ONLINE THERAPY
Navigating the mental health system can be overwhelming. Finding a therapist trained in the reproductive period that takes your insurance, is affordable, accessible and available is next to impossible. PS-WA is dedicated to reducing barriers people face in accessing high quality mental health care. Our new therapy program is designed to provide the care you need, where you want it: in your home, in the community, online, or in the office.
Due to COVID-19 we are only offering online services at the moment. We look forward to being able to expand our services in time. We have 5 highly skilled therapists and interns with both lived and professional experience serving childbearing families.
Online therapy for common experiences including:
We treat a variety of common concerns including infertility, perinatal loss, birth trauma, postpartum adjustment issues such as depression, anxiety, and panic, breast/chestfeeding stress/trauma, relationship concerns since baby, and unwanted feelings such as anger, rage, irritability. We support individuals up to about 24 months postpartum.
To access our therapy program please complete a request for services
1-888-404-7763
* se habla español
therapy@perinatalsupport.org
Insurance, sliding scale & free therapy available.
Services available regardless of income or insurance.
INSURANCE
We are currently in network with Premera, Lifewise, Cigna, First Choice, Kaiser PPO & HMO, Regence, and Aetna. WA Apple Health Plans: Molina, Coordinated Care, Wellpoint (Amerigroup), Community Health Plan of WA (CHPW). Whether you are in network with one of these companies or have another insurance plan we are happy to support you to navigate your insurance and treatment options. Please look at our therapist bios to learn more about which therapists are in network with your plan.
SLIDING SCALE & FREE THERAPY CARE
For clients with Medicaid/Apple Health plans that we are not in network with we are able to provide pro-bono through a grants. For clients with private insurance other than those listed above, we can complete a benefit check to determine your out-of-pocket costs, as well as determine a sliding scale option that will work for you. Lastly, we can offer free of charge services for families who are experiencing severe financial hardships.
Waiting for therapy? Join a support group now:
PS-WA Support Group for Dads
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 8:00-9:30 pm. Virtual
Join other self-identifying Dads and Fathers-to-be in this online support group, hosted by a fellow Dad of three young kids. Wherever you are in the parenting journey, from trying to get pregnant, to caring for a newborn, up through parenting a 2-year-old, this group is for you.
Register here: https://bit.ly/pswadadsgroup
Meet our online therapy team:
Kristine Lynam, LICSW, PMH-C
Clinical Supervisor
Kristine Lynam, LICSW, PMH-C (she/her)
My name is Kristine (she/her) and I began working with birthing parents in 2002 as a medical social worker. I quickly learned that I really enjoyed working in our Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic as well as with NICU families and began to specialize in this area. At my first PSI conference I felt inspired by the work being done in this community and worked with our Perinatal Psychiatrist to bring therapy services to outpatient clinics so that parents could get everything they needed to be well in one place. Mostly recently, I worked at Seattle Children’s NICU as a perinatal therapist. I have practiced in both Minnesota and Washington and am an approved clinical social work supervisor in both states.
Desirée Luerene Israel, LCSW-C, LICSW, CBS
Clinical Supervisor
Desirée Luerene Israel, LCSW-C, LICSW, CBS (she/her)
Using her own experience and compassion in hopes to heal others, Desirée completed training as a birth doula in 2014 and Postpartum Support International’s (PSI) Components of Care Training on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) in 2015. Additionally, Desirée completed the Maternal Mental Health Intensive training through Seleni Institute in March 2017 and serves as a Maryland co-coordinator for PSI.
Lyndsey Williams, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor
Lyndsey Williams (she/her) LICSW
Lyndsey Williams (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) located in Seattle, WA. She currently practices in Washington, Idaho, Maryland and Washington DC. She has worked in various areas of maternal child health since 2012 and has provided reproductive psychotherapy since 2017. She received her bachelor's degree from Morgan State University and obtained her Masters in Social Work from University of Maryland Baltimore. She has been trained in various aspects of perinatal and conceiving partners’ mental health. She is perinatal mental health certified (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International and Seleni Institute. Lyndsey focuses on empowerment with self-compassion and acceptance through life adjustments associated with reproductive experiences like pregnancy, infertility, endometriosis, pregnancy/infant loss etc. She uses her passion for writing blended with clinical expertise to create healing narrative therapy tools and help women tell their own stories. She provides training to direct care staff on women’s issues like perinatal mental health and domestic violence and anti-burnout wellness workshops. One of Lyndsey’s favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
Emily Raabe, LSWAIC
Clinical Therapist
Emily Raabe, LSWAIC, Therapist (she/her)
My name is Emily Raabe. I am a mother to a five and seven year old, and I am working with families through the transitions of parenthood. I received my Bachelor's of Arts (BA) in Psychology from San Francisco State University and then went on to receive my Master's in Social Work (MSW) with a mental health concentration from the University of Washington. I completed a practicum at Perinatal Support Washington focusing on the Warm Line where I offer support and resources to clients. I followed up with a practicum at Perinatal Support Washington as an intern therapist where I received training specifically in perinatal therapy.
I strive to be a source of support through early parenthood, a time where I personally could have benefited from more mental health support. My interests include perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, the challenges around feeding babies, relationships, birth trauma, infertility, grief and loss and young and/or first time moms.
I believe that support is crucial, and in our society, perinatal individuals don’t often get the support they need. I am passionate towards giving clients a supportive space where they can discuss their authentic experience within pregnancy and postpartum. Our culture serves us a picture of perinatal perfection but that wasn’t my reality and I am here to guide clients through their own perinatal experience. I focus on self care, mindful self compassion and coping strategies to give clients a space to develop skills that can help support them throughout parenthood.
In my free time I like cooking and eating delicious food, socializing and meeting new people, listening to podcasts and going on coffee and muffin dates with my kids.
Aida Juarez, BA, IBCLC, MSWc
Clinical Therapist
Aida Juarez (she/her), Warm Line Bilingual Specialist
Aida coordinates our Spanish Warm Line, supporting our Spanish-speaking callers, developing culturally-relevant policies and procedures, and translating outreach materials. Aida joined PS-WA after attending a group peer support (GPS) training in Yakima.
For the past 20 years, Aida has been working with pregnant mothers, infants, and their families, providing brief counseling and referrals as a certified counselor and lactation specialist. She is the Social Services Department Manager at Tri-Cities Community Health, running the day-to-day operations of the department’s Maternity Support Services, WIC, Peer Counselor, and Outreach Programs.
Aida.Juarez (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org
Haley Brandenburg, LICSWA
Clinical Therapist
Haley Brandenburg, LICSWA (she/her)
My name is Haley Brandenburg. I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Washington State University and a Masters degree in clinical Social Work from Walla Walla University. I have experience conducting therapy groups with children and adolescents within an educational setting.
Stephanie Lewis
Parent Support and Warm Line Specialist
Stephanie Lewis, (she/her) Parent Support and Warm Line Specialist
My name is Stephanie Lewis and I am a wife , and mother to 3. I have served the African American/black community as a doula for 3 years and found my passion in supporting families as they transitioned into parenthood and the postpartum period. Shortly after attending births as a doula, I began to facilitate PEPs groups for black/african american families in my community and have a passion for holding space for families during this transitional time and offering support around resources, education and ways to pour into their wellness through parenting.
After having my last child, I had a challenging time with my mental health trying to adjust to being a mother of 3 and feeling isolated with lack of community. Over the years navigating my mental health and finding the tools and support I needed made all the difference for me. I want to be able to share and support others the way I wish I had support in such a rocky time. Being able to join PS-WA and hold space for families on the warm line and support them in finding the resources they need to create wellness for themselves is an honor.
I have a passion for learning and exploring holistic health and wellness and teach yoga in my community. I homeschool my 3 children and love being outdoors in nature whenever I can.
stephanie.lewis (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org
Shawn Koyano
Clinical Extern
Shawn Koyano, Clinical Extern (she/her)
Shawn Koyano is a Clinical Extern who identifies as a Black queer mother, survivor, and advocate for survivors and families seeking community, belonging, and healing from violent systems. Her work strives to be centered and grounded in Black feminist radical care, abolition, and dreaming of possibilities for families to be safe and whole. Shawn has personal experience with difficulties throughout the perinatal stage including infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma. Shawn holds a master's degree in Clinical Social Work, as well as a master's in Education in Human Sexuality (Sex Therapy). She is a member of and does work with Mandatory Reporting is Not Neutral (MRiNN), Collective Justice, and API Chaya’s Queer Network Program.
Jo Spiegel
Clinical Therapist Intern
Jo Spiegel (she/her), Clinical Therapist Intern
My name is Jo Spiegel, and I am passionate about supporting families through the transitions of parenthood. I use an integrative approach, tailoring support to the unique needs of each client as they navigate the challenges of the perinatal period. I am currently an intern at Perinatal Support Washington, where I offer compassionate care to those experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth trauma, grief, and more. I am fluent in sign language and would love to connect with families in the Deaf community, ensuring they have access to the support they deserve.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, reading, and spending time with my loved ones.
Jennie Capron
Clinical Therapist Intern
Jennie Capron (she/her), Clinical Therapist Intern
Jennie has been supporting pregnant and newly parenting families for over thirteen years, as a doula, through parent peer support, and most recently as a social work student. She has two early elementary aged children. After her second daughter was born, she experienced mental health challenges, and knows how hard it can be to get the support you need to get back to feeling like yourself. Jennie is dedicated to supporting families through listening and walking alongside them as they find their path to mental wellness.
Jennie loves gardening and camping in the summer, playing card/board games in the winter, and reading a good book just about any time.
Cindy Nguyen
Clinical Therapist Intern
Cindy Nguyen (she/her), Clinical Therapist Intern
Cindy Nguyen earned a Bachelor's of Arts (BA) in Psychology from the University of Washington. She is currently pursuing her master’s in social work at the University of Washington. She was born and raised in the PNW. During her free time, she enjoys going on walks, watching tv shows, and exploring Seattle. She also loves spending time with her nieces.
She has had experience in the research and clinical field which includes International Community Health Services, Oregon and Health Sciences University, and University of Washington. Her experiences have allowed her to see the lack of support for birthing caregivers during the perinatal period. As a result, this has motivated her to work with the perinatal population.
Cindy identifies as being Vietnamese American and is passionate about providing support to the BIPOC community. She aims to reduce the stigma and barriers to mental health resources.
Maddie Clay
Intake Coordinator Intern
Madison Clay (she/her)
My name is Maddie and I am thrilled to be able to act as a support for parents in the perinatal period who are seeking mental health care. I completed an undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology at Tufts University and am a first year Master of Social Work candidate with a clinical concentration at the University of Washington. In the future, I hope to become a therapist who specializes in perinatal and reproductive mental health and sexual health.
Lawren Byrd
Intake Coordinator Intern
Lawren Byrd (she/her) Intake Coordinator Intern
My name is Lawren and I am so excited to be working with PS-WA and assisting parents through their perinatal journey! I was raised in Florida and graduated from St. Petersburg College with a degree in Educational Studies and Community Leadership. I am currently a MSW candidate at Howard University with a concentration in Direct Practice. My goals are to work in Medical social work with a focus on children and their families!
"I wish someone had told me what to expect. I wish someone had talked about what they went through, or directed me toward finding out what other women went through, so that I didn't feel so utterly crazy."