Question 1

What is perinatal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Perinatal therapy focuses on your emotional and mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It can address mood changes, anxiety, identity shifts (matrescence), relationship challenges, and the question many new parents have: Is what I am feeling normal?

Question 2

What kinds of issues do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We treat a range of concerns that commonly affect people during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including:

- Postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD
- Prenatal mood and anxiety disorders
- Birth trauma
- Identity shifts and matrescence
- Relationship and partner challenges
- Grief and loss, including pregnancy or infant loss
- Life transitions and adjustment
- Generalized anxiety and mild to moderate depression
- Chronic insomnia

Question 3

How do I know if I'm ready for therapy?

Accepted Answer

You might be ready for therapy if:

- You've tried things on your own and still aren't seeing the improvement you're looking for
- You're struggling to feel like yourself and want to feel better
- You're going through a major life transition — like becoming a parent — and not handling it as well as you expected
- You're noticing patterns in your relationships that aren't working for you
- Friends or family have said they feel out of their depth supporting you
- You're simply open to trying something new

If any of these resonate, we'd love to connect.

Question 4

Can therapy fix what's bothering me?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a collaborative process, and while we can't promise specific outcomes, we take our work seriously and so do our clients. Progress depends on both of us showing up consistently and engaging with the work. That might mean sitting with uncomfortable feelings, trying new ways of thinking between sessions, or completing exercises we practice together. Sometimes things feel harder before they feel better — but with commitment on both sides, the odds are in your favor.

Question 5

How are your therapists qualified?

Accepted Answer

Our clinicians hold graduate degrees in social work or a related field and are fully licensed in the states where they practice. Caitlin Vinter, our Clinical Director and founder, holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons University and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). She is also a certified perinatal mental health clinician (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International, trained in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for perinatal mental health, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for anxiety, and EMDR for trauma. She has also completed in-depth modules through the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health. All Era clinicians share a commitment to evidence-based, specialized perinatal care.

Question 6

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

Accepted Answer

Our therapists draw from evidence-based approaches tailored to each client's needs, including:

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — building psychological flexibility and values-based action
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) — addressing relationship dynamics and life transitions, especially effective for perinatal mood disorders
- EMDR — processing trauma and distressing memories
- CBT-I — a structured, evidence-based approach for chronic insomnia

Question 7

What is your style as therapists?

Accepted Answer

We are active, engaged therapists. We listen carefully and also offer observations, reflections, and feedback. Sessions tend to feel conversational, and we ask a lot of questions — because understanding your experience is central to the work. Depending on what you're working on, we may also incorporate skill-building, worksheets, or practice exercises in and between sessions.

Question 8

Do you assign homework?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Homework might look like practicing a skill we worked on in session, tracking your mood or sleep, reading a relevant book, or trying a new approach to a challenging situation. Any between-session work is discussed collaboratively — it's never one-size-fits-all.

Question 9

What happens in a therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are typically 50-55 minutes and happen weekly via secure video. The content varies by person and week, but sessions generally feel conversational. Your therapist will ask questions, reflect back what they're hearing, and — depending on your goals — may introduce skills, tools, or structured exercises. You set the pace.

Question 10

What happens during my first sessions?

Accepted Answer

The first one to two appointments are an intake and assessment period. Your therapist will ask about what's bringing you in, your history, your current circumstances, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. Together, you'll set treatment goals that will guide your work. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a feel for whether it's a good fit.

Question 11

How long does treatment usually last?

Accepted Answer

Length of treatment varies widely depending on your presenting concerns, your goals, and what clinical approach fits best. Some clients work with us for three to four months; others stay for a year or more. We'll discuss a projected timeline during your intake and check in regularly to make sure the plan still makes sense.

Question 12

How do we know if we're making progress?

Accepted Answer

This is exactly why we set treatment goals together from the start. Those goals serve as a benchmark we can return to and honestly evaluate. Your therapist will check in regularly about how you feel things are going and welcomes your feedback at any time. If you're not making progress despite sustained effort, we'll talk openly about what to adjust — whether that's our approach, our goals, or whether another clinician might be a better fit.

Question 13

How do I contact my therapist between sessions?

Accepted Answer

All therapy-related contact generally takes place within your scheduled sessions. Your therapist is not available for immediate contact by phone, text, or email outside of sessions, except by prior arrangement. If an urgent situation arises between sessions, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), 911, or proceed to your nearest emergency room.

Question 14

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Reach out through our contact page or email. We offer a free consultation call so we can learn about what you're looking for and you can ask questions. From there, we'll schedule an intake and set goals together.

Question 15

How does the matching process work?

Accepted Answer

After you submit an inquiry, Caitlin — our Clinical Director — reviews your information and helps match you with the clinician best suited to your needs. You're also welcome to request a specific therapist. Once matched, you'll have a free consultation call before committing to ongoing sessions.

Question 16

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Era Psychotherapy is fully remote. We offer teletherapy only to clients located in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maryland.

Question 17

What insurance do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and Aetna. If you have a different insurance plan, you may still have out-of-network benefits that cover a portion of the cost — many of our clients do. We're happy to help you understand your options.

Question 18

How does insurance work?

Accepted Answer

When using insurance, your cost per session depends on your specific plan — including your deductible, copay, or coinsurance. We cannot guarantee your exact rate in advance, since the insurance company determines it. We recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card before your first session to confirm your benefits.

Question 19

What questions should I ask my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Calling your insurance company can feel confusing. Here are the key questions to ask to understand your mental health benefits:

- Do I have mental health (behavioral health) benefits?
- What is my behavioral health deductible, and how much has been met so far?
- Is telehealth covered?
- Is there a limit to how many sessions I can have per year?
- Do I need a preauthorization or referral to see a therapist?
- What are my out-of-network benefits, if any?
- Are the following CPT codes covered under my plan? 90791, 90837, 90847

Question 20

Do you accept HSA or FSA cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to pay for therapy sessions.

Question 21

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Accepted Answer

Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of services before beginning treatment — if you are uninsured or choose not to use your insurance. We are happy to provide one upon request. If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above the estimate, you have the right to dispute it. For more information, visit cms.gov/nosurprises.

Frequently asked questions

About Perinatal Therapy

About Our Therapists

How Therapy Works

Getting Started

Insurance & Fees