ABSTRACT
The reader has now worked their way through the workbook and may want additional support and treatment. Chapter 16 reviews the treatment options available to new parents that have been proven effective for perinatal mood symptoms. Some common types of individual therapy are highlighted: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). The importance and efficacy of couples therapy is discussed while addressing the prevalence of marital dissatisfaction during this time of parental adjustment (upwards of 67% of new parents). Ideas are provided for finding therapists to help support the couple during this time of change. Support groups are also proposed as a way to provide validation for the new mother. Support can further include Intensive Outpatient Programs for those mothers needing higher levels of support. Medication is discussed as a viable treatment option as well. Further resources for these options are listed in the Resource section of this workbook. The chapter ends with reflections on the progress the reader has made, reviewing self-care skills they have learned and the support they may have access to now. It concludes with an inspiring vignette and motivational praise.
