Stella Harney LMFT:

Specialist in Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal Mental Health & Relationship Therapist

“I have a passion in helping the ‘human makers of the tiny humans’”

Are you struggling with transitioning into new roles and overwhelmed with responsibilities as a new parent?
Do you find yourself feeling alone or pressured to follow society’s high expectation of what it means to be a good parent?
Do you want to reconnect and rebuild intimacy with your partner after having kids but not sure where to start?
Do you experience low desire or sexual struggles when it comes to sex, or even find it a “chore” to check off your list?

Stella specializes in perinatal mental health (prior to, during, and after pregnancy) with the focus on the impact changes of pregnancy and parenthood on the individuals and relationships. She has extensive experience in conducting assessment of perinatal mental health conditions, including screening for the onset of symptoms, and collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive services for women, men, and non-binary persons.

Stella helps parents navigate the most vulnerable times in their lives including how to manage stressors and emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Perinatal Mental Health Conditions Treated

Infertility
Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
Grief and loss
Birth trauma
Anxiety, stress, and burnout
Role transition and adjustments as parents
Reconnecting relationships.
Severe depression, and onset of perinatal mental health disorders as part of the spectrum of conditions she addresses.

“I help clients connect to their inner strengths, build skills, navigate through relational and sexual challenges, gain insight, and provides support you need to understand and adjust to your new roles and identities as you go through these phases of life while keeping your “oxygen mask” on.”

Education and Training:

Stella took specialized training through Postpartum Support International regarding perinatal and postpartum mental health.

Stella is a certified Sex Therapist through AASECT and has completed sex therapy training and different types of sex therapy approaches through the Buehler Institute. Her training includes involvement in multidisciplinary services and collaboration with allied healthcare professionals to ensure integrated care for her clients.

She completed her Master of Family Therapy degree at Mercer University, and she previously received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oglethorpe University and a bachelor’s degree in visual communications from Savannah College of Art & Design.

She is also EMDR trained through the Trauma Recovery EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs. EMDR can be effective for working through traumatic experiences including Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which can arise from traumatic experiences during pregnancy or childbirth, with a prevalence of around 4% in the maternity population.

Resources:

Integrating Mental Health Care with Perinatal Mental Health Disorders

Did you know?

The "Baby Blues" affect up to 80% of new parents and typically resolve within two weeks, unlike PMADs which persist longer.

Research indicates that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men may experience depression or anxiety during the perinatal period, with these numbers likely being higher in high-stress parenting groups.

Mental health challenges during the perinatal period affect as many as one in five families annually in the United States.

Perinatal mental health conditions are the leading complication of childbearing, affecting not only the pregnant individual but also their partners and family members.

Integrating mental health care into obstetric and perinatal practice is essential for supporting the overall health and well-being of individuals navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Perinatal mental health conditions—such as depression, anxiety disorders, and even more complex diagnoses like bipolar disorder—can occur at any stage from conception through the first year after delivery. These mental health conditions not only affect emotional well-being but can also impact physical health, pregnancy outcomes, and the quality of relationships, including sexual health and intimacy.

Licensed mental health professionals, including sex therapists, play a vital role in helping individuals and couples address the unique challenges that arise during the perinatal period. Sex therapy sessions can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore sexual problems such as low libido, performance anxiety, changes in sexual desire, or sexual dysfunction that may develop as a result of perinatal mental health disorders. By integrating mental health care and sex therapy, clients can address both emotional and sexual concerns, leading to improved sexual function and a more satisfying intimate life.

A comprehensive approach to mental health care involves collaboration among healthcare professionals—obstetricians, therapists, sexuality educators, and other healthcare providers—who work together to address the physical, emotional, and social factors that contribute to perinatal mental health conditions. This multidisciplinary support is especially important for individuals with a personal or family history of mental health conditions, as these factors can increase the risk of developing perinatal mental health disorders. Social support from partners, family, and friends is also crucial in helping individuals cope with the demands of new parenthood and the changes it brings to their mental and sexual health.

Unfortunately, concerns about patient confidentiality or fear of stigma can prevent some individuals from seeking the help they need. That’s why it’s so important for therapy practices to foster a welcoming, affirming environment where clients feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics related to mental health, sexuality, and relationships. Written permission and clear communication about confidentiality can help build trust and encourage clients to access the support and resources available to them.

Research shows that untreated perinatal mental health conditions can increase the risk of pregnancy complications and negatively affect both the parent and child’s long-term health. Perinatal mental health disorders are often underdiagnosed and untreated, despite being among the most common complications during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. By prioritizing mental health care—including talk therapy, medication when appropriate, and sex therapy—healthcare professionals can help individuals develop healthy coping strategies, improve their mental health, and enhance their overall well-being. Educational materials, clinical guidelines, and additional resources, such as those provided by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), support healthcare providers in screening for perinatal mental health disorders and delivering evidence-based treatment.

Ultimately, integrating mental health care into perinatal practice empowers individuals to address the full spectrum of their health—emotional, physical, and sexual—during one of life’s most transformative periods. With the right support, clients can navigate the challenges of pregnancy and new parenthood, strengthen their relationships, and experience greater satisfaction and well-being in every aspect of their lives.

Schedule with Stella