Can a psychologist help with postnatal depression?

Welcoming a baby can be incredibly exciting, but the reality can feel very different when postnatal (or postpartum) depression is a factor. 

If you’re feeling lower than you expected, or are struggling with feelings of not coping, a psychologist might be able to help. 

In this post I’ll walk through how that works, what evidence supports it, and what options are available here in Australia.

In case of emergency

If you need urgent help, please immediately contact one of these organisations.

PANDA: 1300 726 306

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.

What is postpartum depression and how common is it?

First it helps to know what we’re dealing with. Many new parents experience the “baby blues” — mood swings, tearfulness, irritability — in the first few days after birth. But those usually settle within about 10 days. 

Postpartum depression is different. It’s more persistent, more severe, and it interferes with your ability to function. Some symptoms might include intense sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, low energy, changes to sleep (beyond just being woken by a baby every 2-3 hours) and appetite, trouble concentrating, guilt, and (in more serious cases) thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. 

In Australia, depression affects about one in seven women in the first year after giving birth — that’s roughly 14 per cent. Up to 1 in 10 fathers also experience depression around this time.

So, it’s not rare but many people feel alone, ashamed or unsure whether to reach out.

Can psychologists help?

Yes. Psychologists are trained in talking therapies, assessment, coping strategies, and emotional support. We don’t prescribe medications (that’s for psychiatrists or GPs), but we specialise in helping you understand and work through feelings, thought patterns and behavioural changes.

Here’s how working with a psychologist can help:

Therapeutic listening and emotional validation

Sometimes what feels overwhelming is not being sure what’s “right” or “wrong” or whether your reactions are ok. A psychologist offers a safe, non-judgemental space to talk through your fears, guilt, sadness or anger. Having someone who really listens and validates your experience can itself feel healing.

Assessment and diagnosis

Because physical changes (sleep, appetite, fatigue) also change with new motherhood, it can be tricky to distinguish “normal” from something more serious. Psychologists can administer screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as part of a broader assessment. 

We consider risk factors (such as prior history of mental illness, low social support, or stressful life events) and whether anxiety or other conditions may overlap. 

Evidence-based therapies

A strong body of research supports talking therapies for postpartum depression. Two of the best studied approaches are:

• Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT): learning to notice unhelpful thoughts and develop more balanced thinking and coping strategies. 

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT): addressing relationship issues, role transitions (to motherhood), and social support. 

These therapies can be delivered face-to-face, or via telehealth or video calls, or on the phone.

Relapse prevention and resilience building

Once you’re feeling better, a psychologist can help you strengthen coping tools to manage future stressors, guard against relapse, and build emotional resilience.

Support in combining treatments

If other elements such as medication or GP/psychiatrist input are part of your plan, a psychologist can coordinate with those professionals to make sure your overall care fits together.

Limitations of therapy for postnatal depression

I should be clear that there can be obstacles to getting the right kind of therapy.

Waiting lists and access

In many parts of Australia, the wait to see a psychologist, especially one specialised in perinatal mental health, can be long. In rural and remote areas access may be extremely limited. 

Practical constraints

Attending appointments when you have a newborn, possibly limited support, or fatigue, can make consistency difficult. I offer telehealth appointments to make it easier for new mothers to get the support they need.

Cost

Even with Medicare rebates under the Better Access scheme, the out-of-pocket cost still matters for many families. 

Severity of symptoms

In cases of postpartum psychosis or severe depression with suicidal ideation, a psychologist alone may not suffice and you may need more intensive psychiatric and medical care. But psychologists can still be a part of that care. 

Stigma and hesitation

You may worry about admitting you’re struggling, or feel pressure to “be strong” for your baby. That can delay reaching out. But early help tends to lead to better outcomes for you and your child, so please seek help as soon as you need it.

Remember that the best thing for your baby is for you to take care of yourself so you can keep showing up for them.

How to find the right support

If you or someone you know is dealing with symptoms that last more than two weeks and feel more serious than “just typical” tiredness, here are steps you can take:

Speak to your GP or maternal health nurse

They can help with initial screening, provide a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist, and prescribe treatments (including medication if needed). Your GP can refer you to mental health services and allied health under the Medicare Better Access Program. 

Go directly to a psychologist

You don’t need a referral to see a psychologist in Australia, you can book directly without seeing your GP first. However, you won’t be eligible for the rebate without a referral.

Use telehealth or online therapy options

If travel or logistics are difficult, look for psychologists who offer video or phone sessions. We understand that sometimes you just need to do your therapy from bed while holding a baby. 

Look for specific perinatal support organisations

Organisations like Gidget Foundation are focused on supporting women with perinatal depression and anxiety. They’re an amazing organisation offering funded help at a tricky time of life. It requires a referral from your GP and wait times can be long so approach them early.

If you’re reading this and recognising some of these experiences in yourself, please know that what you’re going through is common, very real and deserving of care. Reaching out to a psychologist doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you as a parent. It means you’re investing in your wellbeing and giving yourself a chance to heal.