If you’re a busy mother, chances are you don’t have a whole lot of spare time to spend on yourself. Therapy, and online therapy in particular, can help you take care of your mental health in an easily accessible way, so you can better show up for yourself and your loved ones.
In this guide, we’ll review the top therapy options for moms, and outline some helpful tips so that you can find the right therapist.
Want to skip right to the suggestions for therapy for moms? Here are our 7 recommended therapy solutions:
- BetterHelp
- ReGain
- Find-a-therapist.com
- Online-therapy.com
- Calmerry
- TalkSpace
- Warrenton Women’s Counseling Center
Best Providers of Therapy for Moms
In this section we delve into details about the best 7 counseling services designed to provide support for moms.
| Provider | Good For | Location | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | Quick match with the right therapist for you | Online therapy | $65 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) |
| ReGain | Quick match with the right couples therapist for you | Online therapy | $65 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) |
| Find-a-therapist.com | Finding and contacting the right therapist for you | Online and in-person therapy | Varies depending on the counselor fee |
| Online-therapy.com | Finding licensed and experienced therapists with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach | Online therapy | $40/week to $88/week (including our 20% discount first month) |
| Calmerry | Depression therapy, online grief counseling, anxiety therapy, therapy for OCD, self-esteem therapy | Online therapy | $49.50 to $73.75 per week (billed monthly) |
| Talkspace | Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, psychiatry | Online therapy | Varies according to insurance coverage or self-pay options |
| Warrenton Women’s Counseling Center | Counseling for women, counseling for girls and teens, counseling for young adults, mother daughter counseling, relationship counseling | Online therapy in the U.S, and in-person therapy in Warrenton, VA | $130 to $225 per session |
1. BetterHelp
Explore emotional well-being with BetterHelp – your partner in affordable online therapy. With 30,000+ licensed therapists and plans starting from only $65 per week, BetterHelp makes self-care accessible to all. Complete the questionnaire to match with the right therapist.
- Good for: Quick match with the right relationship therapist for you.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: $65 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks).
- Features: iOS and Android app available, message your therapist anytime, live sessions are scheduled weekly and done via live chat, phone, or video call.
BetterHelp is a therapy platform that offers a comprehensive range of mental health support for moms. BetterHelp has therapists experienced in working with moms, and who understand the stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges that can sometimes be associated with motherhood.
Read our BetterHelp review here.
2. ReGain
Tailored for individuals and couples navigating relationship or marital issues – ReGain is your online relationship therapy solution. Starting at $65/week, you can schedule one weekly live session and message your therapist anytime. Start your path to healthier connections with ReGain – fill out their online assessment form.
- Good for: Quick match with the right couples therapist for you.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: $65 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks).
- Features: iOS and Android app available, message your therapist anytime, live sessions are scheduled weekly and done via live chat, phone, or video call.
ReGain is a counseling platform that specializes in relationship therapy. Whether you are a mom of two or a mother of ten, struggling with emotions regarding pregnancy issues, or dealing with step-family challenges, ReGain therapists and counselors can help you improve your mental health and relationships.
3. Find-a-therapist.com
- Good for: Finding and contacting the right therapist for you.
- Location: Online and in-person therapy.
- Pricing: Varies depending on the counselor fee.
- Features: Filter your search, find accessible and effective online and in-person therapy, find guides on different types of therapy.
Find-a-therapist.com has an online directory with a range of therapists and counselors experienced in therapy for moms. There, you can use the search filters to customize your search according to your preferences in language, type of therapy, gender of therapist, and more.
4. Online-therapy.com
Discover transformative online therapy with Online-therapy.com. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Online-therapy.com offers individual and couples support starting at $45/week. Engage in sessions via video, voice, or text for maximum flexibility. Fill out their online questionnaire to get started.
- Good for: Finding licensed and experienced therapists with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: $40/week to $88/week (including our 20% discount first month).
- Features: Unlimited messaging with your therapist, including a daily journal and activity plan, yoga and meditation videos, and tests to see your progress.
Online-therapy.com offers a variety of mental health services for different issues. This platform specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can be effective in addressing different challenges moms can face.
Read our online-therapy.com review here.
5. Calmerry
Embark on a journey of mental wellness with Calmerry. With diverse subscription options, starting at just $50, Calmerry makes prioritizing your mental health simple and accessible. You can message your therapist any day or schedule a live therapy session from the comfort of your home from any device.
- Good for: Depression therapy, online grief counseling, anxiety therapy, therapy for OCD, self-esteem therapy.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: $49.50 to $73.75 per week (billed monthly).
- Features: Message to your counselor anytime, text therapy and video therapy according to the plan you choose, free counselor switching.
Calmerry offers online therapy for moms who require help to improve their well-being. There you will be matched with the right therapist for you according to your needs and preferences. Once a therapist is assigned to you, you can start communicate with them directly.
Read our Calmerry review here.
6. TalkSpace
Tailored to individuals, couples, teens, and offering psychiatry services, Talkspace plans kick off at a wallet-friendly $69 per week. What’s more, many health insurances also cover their services, enhancing accessibility and affordability. Complete a questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.
- Good for: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, psychiatry.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: Varies according to insurance coverage or self-pay options.
- Features: Accepts insurance, live video sessions and unlimited messaging with your therapist, medication management.
TalkSpace is an online platform where you can find therapy for moms and other mental health services like psychiatry and medication management. There, you can connect with your therapists via text, video, or voice messaging, providing flexibility in communication methods
Read our TalkSpace review here.
7. Warrenton Women’s Counseling Center
- Good for: Counseling for women, counseling for girls and teens, counseling for young adults, mother daughter counseling, relationship counseling.
- Location: Online therapy in the U.S, and in-person therapy in Warrenton, VA.
- Pricing: $130 to $225 per session.
- Features: Choose your therapist, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach used, schedule your appointment on their website or via call.
The Warrenton Women’s Counseling Center is a mental health facility that specializes in providing counseling services tailored to the unique needs of women. There, you can find therapy for moms to explore and address their emotions, helping them to better cope with the demands of parenting.
How to Find a Great Therapist as a Mom
Choosing a therapist for moms may seem challenging. Here’s what you need to know to find a great mental health professional for your specific needs.
Choosing Between Online vs In-person Therapy
When it comes to virtual therapy, you have a wider range of therapists to choose from, as there are often thousands of providers on each platform.
More mental health professionals in different time zones also mean that you can find someone who fits with your schedule – a huge plus for busy moms. Although online therapy costs less than traditional therapy, virtual platforms often do not take health insurance, so this may be a small issue if you are looking for a provider under your plan.
With in-person therapy, your options are limited to who is available in your area. This might be an issue if you are in a location with a limited amount of mental health professionals. Even if you have therapists in your area, they often only hold sessions during regular business hours – something that may not be feasible for working moms or those who do not have access to consistent childcare. But in-person therapy providers typically take insurance, so be sure to check your plan to see what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
Choosing a Therapist
When it comes to choosing a therapist, whether it be in-person or online, keep in mind that different therapists specialize in different mental health issues. You may need a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or clinical social worker, depending on what you are seeking help for.
For example, if you are struggling with severe anxiety or postpartum depression and need medication, you may find counseling from a psychiatrist to be most helpful. On the other hand, if you are dealing with anxious feelings about parenting your new baby, talking with a therapist who specializes in family life issues may be a good fit for you.
Likewise, a therapist who specializes in relationship counseling may be a good fit if you and your partner are having issues communicating about how best to parent your children. Whereas a provider who has experience in emotional training for women about to give birth may be most helpful if you are feeling a lot of stress about your upcoming labor and birth experience.
To decide on the best provider for you, a virtual therapy platform usually provides questionnaires designed to match you with the counselor who best understands your needs. On the other hand, a traditional face-to-face practice will usually outline their therapists’ specialties and experience on their website.
Challenges Addressed in Therapy for Moms
Therapy for moms addresses a wide range of challenges that mothers may face, including:
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Many mothers experience postpartum depression or anxiety after giving birth, characterized by feelings of sadness, worry, and overwhelm.
Therapy provides support and coping strategies to manage these symptoms and improve maternal mental health.
Parenting Stress
Raising children comes with various stressors, including sleep deprivation, behavioral challenges, and balancing work and family life.
Therapy helps mothers develop effective parenting strategies, set boundaries, and manage stress more effectively.
Relationship Issues
Parenthood can strain relationships with partners, family members, and friends. Therapy addresses communication issues, conflict resolution, and relationship dynamics, helping mothers nurture healthy and supportive connections.
Self-Care Neglect
Mothers often prioritize the needs of their children and families above their own, neglecting their own self-care in the process.
Therapy encourages mothers to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and engage in activities that promote well-being.
Identity Exploration
Becoming a mother often involves a significant shift in identity, which can lead to feelings of loss or confusion.
Therapy provides a space for mothers to explore their sense of self outside of motherhood, reconnect with their interests, and pursue personal goals.
Work-Life Balance
Research has shown balancing work and family responsibilities can be challenging for mothers, leading to feelings of guilt, overwhelm, or burnout.
Therapy helps mothers establish boundaries, set realistic expectations, and find balance in their lives.
Coping with Life Transitions
Motherhood involves various transitions, such as adjusting to a new baby, returning to work, or navigating changes in family dynamics.
Therapy provides support and guidance during these transitions, helping mothers navigate change with resilience and confidence.
Signs You Need to See a Therapist as a Mom
There are many reasons why you may need to seek therapy as a mother. You may have just recently undergone a huge life event – whether that be a traumatic birth of your baby, getting fired, or going through a divorce. Or maybe you have been feeling low for a while and cannot seem to climb out of the sadness or depression you are feeling.
Perhaps your energy is zapped and has been for some time – along with an inability to concentrate, not caring about things you used to care about, or just feeling “blah” about everything. Or maybe you are caring too much about everything and are feeling overwhelmed with worry. All of these are signs you should think about getting mental health treatment.
Keep in mind though, you don’t need a huge red flag to give yourself a reason to seek help. Even just feeling like you aren’t taking good care of yourself, or feeling alone and needing someone to talk to are perfectly valid reasons to seek out a mental health professional to lean on for support.
Types of Mental Health Support for Mothers
There are a lot of different types of therapy and counseling available for you as a mother.
Whether you are trying to overcome trauma, process the mood changes that come with having a baby, or simply want to improve your mental health, there are plenty of support options available to you.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Findings indicate CBT is beneficial for mothers who are looking to reframe their negative thoughts and destructive behavioral patterns.
If you are one of the many new moms who are struggling with postpartum depression, for example, your CBT therapist may provide you with coping skills and self-care tools so you can feel empowered to manage your symptoms.
Group Therapy
Therapy groups come in many different shapes and sizes. There are groups for new moms, mothers who are struggling with anxiety or postpartum depression, single moms, mothers of teenagers, and those who wish to improve their overall mental health.
Groups are usually either run by trained peers or licensed counselors who are well-versed in the journey of motherhood. Mom groups are a good option if you’re seeking friends and allies who understand on a personal level what you are going through, and who can offer you the care and compassion that you may not be able to find elsewhere.
Conclusion
Being a mother isn’t always easy. You may feel overwhelmed by everything going on in your life, or feel like you don’t have enough support at home. Seeking out counseling is a great way to take care of yourself and help you realize you aren’t alone.
If you have more questions about therapy for moms, contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.
References
Cooklin, A. R., Canterford, L., Strazdins, L., & Nicholson, J. M. (2011). Employment conditions and maternal postpartum mental health: results from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Archives of women’s mental health, 14, 217-225. Link.
Grice, M. M., Feda, D., McGovern, P., Alexander, B. H., McCaffrey, D., & Ukestad, L. (2007). Giving birth and returning to work: the impact of work–family conflict on women’s health after childbirth. Annals of Epidemiology, 17(10), 791-798. Link.
Ruiz-Segovia, N., Rodriguez-Muñoz, M. F., Olivares, M. E., Izquierdo, N., Coronado, P., & Le, H. N. (2021). Healthy Moms and Babies preventive psychological intervention application: a study protocol. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(23), 12485. Link.
