Best Online Counseling for Postpartum Depression

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Why We Chose It

Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers support to individuals and families around the world struggling with postpartum depression. It offers a huge variety of services, including support groups, referrals for therapy services, free informational phone sessions, and a 24/7 helpline. It provides services that tailor to a variety of groups and emphasizes culturally competent care.

Key Specs

• Cost: Service costs vary; many free options are available
• Platforms Available: Video support groups, phone support, therapy referrals
• Insurance Accepted: No

Pros & Cons

Overview

Postpartum Support International offers a variety of resources that are available around the world. It specifically provides support and resources for individuals and families struggling following childbirth.

The organization provides free educational materials as well as events and resources to raise awareness about postpartum depression. It offers a free guidebook for anyone looking to raise awareness and offer support in their local community.

Postpartum Support International has support groups for new parents as well as grief and loss groups for those who need it. It has a free weekly phone session anyone can join to receive support as well as information about services available. Additionally, it has peer support programs so users can receive support from others going through similar experiences. Although it does not directly offer therapy services, it has a directory of providers specifically trained and credentialed in postpartum support services.

Services through Postpartum Support International take into account everyone’s different backgrounds and life experiences. For example, support services are available in both Spanish and English, for families who have undergone the adoption process, and for parents who have been incarcerated. In addition, the website indicates that Postpartum Support International emphasizes culturally competent support and working with LGBTQ+ individuals.

Plans & Prices

Because Postpartum Support International provides a directory to find therapists but does not offer therapy directly, the plans, prices, and insurance acceptance vary by provider. Each profile includes information about the provider’s expertise and training, as well as contact information to learn more about payment plans and methods of payment accepted.

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Why We Chose It

iCounseling provides online therapy services with a variety of platforms based on each user’s comfort and needs. Its website indicates users will be matched with therapists within 24 hours of signing up, and you can message your therapist any time. There is no limit to the number of sessions you can have, and you can meet with your therapist via video, phone, or live chat depending on what best fits your needs.

Key Specs

• Cost: $60-$90 per week
• Platforms Available: Video, phone, chat, messaging
• Insurance Accepted: No

Pros & Cons

Overview

iCounseling’s website states that it matches new users with a therapist within 24 hours of signing up. This is an important feature for those who need support and do not want to wait weeks or months on a waiting list. Once connected with a therapist, users can choose from session formats including live video, live phone sessions, or live text chat. Users also can send messages to their therapists between sessions as needed. There is no limit to how many sessions users can have, and the user and therapist can determine what is best based on individual needs.

Users are matched to a therapist based on their reported needs and preferences and the therapist’s specific training and credentials.

iCounseling offers therapy services in all 50 states, and users can stay on the platform for as long as they need. Counselors are trained in mood disorders and grief work. The website is easy to use, and you can schedule directly from your account, change your subscription, or cancel easily at any time.

Plans & Prices

iCounseling offers a subscription service with a set, weekly rate for unlimited sessions and messages with a therapist. Subscriptions cost $60 to $90 per week. Free trials and consultations are not available, and iCounseling does not accept insurance.

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Why We Chose It

7 Cups offers active listening and support to all individuals, both those with diagnosable mental health issues and those who simply need to talk through the life stressors faced by all people. While 7 Cups employs licensed therapists for ongoing support with its subscription service, users can also talk with trained listeners at any time. Live chat with trained listeners is available for free.

Key Specs

• Cost: $150/month
• Platforms Available: Chat
• Insurance Accepted: No

Pros & Cons

Overview

For those who are anxious or uncomfortable about video or phone chats, 7 Cups provides chat-based services. You can share at your own pace and re-read your messages before sending them, and there is no need to schedule sessions. This flexibility is particularly good for new parents who are recovering from birth while caring for a newborn. Users can message their therapist at any time, and therapists respond to messages on weekdays. Users can review chats at any time to re-visit things they have shared as well as the therapist’s response. Therapists on 7 Cups also post blogs about various mental health topics.

7 Cups has trained volunteers who can engage in live chat at any time when they need additional support, as well as a discussion forum for peer support. It is important to note that the online forum is not confidential, as other users will be able to see posts. However, you can post under an anonymous user name. Users can post about any topic and find threads that relate to their experiences.

Plans & Prices

Live chat with trained listeners on 7 Cups is free. Although this is not a substitute for therapy, it can supplement ongoing therapy services or allow people to get support and talk through stressors.

For those who need therapy services, users can match with a licensed mental health professional through the subscription service for $150 per month.

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Why We Chose It

Circles offers group therapy services for a variety of presenting concerns, and users are matched to a group that they will meet with on a weekly basis for support. In addition to these scheduled groups, users can chat between sessions as needed. Users also can speak with their facilitators individually in between sessions or before starting the group to ensure they are comfortable.

Key Specs

• Cost: $79/month
• Platforms Available: Video groups, phone calls with facilitators
• Insurance Accepted: No

Pros & Cons

Overview

Group therapy can help people struggling with their mental health connect with others who have gone through similar experiences while also accessing support and competent services. When struggling with postpartum depression, you might feel alone or like others do not understand what you are going through. A group can make you feel less alone.

Circles connects users to a therapy group that meets their needs. When users sign up, they answer a series of questions about what they are experiencing, and the site offers words of support and recommendations for groups that might be a good fit, usually providing more than one option. If users do not feel the recommended group will meet their needs, they can request another group. Before joining, users can request a free phone consultation with the group facilitator to address any questions or concerns that they have.

Groups are open-ended, so users can continue using the service for as long as they feel they need the support. Circles offers support to users in all 50 states, with groups meeting at a consistent time each week to make scheduling convenient and predictable. According to its website, Circles’ groups use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

Although users need to provide their information for safety reasons and billing purposes, they can choose to be anonymous to other group members.

Plans & Prices

Circles users get the first month free so they can try out the service and see if it works for them. After the free trial, users pay $79 per month for weekly groups. Chat between sessions is free, and Circles has a library of free resources users can access at any time.

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Why We Chose It

The decision to use medication to treat a mental health issue can be difficult, especially if a new parent is chestfeeding. Doctor on Demand provides both medication and therapy services, so your treatment team can work together to determine the best way to meet your needs and address any concerns you may have. Doctor on Demand provides flexible scheduling, can send prescriptions to any pharmacy, and offers urgent care services in case you cannot wait for an appointment.

Key Specs

• Cost: Therapy costs $129-$179; psychiatry costs $299 initially and $129 for follow-ups
• Platforms Available: Video
• Insurance Accepted: Yes

Pros & Cons

Overview

Specialists with Doctor on Demand have an average of 15 years of experience and extensive training in postpartum depression treatment. They can diagnose and treat the symptoms of postpartum depression, addressing the therapeutic and psychiatric needs of each client. 

Doctor on Demand does not offer subscriptions, so you pay only for the services you use. You can decide the frequency and length of your sessions, which are available seven days per week, so you can have appointments at your convenience.

Psychiatrists with Doctor on Demand can prescribe mood stabilizers and antidepressants, but they do not prescribe controlled substances, including stimulants and benzodiazepines. However, antidepressant medication can treat symptoms of postpartum depression and reduce the probability that high-risk individuals will develop symptoms. Since antidepressants typically are safe to take during pregnancy or while chestfeeding, this treatment option is accessible to many parents.

With Doctor on Demand, you choose your provider, so you can review profiles and determine who is the best fit for you. In addition to psychiatry and therapy, it provides urgent care services seven days per week. If you require a non-emergency, urgent session, you can make an appointment through its website.

Plans & Prices

Doctor on Demand works with most employers and most health insurance plans. Its service costs are:

• $75 for a 15-minute consultation with a physician
• $299 for an initial 45-minute consultation with a psychiatrist
• $129 for a 15-minute followup with a psychiatrist
• $129 for a 25-minute therapy session
• $179 for a 50-minute therapy session

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Why We Chose It

Approximately one in four people experience at least one pregnancy loss in their lifetime. This is a common, painful experience that often goes undiscussed, making it difficult to get support. Star Legacy Foundation aims to reduce stigma and allow those going through pregnancy loss to receive support.

Key Specs

• Cost: Free
• Platforms Available: Video
• Insurance Accepted: N/A

Pros & Cons

Overview

Star Legacy Foundation offers support groups for parents following miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of a baby. Groups meet via video and are open-ended, so participants can participate for as long as they feel they benefit from the group. Groups are scheduled at consistent times, and participants receive reminders via email. All of Star Legacy Foundation’s groups are facilitated by trained mental health professionals, and groups are available in both English and Spanish.

Groups offered include Bereaved Parents, Pregnancy After Loss, Coping SIDS, Dads Discussion Group, and a group for extended family members. You can register for the group that best fits your experience and needs, or register for a different group as your needs change. Groups are available in all 50 states, with attendees participating via encrypted video. You can participate as much as you feel comfortable sharing.

In addition to support groups, Star Legacy Foundation offers support and education resources for individuals and families who have experienced pregnancy loss. Those who live near an official chapter can participate in educational and supportive events. They also contribute to research initiatives to help prevent future pregnancy loss.

Plans & Prices

Support groups through Star Legacy Foundation are free for all attendees.

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Why We Chose It

Online-Therapy offers three subscription plans, so you can choose one that best fits your financial needs. It does not accept insurance but will provide an itemized list, so users can request reimbursement. In addition to therapy services, Online-Therapy offers various mindfulness, education, and self-guided therapeutic exercises users can complete at their own pace, as well as evidence-based treatment for mood disorders, including postpartum depression.

Key Specs

• Cost: $50–$110/week
• Platforms Available: Video, telephone, chat, messaging
• Insurance Accepted: No

Pros & Cons

Overview

Therapy services can be expensive and unaffordable without insurance. Online-Therapy provides different levels of service with affordable options. In addition to therapy services, the platform includes prompts to improve mindfulness, insight, and coping skills. Users can access various resources to enhance their treatment, and you can change your subscription at any time based on your needs and financial resources.

When you sign up, Online-Therapy assigns you a therapist based on your reported needs, though you can request a male or female therapist based on your comfort and preference. All therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy and an eight-week program to help address anxious and depressive symptoms. This evidence-based and time-limited approach can help alleviate symptoms in an affordable way. However, Online-Therapy also offers users the flexibility to stay in the program for as long as they feel it is beneficial.

Therapists are available Monday through Friday and will answer messages on weekdays. However, resources, worksheets, and self-guided resources are available all the time. You can download and save these resources to your device for use at any time.

Online-Therapy is available in all 50 states and in several countries.

Plans & Prices

Online-Therapy offers three subscription services, ranging from $50 to $110 per week. You get 20% off the first month that you use its services. It provides itemized lists for insurance reimbursement upon request, and you can pay for your subscription using a Health Savings Account. It offers three plans:

• Basic: The Basic plan is $50 per week and includes worksheets, meditation activities, guided journaling, and unlimited messaging with a therapist.
• Standard: The Standard plan is $80 per week, including everything in the Basic plan as well as one 45-minute session per week and unlimited messaging with your therapist.
• Premium: For $110 per week, the Premium plan includes everything in the Standard plan, but with two 45-minute sessions per week as well as “express replies” to messages you send your therapist.

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Why We Chose It

Couples Therapy Inc. offers both weekly couples therapy sessions and intensive, therapeutic couples retreats. Clients in many states can seek services to improve their relationship. Both birthing and non-birthing parents can experience postpartum depression. The providers at Couples Therapy Inc. can assess whether the stress and adjustment of the new baby go beyond what is typical, as well as provide ongoing support to get through the difficult time.

Key Specs

• Cost: Therapist fees vary; weekend intensives cost $3,500 to $6,500
• Platforms Available: Weekend intensive retreats, online therapy, in-person therapy
• Insurance Accepted: No

Pros & Cons

Overview

Postpartum depression can put stress on a relationship. When one parent is experiencing Postpartum depression, the other parent might struggle with how to provide support or how to be there for that parent. In addition, if both parents are struggling following the birth of their child, they might not be able to support each other in addition to working through their own symptoms. Couples therapy can be an important component of treating postpartum depression.

Couples Therapy Inc. has therapists in several states who can offer this support. Depending on your family’s needs, you can attend an intensive weekend retreat to improve your relationship, or you can participate in ongoing, weekly sessions, either in person or online.

In addition to postpartum depression, Couples Therapy Inc. can help couples overcome infidelity, improve their sex life, and make decisions about whether or not to get divorced. Postpartum depression can cause many issues or exacerbate pre-existing tensions in a relationship, so this additional expertise can be important. Plus, Couples Therapy Inc. offers Hopeful Spouse counseling, also known as “couples counseling for one.” Individual members of the couple can meet with a therapist to address what they might be bringing to the relationship.

Couples Therapy Inc. has a self-guided, free course that couples can complete at their own pace. The course can supplement ongoing couples therapy or provide resources and communication skills for their relationship.

Plans & Prices

The website for Couples Therapy Inc. states that ongoing session rates vary based on the therapist. Because couples therapy is typically not covered by health insurance, the company does not bill your insurance company.

The intensive weekend retreats offered by Couples Therapy Inc. cost between $3,500 and $6,500.

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Why We Chose It

Amwell offers specialized support for people experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, grief, stress, or “baby blues” that do not meet the criteria for postpartum depression. It provides video sessions, with both therapy and psychiatric services available. Its platform is easy to use and intuitive, and its therapy services are discounted for pregnant and postpartum clients.

Key Specs

• Cost: $79- $279 per session
• Platforms Available: Video
• Insurance Accepted: Yes

Pros & Cons

Overview

Amwell provides online therapy services to all 50 states and offers specialized counseling for those dealing with postpartum issues. In addition to postpartum depression and anxiety, providers treat “baby blues” and less severe postpartum stress. It helps with fertility issues, relationship stress, sleep issues, and bereavement following pregnancy loss. Both individual and couple therapy sessions are available.

In addition to therapy services, Amwell employs prescribers who can help with medication management for postpartum depression. It does not prescribe controlled substances such as stimulants but can prescribe antidepressants and mood stabilizing medications.

Amwell also has providers available for pregnancy and postpartum medical treatment. Sessions are available at any time that fits your schedule. Its platform is user-friendly and easy to use and is adaptable even if you have slow internet or low bandwidth. The website’s frequently asked questions platform includes educational information for a variety of concerns and topics.

Plans & Prices

Most therapy services offered through Amwell are $109 for a session with a masters level clinician and $129 per session with a doctoral-level clinician. However, therapy services for pregnancy and postpartum issues are discounted and cost $79 to $625 per session. Since Amwell accepts health insurance, your cost for care might be lower depending on your coverage, and you might only owe a copay. Contact your insurance provider for information about your coverage.

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Why We Chose It

Therapy services are not affordable for everyone, and while peer support is not a substitute for traditional therapy, it can be helpful. The Online PPD Support Group is a peer-run space where those struggling with postpartum depression can receive support from others who have gone through similar experiences.

Key Specs

• Cost: Free
• Platforms Available: Online forum
• Insurance Accepted: N/A

Pros & Cons

Overview

The Online PPD Support Group has forums for a variety of topics, including military support, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, birth stories, treatment options, and adoption. Administrators provide frequently asked questions and book and video recommendations for education.

Users can log in any time of the day or night to share what they are experiencing, and others can respond with support or advice. Your profile can be anonymous, and you only have to share information that you are comfortable disclosing. However, users should be aware that everything they post is publicly visible. Even people who are not registered users can view posts on the forum. This means your posts and replies are not confidential, and those who might not want to post their own story can learn from things that others have shared.

It is important to remember that peer support through an online forum is not therapy and cannot substitute psychotherapy treatment for postpartum depression. Users can normalize each other’s experiences and provide feedback about what has helped others, and this can help those adjusting to having a new baby or struggling with strong emotions after childbirth. Peer support has benefits but is not the same as receiving counseling from a trained and licensed mental health professional.