Pregnancy Therapy in Los Angeles
Reviewed by Dr. Sanam Shamtobi, PhD, PMH-C
Los Angeles has a wellness culture that will sell you every prenatal supplement, every birth class, every meditation app — but often skips the mental health part entirely. Pregnancy gets treated as a physical event, not a psychological one. Which means most moms in LA get to their third trimester having never talked to anyone about the anxiety, the fears, or the identity questions that have been quietly building since the positive test.
Those feelings are louder in certain LA environments. If you work in entertainment or tech, you're doing career math on your maternity leave from the moment you see the line. If you've done IVF or fertility treatment to get here, you're carrying grief and relief at the same time. If you're delivering at Cedars or UCLA Medical, you're surrounded by people who look prepared — and wondering if you are.
Pregnancy therapy is support that starts now, not after the baby comes. Our therapists offer individual therapy for pregnant women navigating anxiety, fears about birth, relationship changes, and the broader identity shift of becoming a mother.
What pregnancy therapy addresses
Prenatal anxiety — the "what if" spiral that doesn't stop
Fear of childbirth — whether it's a first birth or shaped by a previous hard experience
Pregnancy after loss — IVF, miscarriage, the fear of hoping again
Relationship changes — navigating your partnership through pregnancy
Big life decisions — career, maternity leave, returning to work
Body changes and the feelings they bring up
Why starting before the baby arrives matters
The postpartum period is hard enough without starting it depleted. Moms who do therapy during pregnancy build a relationship with a therapist before the hardest transition happens. That continuity matters. Week three postpartum is not the time to be interviewing new therapists.
Dr. Sanam Shamtobi, our founder, holds a PhD and a PMH-C — a specialized certification in perinatal mental health. Our team works with moms from the first trimester through the postpartum period and beyond.
Brentwood office, or anywhere in California
Our office is in Brentwood, close to several Westside hospitals. For pregnant moms who aren't up for the commute, telehealth sessions are available throughout California. And if you move into the postpartum period and are struggling to get out, we also offer at-home postpartum therapy so care can come to you.
Start with a free consultation
15 minutes. No intake forms before you know if we're a good fit. You can also read more about our practice on our maternal mental health therapist in Los Angeles page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to do therapy while pregnant?
Yes — and often essential. Untreated anxiety and depression during pregnancy can affect your wellbeing and your birth experience. Therapy during pregnancy is one of the most protective things you can do for yourself and your baby.
What kinds of things bring pregnant women to therapy?
Pregnancy anxiety and fear of birth, previous pregnancy loss or fertility struggles, relationship strain, fear of repeating your own childhood, ambivalence about becoming a parent, and the identity shifts that start long before the baby arrives.
Can therapy help with fear of childbirth?
Yes. Fear of childbirth is real and treatable. We help mothers understand where the fear comes from, process previous birth trauma, and build a genuine sense of agency going into delivery.
I had a difficult first pregnancy. Will therapy help me this time?
Significantly. Previous birth trauma, infant loss, or a hard postpartum experience changes how you experience a subsequent pregnancy. Working through that — not suppressing it — is the most effective path to a different experience this time.
Do you offer flexible scheduling for pregnancy therapy?
Yes. We offer morning, evening, and telehealth options to work around work and family demands. Reach out through our contact page and we will find a time that works.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or contact the Postpartum Support International Helpline at 1-800-944-4773. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.
2026-04-29
Last Reviewed: