Becoming a parent brings enormous change, and for many, it also brings anxiety, low mood, intrusive thoughts, or a sense of just not feeling like yourself. These experiences are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. At Maryland CBT Center, we provide specialized, evidence-based therapy for pregnancy and postpartum mental health.

You’re Not Alone

Up to 1 in 5 women experience a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Despite how common this is, many parents don't seek help often because they don't recognize the symptoms, or feel guilt or shame about struggling during what's "supposed to" be a joyful time. Our therapists create a supportive, judgment-free space to talk openly about what you're experiencing.

Conditions We Treat

• Postpartum Depression — persistent sadness, hopelessness, low energy, or loss of interest that goes beyond the "baby blues"

• Postpartum Anxiety — excessive worry, racing thoughts, or a constant sense of dread about your baby's safety or wellbeing

• Postpartum OCD — unwanted, distressing intrusive thoughts (often about harm coming to the baby) accompanied by compulsive behaviors or avoidance

• Postpartum Panic Disorder — sudden, intense episodes of fear accompanied by physical symptoms like racing heart or shortness of breath

• Pregnancy-Related Anxiety — worry and distress that begins during pregnancy, not just after birth

• Birth-Related Trauma — emotional distress following a difficult or traumatic birth experience

• Adjustment to Parenthood — difficulty adjusting to identity shifts, relationship changes, or the demands of new parenthood

Signs to Look Out For

• Persistent worry that something bad will happen to your baby

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Intrusive, distressing thoughts about harm

• Feeling constantly on edge, unable to relax even when the baby is safe and asleep

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy

• Feelings of guilt, failure, or not being a "good enough" parent

• Changes in sleep or appetite unrelated to newborn care

If any of this sounds familiar, reaching out is a strong and important first step — not a sign of weakness.

Our Approach

We use evidence-based treatments tailored to the postpartum period, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address anxious thought patterns and build practical coping strategies

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you reconnect with your values as a parent while managing difficult emotions

Sessions are collaborative and practical. We understand you have limited time and energy, and we focus on strategies that fit into real life with a newborn.

Flexible Options for New Parents

We know getting to an office with a new baby isn't always realistic. We offer:

• In-person sessions in our Bethesda, MD office

• Telehealth appointments across PSYPACT states, including DC and Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to have scary thoughts about my baby? Intrusive thoughts about a baby's safety are extremely common among new parents and do not mean you would ever act on them. When these thoughts become distressing or persistent, therapy can help you manage them effectively.

How soon after having a baby should I seek help? There's no "too early" or "too late." If you're struggling — whether it's been two weeks or two years postpartum, support is available.

Do you work with partners too? Yes. Partners can experience postpartum anxiety and depression as well, and we're happy to support the whole family system.

Maryland CBT Center offers perinatal and postpartum mental health support. Our clinicians have received advanced training from Postpartum Support International to help women navigate pregnancy, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, birth-related stress, and the emotional challenges of new parenthood.