Postpartum Therapy & Perinatal Mental Health in Apple Valley, MN
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are not always what you expected.
If you are struggling, you are not failing — you are human. We help new and expecting parents in Apple Valley and the South Metro find their footing and build the joy they deserve.
What You Are Feeling Is Real — and You Do Not Have to Navigate It Alone
You thought you would feel joy. Instead you feel scared, overwhelmed, isolated — or you just feel nothing, and that scares you more. Maybe your anxiety spiked during pregnancy and has not come down. Maybe you love your baby and you still mourn the person you were before. Maybe your partner does not understand why you are struggling. All of this is real. All of this is something we can work through together.
Perinatal mental health challenges affect up to 1 in 5 new and expecting parents. You are not alone. You are not a bad parent. And there is effective support available in your community.
We Specialize In:
• Postpartum depression
• Postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts
• Birth trauma and PTSD
• Pregnancy loss and grief
• Prenatal anxiety and depression
• Partner and non-birthing parent support
• Identity shifts — becoming a parent
• Relationship stress after a new baby
• Returning to work after leave
• Multiple pregnancies and infertility grief
Meet Your Perinatal Specialist
Heather Penm, MA, LMFT is a dedicated perinatal mental health specialist. Heather works with birthing parents and non-birthing partners, offering compassionate, evidence-based support through every stage of the perinatal period — from preconception through the early postpartum months and beyond. She believes in going at your pace, holding the whole picture of who you are, and helping you find the version of parenthood that feels like yours.
How We Work
We use a trauma-informed, relational approach to perinatal mental health. Depending on your needs, your therapist may draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR/ART for birth trauma, mindfulness-based approaches, and somatic techniques. Sessions are available in-person at our Apple Valley office or via telehealth across Minnesota.
We work with both the birthing parent and the non-birthing partner — because the transition to parenthood affects both, and both deserve support.
Location Matters
We provide postpartum therapy and perinatal mental health counseling for birthing individuals and non-birthing partners in Apple Valley, Lakeville, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, Mendota Heights, Prior Lake, Savage, and Farmington, Minnesota. Telehealth available for clients across Minnesota.
FAQs
What is perinatal mental health therapy?
Perinatal mental health therapy supports individuals and couples through the emotional and psychological challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood — including anxiety, depression, birth trauma, and identity shifts.
Do you work with non-birthing partners too?
Do you offer postpartum therapy near Apple Valley, MN?
I had a traumatic birth experience. Can therapy help with that?
I am currently pregnant and struggling with anxiety. Is it safe to start therapy now?
Yes. We work with non-birthing partners experiencing their own adjustment challenges, anxiety, or disconnection after a new baby. Both partners matter. Both deserve support.
Is postpartum depression treatable?
Absolutely. Postpartum depression and anxiety respond well to therapy. With the right support, most people see meaningful improvement and get back to feeling like themselves.
How soon after birth can I start therapy?
What is the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression?
Can I bring my baby to therapy?
Is perinatal mental health therapy only for mothers?
As soon as you are ready. There is no waiting period. Many clients start during pregnancy to prepare, and many start weeks or months after birth when they realize they need more support.
Yes. Carnelia Mental Health provides postpartum therapy and perinatal mental health services at our Apple Valley office. We also offer telehealth for clients across Minnesota.
The baby blues are very common in the first one to two weeks after birth — mood swings, tearfulness, and emotional sensitivity that resolve on their own. Postpartum depression is more persistent, more intense, and does not lift on its own. If you are still struggling after the first couple of weeks, or if your symptoms are significantly affecting your ability to function or care for yourself and your baby, that is when therapy and support become important.
Yes. Birth trauma is real and treatable. Many people experience intrusive memories, fear, avoidance, and hypervigilance after a difficult birth. We use trauma-focused approaches including EMDR or ART to help you process the experience so it no longer controls how you feel day to day.
Yes. We understand that finding childcare is a barrier for many new parents and we welcome babies in sessions. Your comfort is the priority. Please let us know when you book so we can prepare the space.
No. We work with all birthing parents including those who identify outside the gender binary, as well as non-birthing partners. Becoming a parent — in any role — is one of the biggest transitions a person goes through, and everyone in that experience deserves support.
Yes, and we encourage it. Prenatal anxiety and depression are common and treatable. Starting therapy during pregnancy means you have support in place before the postpartum period begins, which research shows significantly reduces postpartum mental health challenges. Reaching out early is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.