PMH-C Certification; Does it Matter?

Aug 10

When I was looking for someone to support me during my pregnancy and postpartum journey, I wasn’t just looking for any therapist. I was looking for a therapist with the education, training and knowledge to be able to support me through the most important transition I’ve ever had; growing and raising a tiny human. As I looked through directories, I noticed that many therapist profiles stated that they specialize in Perinatal Mental Health, but none of them were PMH-C certified. I wanted to know that the person helping me at my most vulnerable was actually prepared to help and hold space for me. Let’s talk about PMH-C certification and why you and your baby deserve someone qualified and committed to their specialization.

Yes, PMH-C Certification matters.

When you have finally gained the courage to seek support for your mental health, you want to know that the therapist you’ve chosen to meet with is qualified, educated and prepared to meet you where you are at.

WHY?

Every therapist has a generalized training and education about many different areas of therapy throughout their time in graduate school. We all learn about anxiety, depression, trauma, and so many more diagnoses that you might be familiar with. After graduate school, many therapists decide to follow their passion or have a specific “niche” and will work with clients who have similar concerns/issues that they would like to work on.

This is where the specialized education and training comes in…

Perinatal Mental Health encompasses the mental and emotional tolls of trying to conceive, pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and parenting. Within these areas, there is also the opportunity for experiencing grief/loss, attachment, bonding, and specific diagnoses such as perinatal depression or anxiety.

The perinatal period often spans around 2 years of a person’s life where they are experiencing incredible transformation and transitions.

What is PMH-C Certification?

PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification) is a specialized training credential for therapists and supporting providers in the perinatal field. If a therapist is PMH-C certified, it means that they have completed advanced training in perinatal topics, as well as 2 years of experience in the field directly.

PMH-C certified individuals also have to pass an official exam and participate in continuing education every 2 years to renew their credential. This ensures that individuals who have this credential are maintaining their commitment to continuing to learn and grow with the field, and therefore, their clients.

My Why:

Becoming certified in Perinatal Mental Health after my struggle with Perinatal Anxiety and adjustment to motherhood ensured that I would be able to support moms just like myself during the transitional period of parenthood from beginning to end. Throughout pregnancy and postpartum, I worked with a PMH-C certified therapist to process grief, loss, childhood trauma, anxiety, and so much more.

Without this specialized support, I would have struggled significantly.

It is my hope that I can help moms who are struggling with the transitions of motherhood to feel more supported, seen and encouraged.