Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often described as some of the most joyful times in a person’s life. And for many families, they truly are. But they can also be some of the most emotionally complex, physically demanding, and psychologically vulnerable periods a person will ever navigate.
At Galvin Growth Group, we believe that mental health support during the perinatal period isn’t a luxury. It’s an essential part of whole-family care. And we’re proud to share that we now have a certified specialist on our team to help families get exactly that.
What Is the Perinatal Period, Exactly?
The term “perinatal” refers to the window of time surrounding pregnancy, from conception through the first year after birth. It’s a period marked by enormous change: hormonal shifts, identity transitions, relationship adjustments, sleep deprivation, and a seemingly endless list of new responsibilities.
For some families, this season unfolds with relative ease. For others, it surfaces anxiety, depression, grief, or a range of other emotional experiences that can feel confusing, isolating, or even shameful to talk about.
The truth is, those experiences are far more common than most people realize.
How Common Are Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders?
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) — which include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, perinatal OCD, birth-related PTSD, and others — are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Research suggests they affect up to 1 in 5 mothers, and fathers and non-birthing partners are impacted as well.
Despite how prevalent they are, PMADs remain widely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Many parents dismiss what they’re feeling as just part of the experience: the exhaustion, the worry, the emotional overwhelm. Others feel pressure to present as happy and grateful, even when they’re struggling beneath the surface.
That’s exactly why specialized, accessible perinatal mental health support matters so much.
What Does a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist Actually Do?
A perinatal mental health specialist is a clinician with focused training in the emotional and psychological experiences that can arise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This includes:
- Recognizing and treating the full spectrum of PMADs
- Supporting parents through pregnancy loss, infertility, or complicated births
- Helping families navigate the identity shifts and relationship changes that come with becoming or expanding a family
- Providing a space where parents can be honest about what they’re actually feeling, without judgment
The difference between seeing a general therapist and seeing a clinician with specialized perinatal training can be significant. It means working with someone who understands the specific landscape of this life stage and knows how to support you through it.
Exciting News: Dr. Liz Snyder Earns Her PMH-C
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Liz Snyder has officially earned her Perinatal Mental Health Certification, known as the PMH-C.
The PMH-C is a nationally recognized credential administered through Postpartum Support International (PSI) and developed in partnership with Pearson VUE, an internationally respected certification organization. It recognizes clinicians who have demonstrated the advanced training and competency required to support mothers, fathers, and families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Earning this certification isn’t a simple checkbox. It requires completing rigorous curriculum requirements built on existing evidence-based perinatal mental health training, followed by an advanced-level examination designed to establish a clear performance standard for perinatal mental health specialists. The exam was first introduced in 2018 and has since been validated through a comprehensive job task analysis study.
In short: the PMH-C means Dr. Snyder has gone above and beyond to deepen her expertise in this area, and that families working with her can feel confident they’re receiving care from someone who truly specializes in this space.
Ready to Take That First Step?
If you or someone you love is navigating pregnancy, the postpartum period, or anything in between, and could use a compassionate, knowledgeable support system, we’d love to connect you with Dr. Snyder.
Reach out to our team today to learn more or schedule a consultation. Our intake specialist is also available to walk you through your insurance coverage so you know exactly what to expect before your first session.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Galvin Growth Group offers clinical and developmental support for individuals, children, and families across the lifespan. To learn more about our services or connect with a member of our team, contact us today.