Reproductive Psychiatry

Welcome to the Reproductive Psychiatry program at the University of Maryland. We provide specialized care for pregnant and postpartum women and their families. We also treat mental health disorders that are influenced by hormonal shifts during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as across the lifespan, for both men and women. This includes providing mental health care for people who are experiencing infertility, preconception counseling, and perimenopause.

We’re Here to Help: Call 410-328-5881

We understand how emotional and stressful it can be when you’re expecting a baby, or dealing with unexpected complications during pregnancy or delivery, or caring for a newborn. You might be feeling depressed or anxious. Or you might be experiencing grief or trauma.

You and your family are unique in what you need. To help meet those needs, we offer a variety of services, such as therapy, medication, and education for fathers/partners and family.

Did You Know?

  • Up to 20% of women suffer from mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy.
  • Around 10% of non-birth parents can have mood and anxiety problems during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Services Offered

  • Therapy
  • Medication
  • Education for fathers/partners and family

Conditions Treated

  • Depression, anxiety, and trauma in pregnancy and after delivery
  • Parent/child relationship concerns (e.g., connecting with baby)
  • Mental health disorders influenced by hormonal shifts during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as across the lifespan, including infertility, preconception counseling, and perimenopause

Watch this video to learn more about our Reproductive Psychiatry program.

  • “I have referred many patients of our midwife practice to this program, and we have seen great outcomes with patients reporting better mood, sleep, and experiences with breastfeeding. We are so fortunate to have a specialty team for this.”
    Katelyn Holmes, CNM, MSN, PMH-C
    Certified Nurse Midwife
    University of Maryland School of Medicine
  • “This program has been an invaluable resource. Many families have shared that the therapy services have helped them cope with depression and anxiety symptoms.”
    Liz Herrick, LCSW-C, MSW, MPA
    Clinical Social Worker III
    University of Maryland Medical Center
  • “Thanks to this program, we have been able to prioritize the patient’s emotional well-being alongside their physical health. Patients often tell me they feel seen, heard, and truly cared for.”
    Karl Edward Seif, M.D., FACOG
    Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
    University of Maryland School of Medicine

Multidisciplinary Team Provides Tailored Treatment

Our specialists are ready to provide expert consultation and compassionate care. We focus on your well-being, helping you and your family have the best quality of life possible.

We are proud to offer:

  • Expert clinicians with years of experience in reproductive psychiatry
  • Evidence-based treatment including therapy and medication management
  • Accessible, timely care with the options of in-person or virtual visits
  • Collaboration with your other healthcare providers so you have coordinated care

Learn more about our Reproductive Psychiatry program.

Signs That You Might Need Help

If you have previously experienced a mood disorder or postpartum depression, you are at an increased risk of developing mood problems again during pregnancy or the postpartum period.

Some warning signs include:

  • Not feeling like yourself
  • Having more trouble than usual coping with problems
  • Having trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
  • Having difficulty connecting with your baby
  • Crying a lot
  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Feeling worried all the time
  • Having thoughts of not wanting to be alive, or wanting to harm yourself

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, please talk with your healthcare provider or call our Reproductive Psychiatry program at 410-328-5881.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You can call us directly, or you can talk with your healthcare provider about a referral.

To schedule a consultation or make a referral, call 410-328-5881.

Location
Walter P. Carter Center
701 W. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

FAQs About Reproductive Psychiatry

Your experience with pregnancy, childbirth, or new parenthood might not be what you were hoping for or expecting. If you’re having strong feelings like anxiety or depression, our therapists can help you process those feelings and provide strategies for dealing with them. It’s an opportunity for you to get nonjudgmental support from a mental health professional.

Perinatal health refers to the health of a woman and her infant from the beginning of pregnancy through the first year following childbirth. It includes the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of both the mom and baby. It’s a critical period with significant impact on the mom, baby, and other family members. You can receive professional mental health support during this time to help you normalize unexpected stressors and to receive guidance for the complex journey of new parenthood.

You may also find support through these other resources:

National Women’s Health Information Center
800-994-9662
https://womenshealth.gov/

Postpartum Support International
800-944-4773
https://postpartum.net/

Postpartum Progress Blog
https://postpartumprogress.com/