POSTPARTUM THERAPY · HERMOSA BEACH
Postpartum therapy in Hermosa Beach. You’re not alone.
Erika Barker, LMFT, offers therapy for new moms at her Hermosa Beach office and online anywhere in California. She works with postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, identity changes and the stress of life with a new baby. Virtual sessions make it easier to get support from home.
Accepting new clients · Typical wait: 1 week
By Erika Barker, LMFT · Last reviewed
WHO IT HELPS
Is this for you? Some common signs.
- Sadness, crying or numbness that lasts beyond the first couple of weeks
- Constant worry about your baby’s health or safety
- Scary, unwanted thoughts that are hard to shake
- Feeling irritable, overwhelmed or not like yourself
- Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps
- Grief or disappointment about birth or feeding
HOW WE’LL WORK
How we’ll work. Built around your baby.
New parenthood leaves little time or energy. Virtual sessions let you meet from home, and in-person sessions are available in Hermosa Beach.
We make space for how you actually feel, not how you think you should feel. I use cognitive behavioral tools for worry and intrusive thoughts, and attachment-based work to support your connection with your baby and with yourself.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call or text 988, or call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262, any time of day.
- Ages
- 7 to 40
- Format
- In person in Hermosa Beach · Virtual anywhere in California
- Session
- 45 to 90 minutes
- Fee
- $225 per standard session · Sliding scale available · Other session options available
- Insurance
- Out of Network Insurance Accepted, Billing can be submitted for clients
- Location
- Hermosa Beach
HOW TO START
Three simple steps. No pressure.
Free phone consultation
15 minutes
Call or send a request. We talk briefly about what’s going on and whether I’m a good fit.
First session
45 to 90 minutes
We get to know each other and talk about what brought you in and what you hope will change.
Ongoing sessions
45 to 90 minutes
We work toward your goals together and adjust the plan as we go.
YOUR THERAPIST
Erika Barker, LMFT
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist · California LMFT #165219 · Verify license (opens in a new tab)
- MA, Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Los Angeles, 2022
What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby blues are common in the first two weeks after birth. They usually bring mood swings, tearfulness and worry that fade on their own. Postpartum depression is stronger, lasts longer and can start any time in the first year. If low mood or anxiety lasts beyond two weeks or feels hard to manage, it is worth talking to someone.
Can I do postpartum therapy online?
Yes. Erika offers virtual postpartum therapy anywhere in California, so you can meet from home without arranging childcare or travel. In-person sessions at her office in Hermosa Beach are also available. All you need for a virtual session is a private spot and a stable internet connection.
What if I am having scary thoughts about my baby?
Unwanted, frightening thoughts are a common and treatable part of postpartum anxiety and OCD. Having them does not mean you will act on them. Erika can help you understand and manage these thoughts. If you ever feel you might act on thoughts of harm, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do I need a diagnosis to get postpartum support?
No. You do not need a diagnosis or a referral to start. Many new parents reach out simply because they do not feel like themselves. The free 15-minute consultation is a chance to describe what is going on and decide together whether therapy with Erika is a good fit.
A FREE CONSULTATION
Start with a conversation. We’ll go from there.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. The first step is a free 15-minute phone call.
Accepting new clients · Typical wait: 1 week