Postpartum Depression & Perinatal Mood Disorders
Feeling unlike yourself after having a baby is not a character flaw. It is a medical condition — and it responds well to treatment. Telehealth psychiatric care available throughout New York State.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects women after childbirth. It is distinct from the "baby blues," which typically resolve within two weeks. PPD involves persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, bonding with your baby, and your sense of self.
PPD affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers. It can begin during pregnancy (perinatal depression) or in the weeks and months following delivery. It is not caused by weakness, failure, or lack of love for your child. It is a medical condition with identifiable causes and effective treatments.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) also include postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and in rare cases, postpartum psychosis. A proper psychiatric evaluation is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Postpartum Depression
Important: If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. These thoughts are a medical emergency and require immediate care.
How Postpartum Depression Is Treated
Postpartum depression is highly treatable. Most women experience significant improvement with appropriate care. Treatment is individualized and may include one or more of the following approaches.
Psychiatric Evaluation
A thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis, assess severity, and rule out other contributing factors such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep deprivation.
Medication Management
Several antidepressants are safe and effective for postpartum depression, including options compatible with breastfeeding. Medication decisions are made carefully and collaboratively.
Therapy Referral
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) have strong evidence for PPD. I coordinate with therapists to ensure integrated care.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up visits to assess medication response, adjust dosing, and monitor your progress as you recover.
Who I Work With
New Mothers
Women experiencing depression, anxiety, or mood changes in the weeks and months following delivery.
Pregnant Women
Women experiencing depression or anxiety during pregnancy (perinatal depression) who need psychiatric evaluation and support.
Women with Prior History
Women with a history of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder who need careful monitoring and medication management during and after pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medication safe while breastfeeding?
Several antidepressants have a well-established safety profile for breastfeeding mothers. The decision to use medication while breastfeeding is made carefully, weighing the benefits of treatment against any potential risks. Many women successfully treat postpartum depression while continuing to breastfeed.
How soon can I be seen?
Same-week appointments are often available. After you submit a contact request, I respond within 1-2 business days to schedule your initial evaluation.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No referral is required. You can contact the practice directly to schedule your initial psychiatric evaluation.
What if I am not sure whether what I am experiencing is postpartum depression?
That is exactly what the initial evaluation is for. Many women are unsure whether their symptoms meet the threshold for a diagnosis. A thorough evaluation provides clarity and helps determine the most appropriate level of care.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We are in-network with Cigna, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum plans (including Oscar and Oxford products). If your plan isn't listed, self-pay is available with a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement — many PPO plans reimburse a significant portion.
Hamed Hossainian, PMHNP-BC, DNP(c)
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Trained at Bellevue Hospital Center and Mount Sinai West, with clinical experience spanning inpatient psychiatry, psychiatric emergency, and outpatient medication management. MSN from Stony Brook University. DNP candidate at Gannon University (expected December 2026). Adjunct Clinical Instructor at CUNY.
Providing telehealth psychiatric care across New York State, with a focus on thoughtful, evidence-informed treatment and genuine patient partnership.
You Do Not Have to Feel This Way
Postpartum depression is treatable. The first step is a thorough evaluation. Telehealth appointments are available throughout New York State, often within the same week.
In-network insurance accepted · Telehealth-only · New York State