Reproductive Psychiatry and Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions

At Reproductive Psychiatry & Counseling (RPC) in Austin, Texas, we specialize in compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for women across the state. Our team of board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists provides support through every stage of reproductive life—from fertility struggles and pregnancy to the postpartum period, perimenopause, and beyond. Whether you’re seeking therapy, psychiatric medication management, or virtual care anywhere in Texas, we are here to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered in your mental health journey.

General Care • Women’s Mental Health • Conditions We Treat
‍FAQ for Non-Birthing Parents and Partners•Practical Questions •About Our Clinic

General Care

What types of mental health services do you provide in Texas?
We specialize in women’s mental health and reproductive mental health. We offer comprehensive services including psychiatry, therapy, and medication management. Our team provides evidence-based care for pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, premenstrual disorders like PMS and PMDD, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, infertility and other reproductive stages.
Do you offer both psychiatry and therapy appointments?
Yes. Our clinic has board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists who work together to support your mental health. Many patients benefit from a combination of therapy and medication management.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
Therapists provide talk therapy, while psychiatrists can prescribe medication and provide medical expertise. If you’re unsure which is best for you, we can help guide you during your first appointment. We have clinicians who do both and some of our clinicians can prescribe medications and talk-therapy concurrently.
Do you provide online psychiatry or therapy sessions for women in Texas?
Yes. We offer secure virtual visits throughout Texas, so you can connect with a psychiatrist or therapist from the comfort of your home.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We work with a variety of insurance plans and also offer self-pay options. In some cases we accept Cigna, Aetna and United at this time. Please contact our office for the most up-to-date list of accepted providers.

Women’s Mental Health

What is perinatal psychiatry?
Perinatal psychiatry is a subspecialty focused on mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our psychiatrists are trained to provide safe, effective treatment for moms at every stage.
What is reproductive psychiatry?
Reproductive psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on mental health across the reproductive lifespan. This includes fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, perinatal loss, premenstrual disorders, and perimenopause/menopause. At RPC, our psychiatrists are specifically trained to provide safe, evidence-based treatment for women and parents during these transitions, combining medical expertise with compassionate, individualized care.
What is postpartum depression, and how is it treated?
Postpartum depression is a common condition that affects new moms with symptoms like sadness, anxiety, and overwhelm. Treatment may include therapy, support groups, and safe medication options when needed. Here is a blog that can get you started.
Can pregnancy cause anxiety or OCD?
Pregnancy can trigger or worsen anxiety, panic attacks, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We provide therapy and psychiatric care tailored to these conditions. If you'd like more information on anxiety in pregnancy, please see this blog.
Is it safe to take antidepressants or other psychiatric medications during pregnancy?
Many medications can be safely used in pregnancy and postpartum. Our psychiatrists specialize in reproductive mental health and will carefully review the risks and benefits to help you make an informed choice that's right for you without judgement. Our owners, Drs. Nichelle Haynes and Kristin Lasseter are active on social media providing information about this. You can follow them online at https://www.instagram.com/dr.nichellehaynes and https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist
How can therapy help new moms adjust after birth?
Therapy gives new moms a supportive space to process emotions, cope with identity shifts, and reduce feelings of isolation. Our therapists use approaches like CBT, mindfulness, EMDR, and trauma-informed care.

Conditions We Treat

Do you treat infertility-related grief and loss?
Yes. We provide therapy and psychiatric support for individuals and couples navigating infertility, IVF, or pregnancy loss. We have several blogs on our website about this: https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/ptsdgrief
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/grief-and-loss
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/bereaved-mothers-day
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/navigating-infertility
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/donor-assistance
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/perinatal-loss-awareness-month
Do you provide care for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause?
Yes. We support women facing mood swings, sleep disturbances, and anxiety during perimenopause and menopause.
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/menopause-and-mental-health
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/perimenopause
What mental health support is available for miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss?
We offer compassionate therapy and psychiatry services to help parents process grief and find healing after loss.
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/perinatal-loss-awareness-month
‍https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/self-compassion-and-forgiveness-in-infertility
Do you help with insomnia, ADHD, or mood changes in pregnancy and postpartum?
Yes. We treat insomnia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that may appear or worsen during reproductive transitions.

FAQ for Non-Birthing Parents and Partners

Do dads and partners experience postpartum depression or anxiety?
Yes. While postpartum depression is most often discussed in mothers, research shows that fathers and non-birthing partners can also develop depression, anxiety, or adjustment difficulties after a baby is born. We provide care and support for all parents. https://www.rpcaustin.com/blog/depressioninfatherhood
What mental health challenges can fathers and partners face after a baby is born?
Non-birthing parents may experience stress, sleep deprivation, relationship strain, anxiety about their new role, or feelings of isolation. These challenges are common and treatable with the right support.
Can therapy help dads and partners adjust to parenthood?
Yes. Therapy offers a safe space to talk about identity changes, relationship stress, and the transition into parenthood. We provide strategies to manage stress, improve communication, and build confidence as a parent.
Do you provide mental health care for adoptive parents or same-sex parents?
Absolutely. Parenthood brings big changes no matter how your family is formed. Our clinic supports all parents through the emotional, mental, and relational transitions that come with raising a child.
How can I best support my partner who just gave birth?
Being present, listening, and encouraging your partner to seek help if needed are all important. Attending therapy sessions together can also strengthen your connection and build shared coping strategies.
Can non-birthing parents join therapy or psychiatric sessions at RPC?
Yes. Partners are welcome in therapy sessions when appropriate, and joint sessions can be an important part of family healing and support.
What resources are available for fathers and partners in Texas?
Along with therapy and psychiatry at RPC, we can connect dads and partners with community support groups, parenting resources, and referrals for specialized care when needed.

Practical Questions

How soon can I get an appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist?
In most cases, new patients can be seen within a few days or weeks. We also maintain waitlists for urgent requests.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your provider will listen to your story, review your medical and mental health history, and create a personalized care plan. Our physicans have made a video about this you can review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF1s-s8uMdQ
Do you offer medication management and therapy together?
Yes. Many patients see both a psychiatrist for medications and/or a therapist for ongoing support. Our psychiatry team will often see people for medications and therapy at the same time if desired.
Can my partner join sessions to support me?
Yes, with your permission, partners can be involved in therapy or educational sessions to strengthen family support. This is up to you! At this time our online platform only supports one device so if your partner is joining virtually you'll need to be in the same place and share a device.
Do you prescribe medication virtually in Texas
Yes. Our psychiatrists can prescribe and manage most psychiatric medications through secure telehealth visits for patients across Texas.

About Our Clinic

Where is Reproductive Psychiatry & Counseling located?
We are based in Austin, Texas, and also provide virtual psychiatry and therapy statewide.
Who are the psychiatrists and therapists at RPC?
Our team includes board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists with advanced training in reproductive mental health. You can learn more about our team here: https://www.rpcaustin.com/about-us
Why choose a clinic focused on women’s mental health?
Women face unique mental health challenges during pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, and menopause. Our specialized focus ensures you receive expert, compassionate care. We aim to know you and support you the best we can!
Do you collaborate with OB-GYNs, doulas, or lactation consultants?
Yes. We regularly work with OB-GYNs, midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants to provide integrated support for women and families.
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