Postpartum Depression Treatment in Texas

We often expect the experience of having a baby to be wonderful and full of joy. But the reality is that new motherhood is often exceptionally hard. 

New mothers can experience a range of unsettling emotions, from mild anxiety to extreme, scary thoughts. These can be accompanied by guilt, shame, and a sense of being alone. 

These feelings can signal postpartum depression, and it might be comforting to know that this is extremely common. 

If you think you or your family member is grappling with the symptoms of postpartum depression, know that help is available. Learn more about how you can access the treatment services we offer at Navita Health to help you overcome this difficult time. 

How Does Postpartum Depression Treatment Work?

Postpartum depression (PPD) treatment is a form of mental health treatment that works by addressing the unique factors contributing to depression after childbirth.

The treatment process begins with a comprehensive assessment. Using a questionnaire, the health professional will ask about any history of depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, loss of energy or loss of interest in daily activities.

They’ll ask questions about the new mother’s social support network, and whether her depressive disorder has caused any suicidal thoughts. They may order tests for health problems involving the thyroid and check hormone levels, looking specifically at progesterone and estrogen markers.

These psychological and social conditions and hormonal changes can all play a role in a new mom’s postpartum distress. Understanding the depth and nature of the new mother’s depression guides her personalized treatment plan. 

The plan often includes individual and group therapy, combined with medications, like antidepressants, to help balance brain chemicals and stabilize emotions. The goal is to ensure effective relief from symptoms and support the mother’s return to full health.

Postpartum Depression Treatment Services

At Navita Health, we provide the following levels of care for women facing postpartum depression issues.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment programs address complex or severe mental health conditions that require intensive therapy and 24-hour support. 

These programs are different from acute inpatient treatment, which provides short-term, high-intensity care primarily for stabilization. 

Instead, residential treatment at Navita Health is structured to promote long-term recovery with an emphasis on understanding and managing the condition, as well as developing life skills.

Day Treatment 

Day treatment programs at Navita Health offer structured support for those who don’t require 24-hour care. 

These programs are suitable if you’re transitioning from intensive residential treatment or if you need more support than outpatient care offers.

Our participants engage in different therapeutic activities during the day, such as individual and group therapy, and skill-building workshops. 

They return home each evening, which allows them to stay connected with family and integrate daily life with their treatment schedule. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, is a key treatment approach for managing PPD. 

During sessions, a therapist works with you to uncover the underlying causes of your depression. Common approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). These help modify negative thought patterns, manage triggers, and cultivate coping mechanisms. 

Psychotherapy offers a safe space to discuss fears, anxieties, and stressors related to motherhood and helps you find the tools to handle future challenges.

Antidepressant Medication

Antidepressant medications work by balancing chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotional state, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are often prescribed, as they’re effective and generally safe for mothers who are breastfeeding. 

There are also medications like Brexanolone, a neuroactive steroid that needs to be given through an IV under health care provider supervision. Meanwhile, a new drug called Zuranolone was recently approved and is the first oral medication designed to treat PPD in adults. 

The decision to prescribe these medications is based on a thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms, medical and family history, and personal preferences. Treatment then involves close monitoring for effectiveness and any side effects. 

One on One Therapy

One-on-one therapy can be a huge help if you’re facing PPD, as it allows for privacy and in-depth exploration of emotional issues. It supports new mothers in addressing not only their symptoms but also the underlying causes of PPD. 

Over multiple sessions, you can explore various personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and work through feelings of sadness, anxiety, or worthlessness. 

This treatment aids your recovery process by helping you understand and manage emotions in a confidential, safe setting.

Group Therapy

A huge contributor to PPD is the feeling of loneliness new mothers can face. This is where group therapy can really help.

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several individuals at the same time.

In these sessions, members offer each other feedback, coping strategies, and support, offering new mothers a platform to connect, share, and heal together.

Family Therapy

The level of support a new mother receives from her family can be key in either preventing or contributing to postpartum depression. And if PPD does develop, treatment is often for the mother only and excludes those around her. 

That’s why family therapy can be so effective. It aims to resolve issues within the family unit and improve communication and relationships among family members. 

At Navita Health, we offer a safe, structured environment where family members can learn about postpartum depression and strengthen their relationships to provide better support. 

Grief Therapy

Grief therapy for PPD helps mothers going through the pain of pregnancy loss or the death of a baby at birth. These events can cause significant guilt, self-doubt, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

At Navita Health, grief therapy creates a compassionate space for mourning, understanding the stages of grief, and developing coping mechanisms. 

Grief therapy can be integrated into the treatment plan to provide targeted support. This helps mothers navigate their loss while also addressing the broader spectrum of postpartum emotional health.

Other Treatments for Postpartum Depression

Traditional therapeutic and medication approaches aren’t the only way to treat PPD. 

Other treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and bright light therapy are sometimes recommended for cases where conventional methods aren’t working. 

Then there are alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and structured exercise programs which can be integrated to support treatment. These methods help reduce depression symptoms by improving physical well-being, which encourages overall recovery.

Types of Postpartum Depression We Treat

Postpartum depression can show up in many ways, with different levels of severity. One form of depression may last a few weeks, whereas another may require years of support to help the mother fully heal. 

Postpartum Blues

Postpartum blues, often termed “baby blues,” is a common condition that affects many new mothers. It’s characterized by mild mood swings, anxiety, sadness, and irritability and typically emerges within the first few days after childbirth.

Although it can be unsettling, postpartum blues can resolve on its own within two weeks, without the need for medical treatment.

At Navita Health, we help new mothers understand that this is a natural and temporary adjustment period. Our guidance focuses on self-care, seeking support from loved ones, and making sure new mothers have the resources they need.

Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is where women experience excessive worry, feelings of unease, or panic attacks after childbirth. Unlike postpartum blues, postpartum anxiety can last for a long time and may need therapeutic intervention.

Postpartum anxiety is actually very common in new mothers and may occur alongside obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, panic attacks, or PTSD.

At Navita Health, treatment may involve psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication to help mothers manage and overcome their anxiety symptoms. 

Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Postpartum post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after childbirth, triggered by traumatic birth experiences, emergency deliveries, or complications during labor.

Symptoms may include flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares, and an ongoing fear of childbirth. Each of these can impact a new mother’s ability to bond with her new baby and navigate motherhood.

At Navita Health, treatment for postpartum PTSD focuses on trauma recovery. The goal is to help new mothers process, heal, and move on from their experiences.

Postpartum Panic Disorder

Postpartum panic disorder is characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear or panic attacks for new mothers after childbirth. 

These episodes may include physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Emotionally, there might be a sense of losing control or impending doom, often without any obvious trigger.

We help new mothers navigate postpartum panic disorder with tailored psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. With this support, new mothers regain a sense of control and feel better equipped to take care of themselves and their babies.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental health condition that can develop in new mothers typically within the first two weeks after childbirth. 

It’s characterized by extreme confusion, disorientation, delusional beliefs (often involving the newborn), hallucinations, and, in some cases, paranoia or mania. 

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency and requires immediate treatment due to the risk of harm to the mother, the baby, or both.

At Navita Health, treatment often involves hospitalization for safety and stabilization, antipsychotic medications to quickly reduce symptoms, and mood stabilizers. Other treatments such as ECT may be appropriate. 

Who Will Benefit from Postpartum Depression Treatment?

Postpartum depression treatment is beneficial for new mothers who experience symptoms of depression after childbirth. This includes those experiencing the milder baby blues, to new mothers with severe symptoms. 

PPD treatment is critical for improving the mother’s mental health as well as her ability to function and care for her baby. Family members also benefit from the treatment by learning how to adapt to and support the new family unit. 

What Sets Apart Our Postpartum Depression Treatment?

At Navita Health, we understand the profound impact PPD can have on new mothers and their families. 

Our approach to postpartum depression treatment involves:

• Individualized treatment: Every client receives a tailored therapy plan based on an in-depth assessment of their unique PPD symptoms.
• Client-centered care: Our commitment to treating every client with respect is unwavering. We foster a caring, supportive, and empathetic atmosphere for all.
• Evidence-based methods: We use the most current CBT techniques along with other science-backed treatments to address PPD effectively.
• Comprehensive support network: Understanding the importance of support, we include group and family therapy options to create a strong network.
• Holistic approach: We recognize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in health and recovery. Our treatments enhance overall well-being in new mothers.

Nurturing self-compassion and empowerment among our clients is central to our treatment philosophy. With the right support, our clients can heal from postpartum depression and move forward with their lives. 

How Long Will Postpartum Depression Treatment Last?

The duration of postpartum depression treatment varies from one person to another, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s response to treatment. 

Treatment for PPD can last from a few months to a year. In cases where symptoms are mild, significant improvement can be seen within a few weeks of starting therapy.

But for more severe forms of postpartum depression, or cases complicated by other mental health conditions, treatment might need to be extended over a longer period. 

At Navita Health, we tailor our support to meet the specific needs of each client for as long as they need to achieve complete, lasting recovery. 

Does Insurance Cover Postpartum Depression Treatment in Texas?

In Texas, coverage for PPD treatment depends on your insurance plan. 

Here at Navita Health, we work closely with a range of providers, so we can help as many people as possible. We’re also dedicated to working with you to find practical payment solutions so you can access the help you need. 

Make sure to check your insurance type and the details of your policy to fully understand your policy. If in doubt, we’re here to help you explore and understand your options toward your own or your loved one’s healing. 

Find Compassionate Postpartum Depression Treatment at Navita

Postpartum depression can strike regardless of how old you are or whether you’ve been a mother before. 

If you’re experiencing PPD, know that you do not have to go through it alone. There are many safe, proven treatment options that can draw you out of the shadow of PPD and into a brighter future.At Navita Health, we’re committed to getting you the help you need. Get started on your healing journey, by reaching out to us today.