Question 1

What does "perinatal" mean?"

Accepted Answer

Perinatal means the period “all around” birth. It is most often used to refer to the period of time during pregnancy as well as postpartum, during the baby's first year.

Question 2

Someone mentioned the term "baby blues" to me.  Is that the same as postpartum depression?"

Accepted Answer

Most new mothers – experts estimate about 80% — experience mood swings and weepiness during the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth. Sometimes called “the baby blues”, this is a normal adjustment period and resolves without any medical assistance.  This is NOT the same as postpartum depression.  PPD lasts much longer and is more severe.  If you are still feeling "down" after 3 weeks, speak with your doctor, OB, or midwife.

Question 3

I don't feel depressed but rather angry and irritable.  Could this still be a PMAD?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is, yes.  Anger and irritability can be related to Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety.  There are also other disorders related to the postpartum period which include symptoms such as anxiety, rage, irritability, insomnia, feelings of being overwhelmed, lack of appetite, etc.

Question 4

I think I need help.  How do I start?

Accepted Answer

If you are reading this, you have already started the process and you are an amazing mom, friend, spouse, dad, etc.  You know that something is off either with yourself or someone you care about.  The best thing you can do is educate yourself on what is happening.  Please look at the resources on this website and then make an appointment to speak with me if you are so inclined.

Question 5

How long will I be in therapy?

Accepted Answer

The goal of therapy is to get out of therapy! Every perinatal mood disorder, no matter how strong the symptoms are, is temporary and treatable.  The main focus is to learn problem-solving skills and coping strategies to help you navigate this new stage of life.  The time frame for this varies from person to person and we will go over this during our first few sessions together.

Question 6

What insurance(s) do you take?

Accepted Answer

It is my opinion that finances should not be a barrier to receiving the help and support you need.   For this reason I accept many insurances, including: ASR, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) , Blue Cross Complete (BCC), Behavioral Health Systems, Cigna, Humana, McLaren, Medicaid, Meridian, Priority Health, United Health Care (UMR/Optum).   If you are uninsured, or have a different insurance, please contact me directly and we can discuss other alternatives.

Question 7

How common are PMADs?

Accepted Answer

PMADs are the #1 complication of pregnancy.  Approximately 15-20% of all pregnant and postpartum women may experience some form of PMAD...and we believe this number is actually substancially higher as there are many more cases that are undiagnosed and undocumented.

Question 8

I am 8 months postpartum.  Can this still be considered a postpartum issue?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  Symptoms can be experienced at any time during the first year postpartum and, if left untreated, can continue well past that.

Question 9

What's the story with medication (while pregnant, while breastfeeding, postpartum, etc)?"

Accepted Answer

Medications do exist that are shown to have minimal risk during pregnancy and/or through lactation.   Depending on the client's wants, together we explore if medication is the right option. The most important factor is being educated about your decision, and working with a prescribing provider who is knowledgeable in perinatal mental health.

Question 10

What is the No Surprises Act/Good Faith Estimate?

Accepted Answer

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your  medical care will cost. Under this law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for non-emergency medical items and services. Your Village Counseling, PLLC is happy to provide this information to ALL patients to maintain transparency in cost for all individuals seeking/receiving services.  If you are using insurance but would like a Good Faith Estimate, please tell your therapist at your first session.  Disclaimers: • There may be additional items or services the convening provider or convening facility recommends as part of the course of care that must be scheduled or requested separately and are not reflected in the good faith estimate. • The information provided in the good faith estimate is only an estimate. Actual items, services, or charges may differ from the good faith estimate. • The good faith estimate is not a contract and does not require the uninsured (or self-pay) individual to obtain the items or services from any of the providers or facilities identified in the good faith estimate. • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises. Initiation of a patient-provider dispute resolution process will not adversely affect the quality of health care services furnished. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.