Baby laying on a furry white blanket while a doctor listens to the baby's heart through a stethoscope

Prenatal Pediatrics Institute

Mental Health Services

Our team of specially trained psychologists provides expert mental health support for expectant and new parents. We offer individualized care to help families navigate stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth.

Perinatal and Postnatal Psychology Support

Your mental health matters. Caring for baby starts with caring for you. Get answers to families' commonly asked questions below.

What can you tell me about your patient- and family-centered care?

We support families throughout the perinatal journey from pregnancy through the postpartum period with individualized therapy that centers your emotional well-being. Every patient that our team sees is unique; our psychologists provide compassionate care tailored to your specific needs.

As integrated members of your care team, our psychologists guide families through complex fetal diagnoses and offer support to parents and siblings as they adjust to new changes. Our goal is to ensure every member of your family feels cared for.

Do you offer in-person or virtual mental health support?

Every family’s journey is different — and your mental health support should reflect that. From your first visit through your baby’s care here at Children’s National, our team is here to meet you where you are. We offer therapy sessions via telehealth for convenience and flexibility. We can also provide in-person support at your bedside during your baby’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) stay.

Our goal is to make accessing care feel seamless and supportive, no matter where you are in your journey.

What sets this mental health support apart from other options we may have?

We are one of the only dedicated perinatal mental health departments in the country offering specialized support for families navigating complex fetal diagnoses during pregnancy. Some features of our care that set us apart include:

Our team includes PMH-C–certified psychologists and advanced postdoctoral trainees who focus exclusively on perinatal mental health.
Psychologists are fully integrated into your medical care team, allowing us to stay closely connected to your child’s care plan and collaborate across disciplines.

How can I get mental health support from this program at Children's National?

Getting support is simple. You can ask any member of your child's care team, including your care coordinator, about connecting with a psychologist. In many cases, care coordinators may recommend our services during your visit if they believe it could be helpful to you. Our psychologists are licensed in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. If you live outside those areas, we can help connect you with trusted providers in your community.

We’re committed to providing culturally sensitive care that respects your values, traditions and lived experiences. Our team works with families from many different backgrounds and offers services in both English and Spanish.