Maternal Mental Health: Pioneering Better Access to Telehealth

Jan 27

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LISTEN ON: APPLE | SPOTIFY

Episode Notes

In this episode of Perinatal & Reproductive Perspectives, host Becky Morrison Gleed is joined by Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, PMH-C — clinical psychologist, perinatal mental health professional, and founder of Phoenix Health.

Dr. Guarnotta shares both professional expertise and lived experience to explore perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Together, Becky and Emily discuss how these conditions show up, why they’re often misunderstood, and what truly supportive, person-centered care can look like for birthing individuals, partners, and families.

This conversation also addresses barriers to care, the impact of stigma, the role of partners and family systems, and how providers across disciplines can better support parents during pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, and loss.

Topics Discussed

What perinatal mood & anxiety disorders (PMADs) are — and how they differ from the “baby blues”
Common but under-recognized symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, irritability, and maternal rage
How perinatal OCD can present (checking behaviors, intrusive fears, cycles of anxiety)
What postpartum PTSD looks like and how birth trauma is defined
Why fit matters in therapy — and why it’s okay to keep looking
The role of partners and family members in perinatal mental health care
Mental health support during infertility, pregnancy loss, and reproductive grief
Reducing stigma and internalized shame around seeking help
Early signs that support may be helpful — and why it’s never “too early” to reach out
Guidance for healthcare providers on supporting families during discharge and early postpartum transitions

“It’s never too early to seek help. Even if you’re just a couple of days or weeks in and you’re feeling like something’s not right, if something’s off in your body and your brain, there’s no reason to wait if the care is there and it’s accessible and you can find it. A lot of times, the sooner you can get in there, the faster you can catch up. ”

— Dr Emily Guarnotta

About the Guest

Dr. Emily Guarnotta is pioneering telehealth for maternal mental health. As the co-founder of Phoenix Health, Dr. Guarnotta leads a practice dedicated to providing online therapy for maternal mental health concerns, infertility, and grief. She dives into her own struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of her first child and the challenging transition into parenthood. She highlights her commitment to providing high quality care and reducing stigma at-large.

Dr. Emily Guarnotta is a licensed clinical psychologist and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider (PMH-C) specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety. She also supports individuals facing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Her work focuses on helping clients navigate challenges with compassion and evidence-based care.