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Antidote for HopeJoshua R. Petty, PMHNP-BC
Care · Specialties

Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health

Pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and medication decisions in between.

Pregnancy and the year after birth are the highest-risk window most people never get screened for. The question is rarely medication versus no medication — it is which risk you are actually weighing, because untreated depression and anxiety carry their own consequences for a parent and a baby. You deserve that conversation in plain numbers, not vague caution.

How care usually works

We review your history, your feeding plans and what you are actually worried about, then go through the evidence on specific medications in pregnancy and lactation together. Visits are scheduled tightly through the postpartum window, and I coordinate with your OB or midwife when you consent to it. Any concern for postpartum psychosis is treated as urgent, not managed by follow-up.

What we focus on

  • Perinatal-specific evaluation and screening
  • Medication risk-benefit review for pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Close follow-up through the postpartum year
  • Coordination with OB, midwifery and pediatric care

What this covers

Care for maternal and perinatal mental health is a core part of this practice — before, during and after pregnancy.

  • Postpartum depression
  • Postpartum anxiety
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
  • Pregnancy-related mental health concerns
  • Emotional challenges related to pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood
  • Adjustment difficulties associated with parenthood and family transitions

Let's start with a conversation

Virtual appointments, evenings and weekends included. Send a request and you'll hear back with available times.

Medical Disclaimer

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). For a life-threatening emergency, dial 911. This site is not monitored and is not a substitute for emergency care.

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a clinician–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use.