Perinatal & Postpartum Psychiatric Care
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are the times when psychiatric care is most needed and
hardest to get. Many practices will not take pregnant patients. Many prescribers are uncomfortable
managing medication in pregnancy and default to stopping it — which is frequently the more
dangerous option.
We provide psychiatric care throughout pregnancy and after delivery, at a reduced rate.
Do you offer a discount for pregnant patients?
Yes. We offer 50% off our standard fees for patients seen on the perinatal
schedule: every four to six weeks during pregnancy, within a week of delivery, and again before
four weeks postpartum.
The discount exists because the visit schedule is more frequent than ordinary psychiatric care,
and because the postpartum weeks are precisely when cost should not be the reason someone stops
being seen. Details on our fees page.
Should I stop my medication during pregnancy?
Not without a conversation, and often not at all. This is the single most common and most
consequential misunderstanding we encounter.
Stopping psychiatric medication abruptly because of a positive pregnancy test carries real risk.
Untreated depression and anxiety in pregnancy are associated with poorer outcomes for both parent
and baby, and relapse during pregnancy or postpartum is common after discontinuation. The decision
is a comparison of risks, not an automatic stop.
Some medications are better studied in pregnancy than others, and for some there are reasonable
alternatives. That is a discussion to have with a prescriber who is comfortable having it —
ideally before conception, but any time is better than stopping alone.
What about breastfeeding?
Many psychiatric medications are compatible with breastfeeding, and the amount transferred in
milk varies considerably between medications. We will go through what is known about your specific
medication, including relative infant dose where that data exists, so the decision is informed
rather than guessed at.
Being told to choose between breastfeeding and psychiatric treatment is usually a false choice.
What conditions do you treat in this population?
- Perinatal and postpartum depression
- Perinatal and postpartum anxiety, which is more common than depression and less recognized
- Postpartum OCD, including intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby
- Pre-existing bipolar disorder, where the postpartum period carries elevated risk
- Pregnancy and postpartum management of pre-existing psychiatric conditions
- Perinatal mood symptoms after pregnancy loss
Intrusive thoughts deserve a specific note. Many new parents experience unwanted, distressing
thoughts about harm coming to their baby. This is a recognized and treatable feature of postpartum
anxiety and OCD, and it is not the same thing as wanting to cause harm. It is also one of the most
under-reported symptoms in perinatal psychiatry, because people are frightened of what will happen
if they say it aloud. It is safe to tell us.
Can I be seen by telehealth?
Yes, and for this population it removes a genuine barrier. Getting to an appointment at 38 weeks,
or with a two-week-old, is not trivial. We see perinatal patients by video anywhere in Arizona.
Our standard requirement of one in-person visit per year still applies, and we work with you on
timing. See telehealth in Arizona.
When should I reach out?
Earlier than most people do. If you are planning a pregnancy and take psychiatric medication, a
preconception visit is the ideal time — it gives you room to make changes deliberately rather
than urgently.
If you are already pregnant or postpartum and struggling, do not wait to see whether it passes.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders respond well to treatment, and treating them earlier is easier
than treating them later.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or contact the
Postpartum Support International helpline at 1-800-944-4773. Our office is not
equipped to handle emergencies.
Treatment in Glendale and across Arizona
We see patients in person at our office in Glendale, in the Arrowhead area, and by telehealth anywhere in Arizona — Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, Yuma, Sierra Vista and everywhere between. Virtual visits are the same appointment with the same provider at the same fee.
Getting started
New patient evaluations are $375 and run 60 to 90 minutes. Follow-up visits are $125. We are out-of-network with all insurance and provide a superbill you can submit for reimbursement. Full detail on our fees page.
Pinnacle Psychiatry · 17505 N 79th Ave, Suite 309, Glendale, AZ 85308
Phone 623.321.2221 · Text 877.749.7502
Monday–Wednesday 8:00am–5:00pm · Thursday 7:00am–5:00pm