Holistic Support for Jewish Families through the Perinatal Journey

Welcome to our dedicated space at /jewish-perinatal-mental-health/ for exploring and supporting the Jewish community in navigating the profound and complex mental health experiences during the perinatal period. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content that look into the nuanced realities faced by Jewish families from pregnancy through the postpartum phase, offering insights and guidance from experts within the community.

The Unique Considerations of Perinatal Mental Health in the Jewish Community

The perinatal period, which encompasses pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum phase, can be a time of immense joy and transformation, but it can also be accompanied by profound mental health challenges. Within the Jewish community, these experiences are often shaped by a unique set of cultural, spiritual, and social factors that require a tailored approach to support and intervention.

Jewish families may face additional stressors during the perinatal period, such as:

  • Navigating the balance between religious traditions and modern medical practices
  • Navigating complex family dynamics and communal expectations within the tight-knit Jewish community
  • Stigma and hesitancy to seek mental health support due to cultural beliefs
  • Limited access to culturally competent healthcare providers and perinatal resources

These complexities, combined with the universal challenges of the perinatal experience, can contribute to an increased risk of mental health issues, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. Addressing these concerns within the Jewish community is essential for promoting the overall well-being of Jewish families and their newborns.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish mental health professionals, community leaders, and individuals who have personal experiences to share. These resources provide a compassionate and culturally sensitive exploration of the unique mental health journey of Jewish families during the perinatal period.

Professionals Who Specialize in Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health

Anna Sherman, MFT

Therapist, Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RP, MA

  • In-office Toronto
  • $170 - $190 Per Session

Anna Sherman, MFT helps clients to overcome trauma, work through fears and emotional blocks in their lives, and empower them to help them help themselves.


"I guide clients on their journey of healing and overcoming trauma, while also helping them navigate fears and emotional blocks within their lives and relationships. My goal is to empower clients to become their own advocates, providing them …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener

Bassy (Batya) Schwartz, LMFT

Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

  • In-office Cedarhurst, NY
  • $250 - $300 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Batya Schwartz, LMFT, creates an atmosphere that balances professionalism with a personal touch, creating a comfortable and genuine connection between us.


"My therapeutic approach is rooted in several key principles: 1. Genuine Connection: We have a unique opportunity here, in the therapeutic space, to share and connect authentically, which is often scary or impossible in the "real world". You …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Ember Health Williamsburg

Safe, effective IV ketamine care for people seeking relief from depression

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY

Ember Health offers IV ketamine for depression, including MDD and bipolar depression, with culturally sensitive care for the Jewish community.


"Ember Health provides IV ketamine treatment for depression, supporting patients living with Major Depressive Disorder as well as the depressive state of Bipolar Disorder. Every new client begins with an in-office orientation visit with one of our physicians, …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Eliana Lev

Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • In-office Los Angeles, CA
  • $275 - $200 Per Session

Eliana Lev, LMFT, specializes in treating anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions using psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and mindfulness.


"Therapy provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore the full spectrum of who you areβ€”your life experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviorsβ€”while also working to relieve distressing symptoms that may be weighing you down. People seek therapy for many …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Tova Weiss

Certified Doula - Far Rockaway

  • In-office Far Rockaway, NY
  • - $1800 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Tova Weiss Doula is a compassionate, frum doula offering pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support with relaxation techniques, labor guidance, and Medicaid coverage.


"My approach as a doula is rooted in deep listening, empathy, and practical guidance. I take the time to understand each family’s unique needs, preferences, and values, including sensitivities around halacha, tzniut, and lifestyle. I believe that honoring …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming

Malka Shaw, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Nutley, NJ
  • $200 - $200 Per Session

Malka Shaw, LCSW uses an interactive and collaborative approach and will be your partner, providing a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and valued.


"With an interactive and collaborative approach, I'll be your partner, providing a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and valued. We'll explore past traumas' impact on the present, gaining insights and coping skills for moving forward. By …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener

Alyssa Jaffe, LMHC-D, PMH-C

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  • In-office Cedarhurst, NY
  • $175 - $215 Per Session

Alyssa Jaffe, LMHC blends techniques drawn from various modalities to tailor her approach to each client's unique needs and circumstances.


"In my therapy practice, I embrace an integrative and holistic approach, aiming for a comprehensive understanding that guides my interventions. While my training lies in psychodynamic psychotherapy, my sessions reflect an eclectic blend of techniques drawn from various …

  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Dr. Chaya Rubin

Therapist, Ph.D.

  • In-office New York

Dr. Chaya Rubin works with clients that appreciate that lasting change is indeed possible, and more accessible than they might have imagined.


"The kind of psychotherapy that I practice involves careful and close listening to the difficulties that manifest themselves in a person’s life, and how those difficulties tend to repeat or consistently present in a variety of contexts. I …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’­ Open minded

Bracha Bard-Wigdor

Therapist, LMSW, Intimacy Coach

  • Remote only
  • $350 Per Session

Bracha Bard-Wigdor is a Frum Therapist


"My approach as an educator, coach, and therapist is deeply rooted in goal-oriented strategies tailored to the unique needs of each individual client. When it comes to coaching, I believe in thoroughly understanding your current situation and collaboratively …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Judith Blumenthal, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor; IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $165 - $215 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Judith Blumenthal, LMHC, specializes in CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness to support clients with relationships, emotional challenges, and more.


"My approach to counseling is straightforward: do what works best for the client. I do not rely exclusively on one or two modalities. Instead, I draw from a wide range of theories and strategies, tailoring my approach to …

  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • 🎨 Creative
  • 🧘 Calm

Shira Katz, LCPC

Therapist, Licensed Certified Professional Counselor

  • In-office Baltimore, MD
  • $170 Per Session

Shira Malka Katz, LCPC, uses EMDR, inner child work, mindfulness, somatic, and expressive therapies to heal trauma, grief, attachment, and life transitions.


"I see the inner child within each person, the part that longs to be seen, loved, and accepted, and my hope is to help you connect with that part of yourself, too. I approach therapy as both a …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • 🌎 Holistic

Pesach Tikvah

Achieving Peace of Mind

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • I accept insurance

Pesach Tikvah offers culturally sensitive mental health care, addiction support, therapy, developmental disability services, and holistic community programs.


"Pesach Tikvah provides an extensive array of programs and services designed to support individuals across the lifespan, ensuring that no one feels left behind. Each offering reflects the organization’s mission to address the diverse needs of the community …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ™ Spiritual
  • 🀝 Collaborative

The Ocean of Mood Episodes

The Ocean of Mood Episodes by Ari Daniels, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC

Episodic mood illness represents a spectrum of conditions that are highly treatable yet often go misdiagnosed—it can take patients up to 9 years to get properly diagnosed, in fact. Much…

Full Article

1-1 Breakthrough Session

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,…

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Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression

Full Article

Comprehensive Support for Jewish Families During the Perinatal Period

Providing holistic support for Jewish families navigating perinatal mental health challenges requires a multifaceted approach that integrates the cultural, spiritual, and social factors that shape their experiences. Effective interventions must acknowledge the unique needs and considerations of this population and offer tailored solutions that address their specific concerns.

This may include:

  • Culturally competent healthcare providers and mental health professionals who understand the nuances of the Jewish experience and can provide sensitive, holistic care
  • Support groups and community-based resources that foster a sense of belonging and understanding among Jewish families
  • Educational initiatives that destigmatize perinatal mental health issues and promote awareness within the Jewish community
  • Integration of traditional Jewish practices and beliefs into perinatal care and mental health treatment

By adopting a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach, we can empower Jewish families to navigate the complexities of the perinatal period with greater resilience, self-care, and overall well-being.

Cultivating Holistic Healing and Communal Support

Fostering holistic healing and communal support for Jewish families experiencing perinatal mental health challenges requires a deep understanding of the interplay between mental health, cultural identity, and spiritual beliefs. This involves seeking guidance from professionals who have extensive experience working with the Jewish community and are committed to providing culturally sensitive, integrative care.

Through a combination of evidence-based mental health interventions, community-based resources, and the incorporation of Jewish traditions and practices, Jewish families can address the multifaceted challenges they face during the perinatal period. This can include access to culturally competent support groups, integration of spiritual practices into their care plan, and the cultivation of strong support networks within their community.

By prioritizing the unique needs and experiences of Jewish families, we can empower them to achieve optimal mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being throughout the perinatal journey. This can lead to improved maternal-infant bonding, enhanced family and community connections, and a greater sense of empowerment and resilience within the Jewish community.

It is important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the Jewish experience to their work.

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Nutritionists, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health within the Jewish community.

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