Are you looking for an expert who specializes in psychiatric medication management before, during and after pregnancy? Hi, I'm Thalia. With nearly a decade of experience and additional training in perinatal mental health through programs at Harvard’s largest teaching hospital and Postpartum Support International (PSI), I’m committed to delivering the highest standard of care. My experience and training reflects my dedication to staying on top of the latest evidence based practices and ensures you’re in knowledgeable and caring hands through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum. Research shows that up to 20% of women may have mood or anxiety issues during pregnancy, and women with a history of mental health conditions are at higher risk of a relapse—especially if they stop their medications. One study found that 68% of women who stopped taking antidepressants had a relapse, compared to 26% of those who continued. Similarly, over 70% of women with bipolar disorder have mood episodes during pregnancy, with a much higher chance if they stop their medication. Many women stop their medication without fully understanding the risks of untreated mental health conditions during pregnancy. It’s important to balance the risks of medication with those of leaving mental health issues unmanaged or undertreated. Risks including low birth weight, premature delivery, preeclampsia and trouble bonding with your baby can happen - which may affect the baby’s emotional growth and ability to connect with others later on. Your pregnancy is one of the most life-changing experiences you'll ever have, and I'm here to make sure it’s filled with confidence, support, and clarity. With expert, personalized care, you can feel empowered to navigate every step of your pregnancy and postpartum journey—knowing you're making informed, evidence-based decisions for you and your baby. Let’s work together to bring you peace of mind and the support you deserve.
In your first session with me, you can expect a personalized and engaging experience where we get to know each other, and I’ll ask a lot of questions to fully understand your unique needs and goals. From there, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored just for you—one that may include prescription medication, supplements, and/or monitoring devices to track your sleep quality and heart rate variability as well as other cutting-edge tools designed to optimize your mental and physical health. With this approach, we can minimize the unwanted side effects of medications, such as "feeling like a zombie," weight gain, or decreased libido. Plus, we may reduce the need for "trial and error" prescribing, ensuring a treatment path that works best for you right from the start.
As a psychiatric provider, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to truly listen and understand each person’s unique story. I take a holistic, compassionate approach, ensuring you feel heard, respected, and supported. I’m also dedicated to creating personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that go beyond just prescribing medication, incorporating tools like therapy, supplements, and cutting-edge technology to optimize your overall well-being. With nearly a decade of experience, I combine advanced expertise in psychiatric medication management with a warm, empathetic approach, making complex information easy to understand and empowering you to feel confident in your care.
You’re pregnant, planning to be or have just welcomed your baby, and alongside the joy, there’s uncertainty. Questions keep swirling in your mind. “Should I stay on my psychiatric medication?” “Can I take my medication while breastfeeding?” “What are the risks if I stop taking my medication?” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I’m here to provide the guidance, reassurance, and expertise to help you understand your options and make decisions that feel right for you —so you can focus on what truly matters. Perinatal psychiatry is a specialized approach designed just for individuals like you who deserve compassionate, expert support through every stage: pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum. It’s more than standard mental health care. This is your lifeline for navigating the emotional and physical changes that accompany motherhood, with a plan tailored specifically to your needs, your questions, and your goals. Some common conditions I treat during the perinatal phase include ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, postpartum depression, postpartum OCD, and bipolar disorder. Studies show that up to 20% of pregnant women suffer from mood (depression) or anxiety disorders during this time¹. For women with a history of psychiatric illness, the challenge of balancing mental health needs with the well-being of their developing baby can be overwhelming. The decisions made around medication use are highly personal and complex, requiring a nuanced understanding of both risks and benefits. Women with a history of psychiatric conditions, especially those who discontinue medication during pregnancy, face a high risk of relapse. In one study of women with major depression, 68% of those who stopped their antidepressants experienced a relapse, compared to only 26% of those who continued their treatment². For women with bipolar disorder, the risk of recurrence is even higher, with a relapse rate of 85.5% among those who discontinued mood stabilizers compared to 37% among those who continued³. These statistics highlight the importance of individualized care in managing psychiatric health during pregnancy. Imagine having a personalized plan that’s all about your peace of mind, your clarity, and your well-being. Together, we’ll create a medication management plan focused on helping you feel fully supported. If you’ve recently tried to harm yourself or others, often need emergency or crisis help, have been in a
In addition to medication management, I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when appropriate. With CBT, we work on identifying and challenging core beliefs, such as "I am unlovable" or "I am not good enough," which are common but deeply impactful thoughts many people struggle with. CBT is a highly structured approach, often involving homework between sessions, allowing you to actively engage in your healing process. I provide therapy as part of my medication management sessions, but I do not offer therapy as a stand-alone service.
In addition to medication management, I also incorporate Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) when appropriate. During follow-up sessions, we explore how your relationships and life events impact your mental health. By focusing on your personal connections, IPT helps you gain insight into patterns and improve how you interact with others. This approach can be particularly helpful for addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, and relationship conflicts. To deepen our work together, we often cover a book like The Body Keeps the Score or Codependent No More during sessions. These resources can lead to powerful breakthroughs, helping you gain a better understanding of your experiences and work toward emotional healing. I provide therapy as part of my medication management sessions, but I do not offer therapy as a stand-alone service.
In addition to medication management, I also incorporate somatic therapy to help connect your mind and body. We often explore how the vagus nerve influences your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems—essentially, how your body responds to stress and relaxation. I usually recommend a device to track heart rate variability and other measurements over time, so we can monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed. I provide therapy as part of my medication management sessions, but I do not offer therapy as a stand-alone service.