Reproductive Psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health needs for people who have psychiatric symptoms related to reproductive cycle changes. This may include changes during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause or menopause.
Our Psychiatrist nurse Practitioner is certified in the treatment of Perinatal Mental Health which includes changes during pregnancy, postpartum (up to one year post-delivery), infertility, miscarriage, breastfeeding challenges or loss.
A Psychiatry consult may include assessment, diagnosis, evaluation and treatment recommendations. Treatment options may include medication management, appropriate therapy, adjunct integrative treatments (i.e. nutraceuticals) and/or referrals to supportive collaborative care. A consult may be beneficial for patients who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or other emotional distress that is affecting functioning at work or home, bonding with their baby/children or caring for themselves/children.
Who May Benefit from a Psychiatric Evaluation
Anyone who is concerned about their mental health may benefit from a psychiatric evaluation. If you have been experiencing any of the follow symptoms, you may benefit from a consult:
- Feelings of anger, irritability or rage
- Increased crying
- Constant worry
- Intrusive thoughts
- Trouble connecting with your baby/children
- Disturbances of sleep or appetite
- Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
- A traumatic birth (i.e. unplanned C-section, baby was in the NICU, loss, etc.)
- Feelings of powerlessness, poor communication and/or lack of support and reassurance during delivery or with your support system
- Possible thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Considering Referring a Patient for a Consult?
A consult with our Reproductive Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner may be appropriate for the following patients.
- Psychiatric medication management/recommendations during pregnancy and postpartum/breastfeeding
- Preconception planning for patients currently taking psychiatric medications
- Currently pregnant or postpartum patients who are experiencing depression, anxiety or emotional distress that is affecting functioning at work or home, bonding with their baby/children or caring for themselves/children.
- Patients who have experienced a traumatic birth (i.e. unplanned C-section, fetal loss, baby in NICU, etc.)
You can trust our mental health team at FEM Women’s Wellness to offer individualized care and treatment. Contact our office in the Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Reno area to schedule an appointment for your evaluation.