
How Do You Get Started?
STEP ONE: CONTACT US
At any point in your decision to pursue therapy or assessment, feel free to contact us with questions. We will gladly talk with you over the phone to determine if one of us will be a good fit. Visit our Contact Page.
STEP TWO: INTAKE
Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will be emailed forms to complete electronically prior to your first appointment. If we are in-network with your Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or State Health Plan insurance benefits will be processed.
STEP THREE: FIRST SESSION
Your first appointment will be 60 minutes. In this first appointment, we will discuss what brought you in, your history, and will develop a “game plan” with you to work toward your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel anxious rather than depressed after having a baby?
Yes. Postpartum anxiety is just as common as postpartum depression and is equally deserving of support. Many mothers experience a combination of both, and therapy at Acacia addresses whichever symptoms are most present for you.
Do I have to have a formal diagnosis to start therapy?
No. If you are struggling after childbirth, that is reason enough to reach out. Your therapist will assess what you are experiencing during your sessions and work with you from there.
Is postpartum therapy available via telehealth?
Yes. Postpartum depression therapy is available via telehealth across all of North Carolina, which many new mothers find especially practical given the challenges of traveling with a newborn.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the severity of symptoms and individual circumstances. Many clients begin with weekly sessions and adjust frequency as they start to feel more stable and confident in their daily life.
Contact Acacia Collaborative
Ask a question or book an appointment below.
Hours
Monday through Friday
9AM-8PM
Saturday: 9AM-3PM
Durham Office:
3710 University Drive #302, Durham, NC 27707
Cary Office:
570 New Waverly Pl #210, Cary, NC 27518
Online Therapy
All of North Carolina
Insurance
Accepting Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, State Health Plan, Out-of-Network Superbills & Private Pay. We are credentialed with the following Medicaid plans: Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete, and Wellcare.
Services
Mental Health Therapy & Psychological Assessments