Therapy for Postpartum
Depression & Anxiety
Understanding Postpartum Depression & Anxiety in Black Women
The weeks and months after giving birth can bring joy, but they can also bring unexpected sadness, anxiety, or emotional numbness—feelings that are often minimized or ignored when you’re a Black woman. Too often, the message is “you should be grateful,” even as you struggle to sleep, connect with your baby, or manage constant worry. At Black Girls Mental Health Collective, we provide trauma-informed, culturally affirming therapy for postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety, helping Black women in California and Georgia heal in ways that reflect both the science of mental health and the reality of our lived experiences.
What Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Looks Like in Black Women
PPD and postpartum anxiety aren’t always obvious. For some, symptoms creep in quietly; for others, they hit hard and fast. In our communities, they can also show up in physical ways like headaches, body aches, or exhaustion that doesn’t go away; in emotional ways like irritability or numbness; and in social ways like withdrawing from loved ones, overcommitting to 'stay busy,' or struggling to bond with baby — all of which are often overlooked or misinterpreted.
Why Black Women Experience Higher Rates of Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Studies consistently show that Black women are at higher risk for maternal mental health concerns:
Systemic racism and bias in healthcare: Symptoms are more likely to be dismissed, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment .
Cultural expectations: The “strong Black woman” stereotype discourages vulnerability and asking for help.
Economic and social pressures: Black women are more likely to face financial strain, lack of paid leave, and limited access to childcare .
Higher rates of pregnancy complications: Preeclampsia, preterm birth, and other conditions increase stress and impact recovery .
Research suggests up to 40% of Black women experience postpartum depression or anxiety—nearly double the rate of the general population .
Barriers to Getting Help for Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Many Black mothers delay therapy because:
Fear of judgment or being seen as “unfit”
Lack of culturally competent providers
Mistrust in medical systems due to past harm
Limited insurance coverage or therapy availability
At BGMHC, we intentionally remove these barriers through culturally rooted, accessible care.
Is Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Treatable? Absolutely.
Yes—these conditions respond well to early, targeted support. Our approach blends:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
How it helps: Reframes thoughts like “I’m failing as a mom” that fuel anxiety and depression. Builds healthier coping skills to manage daily stress.
What it looks like: Structured sessions with practical tools—like journaling, thought-tracking, or practicing new responses—applied between appointments.
How it helps: Improves mood by addressing role transitions (becoming a parent), grief, or strained relationships. Reduces isolation and builds stronger support.
What it looks like: Conversations about relationship patterns, practicing clearer communication, and setting boundaries to increase support at home and beyond.
How it helps: Heals from birth trauma, miscarriage, or medical racism that may trigger distress. Reduces the “stuck” feeling of painful memories.
What it looks like: Safe recall of difficult experiences while using eye movements or tapping, helping the brain reprocess and release emotional weight.
How it helps: Calms stress in both body and mind, improves sleep, and supports bonding with baby.
What it looks like: Breathwork, guided imagery, and mindfulness woven into daily routines—short, restorative practices that fit postpartum life.
Mind-Body Practices
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
The Role of Faith in Therapy
For many Black women, faith is not just belief — it’s our anchor, our history, and our way of making sense of life’s challenges. We recognize that your spirituality, church family, and cultural practices may be central to your identity, and therapy should support, not compete with, those values.
Faith integration in therapy can look like:
Opening or closing sessions with prayer.
Exploring scripture alongside therapeutic insights.
Using meditation, music, or storytelling rooted in your heritage.
Navigating how to set boundaries within faith communities while staying connected.
We also understand that some Black women carry pain from church hurt, exclusion, or spiritual abuse. Therapy can be a safe space to unpack those wounds, rebuild trust in your spiritual self, and explore new forms of connection that nurture rather than harm.
Online & In-Person Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Therapy — Accessible and Confidential
Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Concord, Atlanta, or anywhere in California or Georgia, you can choose between secure telehealth sessions and in-person appointments. Both options offer a safe, judgment-free space to heal with a Black woman therapist who sees you.
Meet Our Black Women Therapists
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety FAQs
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Baby blues typically resolve within 2 weeks; PPD and anxiety last longer, interfere with daily life, and may worsen without support.
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Yes. We specialize in addressing trauma alongside postpartum symptoms.
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Absolutely. We use attachment-based strategies to help you connect and build a healthy bond.
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Yes — we accept multiple insurance plans in California and Georgia, including United Healthcare (Optum), Anthem Blue Cross California, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Magellan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Quest Behavioral Health, Aetna, Horizon BCBS of NJ, Independence BCBS PA, and Cigna. We also offer therapy vouchers for eligible Black women during pregnancy or within one year postpartum.
Additional Resources
Free Therapy for Black Women Postpartum