Perinatal & Postpartum Therapy in Chicago & Northbrook IL

Becoming a parent is one of the most profound transitions a person can go through. It can also be one of the hardest. The cultural narrative around pregnancy and new parenthood is often filled with images of joy and completeness. What gets far less airtime is the anxiety, the exhaustion, the loss of identity, the relationship strain, and the very real possibility that your mental health may need support during this time.

If you are struggling during pregnancy or after having a baby, you are not failing at this. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications of childbirth, and they are treatable. Reaching out for help is not a sign that something is wrong with you. It is a sign that you are paying attention.

What Is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal refers to the period spanning pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a spectrum of conditions that can develop during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. They affect people of all genders who have recently had a baby and are far more common than most people know.

What Depression Can Look Like

People often picture depression as someone who cannot get out of bed. But depression presents in many ways, and some of them are easy to miss or explain away:

Persistent low mood, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest in things that used to bring pleasure
Fatigue and low energy even after adequate rest
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
Changes in sleep: sleeping too much or too little
Changes in appetite or weight
Irritability, restlessness, or feeling on edge
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive self-criticism
Physical aches, headaches, or digestive issues without clear medical cause
Thoughts of death or not wanting to be here

High-functioning depression is also real. Some people maintain jobs, relationships, and external appearances while privately struggling with significant depression. If things look fine from the outside but feel hollow on the inside, that matters.

“Depression can take people into a dark, lonely, and hopeless place. But,it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Treatment can help, and the hardest step is oftentimes just reaching out to schedule an appointment”
– Mimi Neathery, PsyD, Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics

Types of Depression We Treat

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia): a lower-grade but chronic form
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders
Depression related to grief, loss, or major life transitions
Depression co-occurring with anxiety, trauma, or chronic illness
Treatment-resistant depression

How We Treat Depression

There is no single right way to treat depression, and our approach reflects that. Our clinicians draw from CBT, Behavioral Activation, Psychodynamic Therapy, ACT, and RO-DBT for presentations where overcontrol and emotional inhibition are central. Treatment is shaped around you: your history, your patterns, what has and has not worked before, and what your life actually looks like right now.

Depression Treatment in Chicago, Northbrook, and via Telehealth

Our team includes therapists with specialized experience in depression treatment serving adults and adolescents in Chicago and Northbrook, and via telehealth across Illinois and many other states. Reaching out is often the hardest part. We make the first step as easy as possible.

Call (312) 291-9570 or book a consultation online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Therapy

What is the most effective therapy for depression?
Multiple therapy approaches have strong evidence for depression treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Behavioral Activation are among the most researched. Psychodynamic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Therapy also have substantial evidence bases. The most effective approach depends on the individual, the type of depression, and what underlying factors are contributing to it.

How do I know if I need therapy for depression or just support?
If low mood, loss of interest, or other depressive symptoms have persisted for two or more weeks, are interfering with daily functioning or relationships, or are significantly affecting your quality of life, therapy is worth considering. Support from friends and family is valuable but is generally not sufficient to address clinical depression on its own.

Can depression be treated without medication?
Yes. Psychotherapy, particularly CBT and Behavioral Activation, has strong evidence for treating mild to moderate depression without medication. For moderate to severe depression, research generally supports a combination of therapy and medication as most effective. A therapist can help you evaluate your options and, if appropriate, refer you for a medication consultation.

How long does therapy for depression take?
This varies significantly depending on the type and severity of depression, the person’s history, and treatment goals. Some people see meaningful improvement within 12 to 16 sessions. More complex or longstanding depression often benefits from longer treatment. Your therapist will work with you to set realistic expectations.

Does telehealth therapy work for depression?
Yes. Research consistently supports the effectiveness of telehealth therapy for depression at comparable levels to in-person treatment. Midwest Counseling offers depression therapy via telehealth across Illinois and many other states.

Reach out to start
your healing journey today.

(312) 291-9570

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