Austin Postpartum Depression Therapist
Compassionate care for new moms. Struggling with overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or difficulty bonding with your baby? You're not alone, and you don't have to suffer. Get expert help from a psychologist who specializes in postpartum depression.
You deserve to feel like yourself again. Most moms see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks of treatment.
Dr. Jana Rundle, PsyD
Postpartum Depression Specialist
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Understanding Postpartum Depression in Austin
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious but treatable mental health condition affecting approximately 1 in 7 moms in Austin and across the United States. Unlike the "baby blues," which are mild and temporary, postpartum depression is more severe, lasts longer, and requires professional treatment. The good news? With the right support, nearly all moms with PPD recover completely.
Common PPD Symptoms
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Severe mood swings or irritability
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
When to Seek Help Immediately
Crisis Support
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek immediate help:
- • Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- • Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
- • Call 911 or go to nearest ER
- • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746
Seek professional help if you experience:
- Symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks
- Symptoms getting worse over time
- Difficulty caring for yourself or your baby
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Feeling detached from your baby
- Panic attacks or severe anxiety
- Feeling hopeless about the future
You're Not Alone - PPD is Common in Austin
Many Austin moms struggle with postpartum depression, though it often goes undiagnosed because moms feel ashamed or guilty about their feelings. Remember: PPD is not your fault, it doesn't mean you're a bad mom, and it's completely treatable. With proper support, you can recover and enjoy motherhood.
Dr. Rundle has helped hundreds of Austin moms overcome postpartum depression. She understands the unique challenges of new motherhood and provides a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.
Evidence-Based PPD Treatment That Works
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to depression. It's proven highly effective for PPD, with most moms experiencing significant relief within 8-12 weeks.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication, addressing role transitions, and resolving interpersonal conflicts that contribute to postpartum depression.
Mindfulness & Coping Skills
Learn practical techniques for managing stress, regulating emotions, and developing self-compassion. These tools provide immediate relief and long-term resilience.
What to Expect in PPD Therapy
Comprehensive Assessment (First Session)
Dr. Rundle will conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, birth experience, support system, and current circumstances. This helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Weekly Therapy Sessions
Most moms attend weekly 50-minute sessions. During sessions, you'll learn coping strategies, process difficult emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and develop skills for managing PPD symptoms. Sessions can be in-person or virtual.
Coordinated Care
If needed, Dr. Rundle can coordinate with your OB/GYN, primary care doctor, or psychiatrist to ensure comprehensive care. Some moms benefit from combining therapy with medication, while others improve significantly with therapy alone.
Measurable Progress & Recovery
Most moms notice improvement within 2-4 weeks, with significant recovery by 8-12 weeks. Dr. Rundle tracks your progress and adjusts treatment as needed to ensure the best outcomes. The goal is complete recovery and prevention of future episodes.
What Postpartum Depression Treatment in Austin Actually Involves
Beyond the therapy approach itself, here's the work that makes postpartum-specific treatment different from general depression care.
Screening for what travels with depression
Postpartum depression rarely shows up alone. The first sessions include screening for postpartum anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and rage, because treating the sadness while missing the panic or the scary thoughts leaves you half-helped.
Attachment and bonding support
Feeling numb toward your baby, or guilty that you don't feel what you expected, is one of the hardest parts to say out loud. Treatment makes room for it directly, including processing a difficult birth or NICU stay that got in the way of connecting.
Practical life management
Protecting sleep when someone needs you every two hours, deciding what actually has to get done today, and planning the return to work are therapy problems, not just logistics. We work on them in session with tools you can use that week.
Progress you can see, and a plan for later
Screening tools are part of how progress is tracked, not just a gut check. As symptoms ease, sessions space out and you build a relapse-prevention plan for known pressure points: going back to work, weaning, a second pregnancy.
Psychologist vs. psychiatrist: do I need medication?
A lot of people searching for a perinatal psychiatrist in Austin are really asking a simpler question: "Is talking going to be enough, or do I need medication?" The short version: a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes. Dr. Rundle is a licensed clinical psychologist, which means she provides therapy and does not prescribe medication. Those are different jobs, and neither one replaces the other.
Many moms improve significantly with therapy alone. Some add medication. Some do both from the start. Whether a prescriber belongs on your team is a decision you make with a medical provider, and if it comes up, Dr. Rundle coordinates with your OB, your primary care doctor, or a perinatal psychiatrist so you have one plan instead of two that don't talk to each other. You don't need to have this figured out before you reach out.
Austin PPD Treatment, In Person or Online
Both are the same treatment with the same therapist. The right one is whichever you'll actually show up for this month.
Virtual sessions across Texas
Secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions tend to work best when:
- Arranging childcare for an appointment is its own project
- Sessions need to fit around feeding and nap schedules
- Leaving the house feels like more than you've got right now
- You live outside Austin, anywhere in Texas
In person in Central Austin
The office, off MoPac and 2222, tends to work best when:
- An hour out of the house with no one needing you is part of the point
- You think more clearly face to face
- Home doesn't offer much privacy right now
- You're nearby: Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Lakeway, and Georgetown are all a manageable drive outside rush hour
Cost and Insurance for Postpartum Depression Treatment
Out-of-network, with monthly superbills
Dr. Rundle is an out-of-network provider on all insurance panels. That keeps your treatment plan between you and her rather than an insurer's session limits, and it doesn't mean insurance is off the table. Each month you receive a superbill you can submit for reimbursement if your plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
What a superbill includes
- Provider name, credentials, and NPI number
- Diagnosis code (ICD-10)
- Procedure codes (CPT)
- Date of service and amount paid
How to check your benefits in one call
- 1.Call member services (the number on your card)
- 2.Ask: "Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits for outpatient therapy with a licensed psychologist?"
- 3.Ask about your out-of-network deductible and the percentage reimbursed after it
- 4.Mention CPT codes 90791 (assessment) and 90834 or 90837 (therapy)
If that phone call is one more thing you can't face right now, bring the question to your free consultation and we'll walk through it with you. Full details are on our fees and insurance page.
Helpful Resources About Postpartum Depression
Explore our library of articles to learn more about PPD and recovery
Postpartum Depression Treatment Options in Austin
Discover the latest evidence-based treatments for postpartum depression and what research shows works best.
Postpartum Depression vs. Baby Blues
How to tell normal early-postpartum mood changes apart from postpartum depression.
Can Postpartum Depression Be Prevented?
Evidence-based preventative approaches to reduce your risk of developing postpartum depression.
A Partner's Guide to Supporting Postpartum Mental Health
A guide for partners on how to support a loved one experiencing postpartum depression.
Postpartum Rage: The Anger No One Talks About
Understanding postpartum rage, its connection to PPD, and how to manage intense anger.
Supporting New Moms Through Postpartum Challenges
Practical ways to support new moms facing the challenges of the postpartum period.
Postpartum Depression Questions Answered
What's the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby blues affect up to 80% of new moms and typically resolve within 2 weeks. Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Postpartum depression (PPD) is more severe and persistent, lasting weeks or months. PPD symptoms include intense sadness, hopelessness, difficulty bonding with baby, changes in appetite, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If symptoms last more than 2 weeks or interfere with daily functioning, it's likely PPD and professional help is needed.
How common is postpartum depression in Austin?
Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 7 moms nationwide, and Austin rates are consistent with national averages. That means thousands of Austin moms experience PPD each year. It's one of the most common complications of childbirth, yet many moms suffer in silence. The good news is that with proper treatment, most moms see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks.
Will postpartum depression go away on its own?
While some mild cases may improve without treatment, moderate to severe postpartum depression typically does not resolve on its own and can worsen over time without intervention. Untreated PPD can last for months or even years, affecting your ability to care for yourself and your baby, and impacting your relationships. Professional treatment significantly speeds recovery and prevents long-term complications.
Can I take antidepressants while breastfeeding?
Many antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding, and the benefits of treating postpartum depression often outweigh the minimal risks. However, medication decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or psychiatrist. Dr. Rundle provides therapy-based treatment and can coordinate with your medical providers if medication is recommended as part of your treatment plan.
How quickly will I feel better with PPD treatment?
Most moms notice some improvement within 2-4 weeks of starting therapy, with significant improvement by 8-12 weeks. The exact timeline varies based on symptom severity, consistency of treatment, support systems, and individual factors. Dr. Rundle uses evidence-based approaches proven to treat postpartum depression effectively, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).
What types of postpartum depression treatment are available in Austin?
The approaches with the strongest evidence for postpartum depression are talk therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the thought patterns that keep you stuck, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for the relationship and role changes that come with a baby, and mindfulness-based work for rumination and a nervous system that won't settle. Some moms also work with a prescriber on medication alongside therapy. Dr. Rundle provides the therapy piece and coordinates with your OB, primary care doctor, or psychiatrist if medication becomes part of the conversation, so you don't have to manage two plans that don't talk to each other.
How do I find the right postpartum depression therapist in Austin?
Look for someone who treats perinatal mental health specifically, not depression in general. A PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification) is one signal; so is a practice that only works with pregnant and postpartum clients. It matters because postpartum depression often doesn't look like textbook depression. It can show up as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, rage, or numbness toward your baby rather than sadness, and a therapist who isn't trained in this period can miss it. Dr. Rundle is a licensed psychologist with a PMH-C who specializes in maternal mental health, and she offers a free 15-minute call so you can decide if the fit feels right before committing.
Do I need a psychologist or a psychiatrist for postpartum depression?
Both treat postpartum depression, but they do different things. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. A psychologist like Dr. Rundle provides therapy and does not prescribe. Many moms start with therapy; some add medication; some do both from the beginning. If you're not sure which you need, that's a normal place to start. Dr. Rundle will help you think it through, and if a prescriber makes sense for you, she coordinates with your OB, primary care doctor, or a perinatal psychiatrist so your care is one plan rather than two.
Can I do postpartum depression treatment virtually from the Austin area?
Yes. Dr. Rundle is licensed throughout Texas and offers secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions, so you can do treatment from home in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Georgetown, or anywhere else in the state. For a lot of new moms, virtual is the version of therapy that actually happens: no childcare to arrange, no drive, and sessions can fit around feeding and nap schedules. In-person sessions at the North Austin office are available too, and many clients mix the two.
Is postpartum depression treatment covered by insurance in Texas?
Dr. Rundle is an out-of-network provider on all insurance panels. Each month you receive a superbill, a detailed receipt with the provider, diagnosis, and procedure codes your insurer needs, which you submit for reimbursement if your plan has out-of-network mental health benefits. Many PPO plans reimburse part of the cost once your out-of-network deductible is met; the exact amount depends on your plan. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. If you'd like help understanding your benefits before you start, bring the question to your free consultation.
Start Your Recovery from Postpartum Depression Today
You don't have to struggle alone. Postpartum depression is treatable, and with the right support, you can feel like yourself again. Dr. Rundle is here to help you recover and thrive as a mom.
Austin Office: 5750 Balcones Dr Ste 106, Austin, TX
Phone: (512) 898-9510