Dr. Yip is on the board of directors of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), co-chairing the Diversity Advisory Council and facilitating the Perinatal OCD Task Force. She is a clinical member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). In 2008, she established the Renewed Freedom Center in Los Angeles, followed by the Little Thinkers Center in 2016, dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments for children, parents, and families. Renowned as the go-to expert, Dr. Yip is a regular guest on television, podcasts, and national radio, drawing on her 20-plus-year experience in evidence-based clinical treatments and research.
Article2 min read
How To Choose the Right Mental Health Support During Your Pregnancy
- Jenny C Yip PsyD ABPP
- Oct 1, 2025
- 2
It’s okay to struggle with your mental health while pregnant. Pregnancy brings profound change to both your body and mind; adapting to this rapid transformation isn’t always a smooth road. There are many different resources and treatment options available to pregnant women.
What Types of Mental Health Treatments Are Safe During Pregnancy?
- Talk therapy: For those with anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other types of psychotherapy can be highly effective ways to prevent and manage mental health disorders before, during, and after pregnancy.
- Mindfulness practice: Mindfulness is a great skill to learn as a way to navigate the challenges of ever day life, and during pregnancy, as you prepare for childbirth, and even following the birth of a child. You can access free mindfulness meditations by searching sites like YouTube, or work with a qualified healthcare provider to develop a more tailored personal practice.
- Supplements: Research suggests supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and St. John’s Wort could help support mental wellbeing during pregnancy. But proceed with caution – you should always have a conversation with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplements.
- Bright light therapy: Some pregnant women find therapeutic light to be beneficial as a mood booster. While light box therapy requires a daily time investment and might not be within everyone’s budget, studies have shown solid evidence for its effectiveness against mild symptoms.
- Medication: Many psychiatric medications are safe to take while pregnant. If you are struggling before, during or after your pregnancy a doctor can help you decide if medication is an appropriate course of treatment based on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and whether you were taking medication before you became pregnant.
- Inpatient treatment: A few women may require more intensive mental health care over the course of their pregnancy, particularly if symptoms worsen. Specialized perinatal treatment facilities are equipped to provide tailored psychiatric and medical care to expectant mothers.
With early screening, proper treatment—like CBT, ERP, medication—and family support, perinatal mental health conditions are highly treatable. Many parents go on to thrive in their roles once symptoms are managed.
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