Adoptive and Birth Mothers

Post-adoption depression is a very real issue that some adoptive and birth parents face. The symptoms and rates of occurrences (1 in 5 moms, 1 in 10 dads/partners), are similar to Perinatal Depression. Some of the concerns that can affect the mental health of Adoptive parents include:

uncertainty about baby’s future and placement
unrealistic expectations
bonding or attachment challenges
unresolved grief or trauma from fertility journey
navigating relationship with birth parents
navigating the unknown of a child’s medical and biological history
navigating the court system or social services
providers rarely screen adoptive/foster parents for PMADs
providers lack of knowledge about adoptive/foster parent experience
transracial adoption and different racial identities
financial challenges due to adoption process

There are many treatment options to help parents struggling with post-adoption mental health concerns. Support groups, specifically trained counselors and therapists and knowledgeable prescribers can all play a major role in recovery. We want you to know that there are good resources for you that provide non-judgmental support, information, and connection with others. We’ve listed some below and hope that you find them useful.

Below you find a list of PSI Services that may be helpful to you, or contact PSI to connect with support and resources.

Call or Text our HelpLine

1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) #1 En Español or #2 English

Text in English: 800-944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773

The HelpLine will provide you with support and resources. You will be asked to leave a confidential message and a trained and caring volunteer will return your call or text.

PSI Programs & Services

Support Groups

PSI has over 50 specialized support groups to meet your needs

Support Groups

Chat with an Expert

Join our weekly call and talk with a PSI expert about symptoms, resources, treatment options and more. There is no need to pre-register or give your name. These sessions are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and open to anyone with questions and concerns.

Chat with an Expert

Specialized Support Coordinators

PSI has volunteers with experience with the challenges of experiencing a perinatal mental health condition while growing a family through Adoption. These Specialized volunteers can provide other Adoptive Parents the opportunity to connect with someone who understands what it is like and share resources specific to this experience.

Connect with a Coordinator

Find a Provider

Visit the PSI online directory to find qualified perinatal mental health professionals and groups in the United States and Canada. Future plans to include the UK and Australia.

Find a Provider

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Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders in The Adoption Community

November is National Adoption Month. This month we choose to bring awareness to the intricacies of adoption and the impact on Birth Parent(s), Adopted Individual(s) and Adoptive Parent(s). Postpartum Mood and Anxiety

Holding Space for the Joy and Pain in Adoption

November is National Adoption Month. As we enter the month of November, I find it very important to acknowledge the diverse and complex experiences of individuals who are in the adoption community.

Other Resources

Connect by PSI

Download our free app “Connect by PSI” in your app store to access PSI support, resources, and information in the palm of your hand.

Join our PPD Forum (Smart Patients)

We’ve partnered with @smartpatientscommunity, an online forum for those affected by #PPD. You can join the community for free to share, interact, and learn from peers in a safe, supportive environment.

Visit the PPD Smart Patients Forum

Facebook Group

PSI moderates a closed Facebook group, where you can connect with others, share your questions and concerns, get peer support, and offer your support to others. A closed group simply means that our administrator approves your request to join and posts are not visible to the public, only to members of the group.

Group for Moms

Group for Dads

Grupo de Apoyo

Group for Pregnancy, Stillbirth & Infant Loss

Helpful Resources & Links

These links are provided for your convenience and are not under the control of Postpartum Support International, and are not intended as an endorsement or an affiliation by Postpartum Support International of the organization or individual so linked or named.

Call or Text our HelpLine