How to Find a Perinatal Therapist in Washington (And What Questions to Ask)

Takeaway: Finding a therapist for moms—sometimes called a perinatal or maternal mental health therapist—isn’t always easy. New moms face unique challenges like postpartum anxiety, burnout, birth trauma, and overwhelm that require specialized support. In this post, you’ll learn how to find a therapist in Washington State who truly understands motherhood, plus what to ask to make sure they’re the right fit for you..

Why Finding the Right Therapist Matters

Finding a therapist for moms—sometimes called a perinatal therapist or maternal mental health therapist—isn’t always easy. There’s a shortage of therapists in general, and even fewer who truly understand the unique challenges of motherhood, like postpartum anxiety, birth trauma, or the mental load of parenting.

Because of this, many moms feel tempted to take the first available appointment with any therapist who has an opening. I get it—when you're struggling, you just want help.

But here's why fit matters:

Therapy isn’t effective unless the therapist is a good match for you.

That’s why I encourage moms to think of the first session as an interview—one where you’re the one asking the questions. This post will walk you through how to find a maternal mental health therapist in Washington, what to consider, and what to ask in your first meeting. 

Where to Start Looking for a Therapist 

Try a Therapist Database or Directory

Start with a reputable therapist database that lets you filter for a phrase like postpartum, maternal mental health, or women’s issues. These are the two I use when I have a client who is moving out of state + I’m trying to connect her to someone new:

• Psychology Today: You can filter by specialty, gender, insurance, and location—even keywords like “postpartum” or “maternal mental health.”

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) Directory: This directory is specific to therapists trained in perinatal mental health. Look for the PMH-C credential, which shows specialized training in working with moms during pregnancy and postpartum.

Look on Social Media

Many therapists for moms (including Dr. Julie) are now on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. If you find someone on a directory, try checking their social media presence. This gives you a feel for their personality, which matters just as much as their credentials.

Ask a Trusted Provider

Your OB-GYN, midwife, fertility clinic, or pediatrician may have referrals to local perinatal therapists. Many fertility clinics even have therapists on staff.

Think Through the Logistics of Therapy as a Mom

Financial Investment & Insurance

Therapy is a financial commitment, so explore whether you’ll be using:

• Insurance (may reduce costs but limits provider options)

• Private pay (offers more flexibility)

• Out-of-network reimbursement (many therapists provide a superbill to help you get partial reimbursement)

Call your insurance company to ask how your benefits work (every plan is different)

Virtual or In-Person?

In my experience as a therapist for moms in Washington, every single client I’ve worked with in the last three years has chosen virtual therapy. It saves time, removes the need for childcare or travel, and allows you to meet from your own home (or your car, or your office, or Target’s parking lot—no judgment here). In small communities like Bainbridge Island or West Seattle, it also removes the waiting room awkwardness that can happen when you run into someone you know.

Can You Bring Your Child?

This is one of the most common and important questions. In my practice, the answer is always yes. I love having your children with us. Your baby can nurse, sleep in your arms, or sit nearby. Your toddler can play or watch a show during session. I believe that therapy must be accessible or you won’t be able to attend —and that often means having your child with you.

Questions to Ask in the First Session

Whether it’s a free 15-minute consultation or a full-length first session, treat it like a mutual interview. Pay attention to how you feel. Do you like their energy? Do you feel understood?

Here are 3 questions I recommend asking:

How many clients do you see each week?

You want a therapist who isn’t overbooked—someone who has the emotional and mental bandwidth to support you. Over 20 clients a week is considered full-time in our field, and personally, I prefer a therapist with more room in their schedule.

What training do you have in working with moms?

Ask about their education, experience, and whether they’ve had specific training in maternal mental health. It’s okay to ask if they’re a parent themselves, too. Personally, becoming a mom changed how I show up in my work—it changed my perspective completely (which is remarkable because I have 12+ years of training!).

How would you describe your therapy style?

Some therapists are more reflective and nurturing. Others are practical and solution-focused. I blend both: I support moms through anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout with tools and reflection, and I focus on life transitions like parenting, returning to work, or managing the mental load.

If their style doesn’t feel right to you—that’s okay. You’re allowed to try someone else.

Therapy for Moms in Washington—Start Here

If you're a mom in Seattle, Bainbridge Island, along the Kitsap Peninsula or anywhere in Washington State, and you're looking for therapy that truly meets your needs—I’d love to hear from you.

At my perinatal mental health practice, Nurturing the Sisterhood, I support women navigating:

• Postpartum anxiety, burnout, and overwhelm

• Stress related to parenting, identity shifts, and going back to work

• Infertility, pregnancy after loss, and birth trauma

• The invisible mental load of motherhood

• Relationship challenges

• Guilt related to returning to work (or not returning to work!)

All therapy sessions are held virtually, and your baby is always welcome. Reach out to for your free consultation and let’s see if we’re a fit

If therapy isn’t in the cards for you right now or you are a mom outside of Washington State, please check out our free resources for moms here. All of the resources at Nurturing the Sisterhood are created for busy moms who need support.