Postpartum Depression and Pregnancy Mental Health Care in Florida
Same-day visits are often possible
See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
Pregnancy and a new baby are supposed to be happy times, and when you feel low, anxious or numb instead, it’s easy to feel like something’s wrong with you. It isn’t your fault. Depression during pregnancy and after birth is common, it’s a real medical condition, and most people feel better with treatment.
We help with mental health during pregnancy and after birth, including medication decisions, therapy and substance use. You can see us at our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida.
Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
Lots of new parents have the baby blues in the first two weeks: mood swings, crying spells, worry and exhaustion that fade on their own. If those feelings are strong or last longer than two weeks, it may be postpartum depression. It can start anytime in the first year after birth, though most cases start in the first few weeks.
When depression starts during pregnancy and continues after birth, it’s called perinatal depression.
Signs to Watch For
- Feeling sad, anxious or empty most of the day for two weeks or more
- Feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless
- Irritability or restlessness
- Low energy and trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping even when the baby is asleep
- Changes in appetite
- Trouble bonding with your baby, or little interest in the baby
- Constant doubts about whether you can take care of the baby
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Your risk is higher if you’ve had depression or bipolar disorder before, had depression with a past pregnancy, had a hard pregnancy or birth, or are dealing with a lot of stress.
Postpartum psychosis is an emergency
Rarely, a new mother develops postpartum psychosis, with confusion, seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, paranoia or very high, out-of-touch moods. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This is the question we hear most: is it safe to take psychiatric medication while pregnant or nursing? There isn’t one answer for everyone, and that’s exactly what the visit is for. Your provider looks at your history, how severe your symptoms are, what’s worked before and whether you’re breastfeeding, then weighs the risks of medication against the risks of untreated depression for you and your baby.
According to NIMH, the risk of birth defects and other problems for babies whose mothers take antidepressants during pregnancy is very low. Still, the goal is to keep the baby’s exposure as low as possible while keeping you well.
- Already on medication and just found out you’re pregnant? Don’t stop on your own. Call us so we can go over it together.
- Planning a pregnancy? It helps to talk with us before you conceive, so your plan is in place.
- Breastfeeding? Tell your provider so they can choose the safest option.
Antidepressants such as sertraline are often used for perinatal depression. They usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work. In 2023 the FDA also approved zuranolone (Zurzuvae), the first pill made specifically for postpartum depression in adults. We prescribe it when it’s a good fit, and your provider will tell you whether it makes sense for you. We’ll work with your OB or midwife so everyone’s on the same page.
Therapy
We offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the main talk therapies for perinatal depression. It helps you work through anxious or hopeless thoughts and find new ways to cope. Many people do best with therapy and medication together. Therapy openings depend on our therapists’ schedules, so ask our staff what’s available. More on therapy.
Substance Use During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and using opioids, alcohol or other drugs, please reach out. We won’t judge you. Our providers offer consultations to talk through your situation and your options, and we work with your OB.
One important thing: if you’re taking opioids or are dependent on them, don’t stop suddenly. That can be dangerous for you and the baby. During pregnancy, opioid use disorder is treated with medication, usually buprenorphine or methadone, which can ease cravings and prevent withdrawal. Our providers prescribe buprenorphine during pregnancy when it’s appropriate.
Learn more about our substance use treatment and Suboxone program.
How to Get Started
1. Ask for an appointment
Call (754) 270-6322 or request an appointment online. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and same-day visits are often possible.
2. We call you back
Our staff check your insurance, send your intake packet and confirm the time of your visit and whether it’s in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video.
3. Your first visit
Your provider goes over your symptoms, history, past treatment and current medications, then talks through a plan with you. If you’re pregnant, tell us how far along you are and who your OB or midwife is.
Common Questions
Do you prescribe zuranolone (Zurzuvae)?
Yes, for adults with postpartum depression when it’s a good fit. Your provider will go over whether it’s right for you.
Is it safe to take antidepressants while pregnant?
For many people the benefits outweigh the risks, and NIMH describes the risk of birth defects as very low. It depends on your situation, so talk it through with your provider before starting or stopping anything.
Can I breastfeed while taking medication?
Often, yes, depending on the medication. Tell your provider you’re breastfeeding so they can pick the safest option.
How do I know if it’s baby blues or postpartum depression?
Baby blues usually fade within two weeks. If your symptoms are strong or last longer than that, get checked.
Can you help if I’m pregnant and using drugs?
Yes. Our providers offer consultations for substance use during pregnancy, can prescribe buprenorphine when it’s appropriate and work with your OB. If you’re using opioids, don’t stop suddenly. Call us first.
Can I be seen by video with a newborn at home?
Yes. Video visits work anywhere in Florida, which makes it easier when you’ve just had a baby.
Insurance and Cost
We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Optum, and we have sliding-scale rates if you’re paying yourself. We check your coverage before the visit. The price of the medication itself depends on your pharmacy and plan. More on insurance.
We see patients from age 6, and same-day visits are often possible. Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish. Request an appointment or call (754) 270-6322.
Who You’ll See
Your care is with our team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Some of them speak Spanish. You can meet our providers before you book, and our staff can help you choose someone who’s a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitionerWe aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Sources: NIMH: Perinatal Depression; MedlinePlus: Postpartum Depression; FDA: First Oral Treatment for Postpartum Depression; MedlinePlus: Pregnancy and Substance Use; MedlinePlus: Pregnancy and Opioids. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Request an Appointment
Tell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
Our Office
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.