Specialized therapy for parents navigating the emotional complexities of the NICU journey — before, during, and after.

nicu supporrt

The NICU is not where most parents imagine meeting their baby for the first time. Whether you’re preparing for a known NICU stay, suddenly adjusting to an unexpected one, or processing the experience after discharge, the emotional weight can be immense — especially in the early, tender stages of becoming a parent.

At Perennial Wellness, we understand the psychological impact of the NICU experience because we’ve been there—both personally and professionally. Members of our team have worked directly in NICU settings at major NYC hospitals, and we all are highly trained in perinatal mental health, anxiety, trauma, and postpartum adjustment.

When parenthood begins in the NICU...

We provide therapy that is deeply attuned to the nuances of NICU-related stress, helping you feel seen, supported, and strengthened—wherever you are in your journey.

Individualized Care for Each Stage of Your NICU Journey

We Support Parents through All Stages of the NICU Experience

Preparing for a known NICU stay

  • Space to process the uncertainty and grief of letting go of your envisioned birth and postpartum experience
  • Tools to regulate anxiety, build emotional resilience, and support your body during pregnancy
  • Preparation for the NICU environment, including support navigating relationships with medical staff and family dynamics
  • Couples therapy to strengthen communication and shared coping ahead of a high-stress chapter

We support you with:

Adjusting to an Unexpected NICU Stay

  • Processing the shock, fear, and trauma of an unanticipated medical crisis
  • Navigating your postpartum recovery while spending time in a clinical setting
  • Managing complex emotions, including guilt, grief, helplessness, and frustration
  • Reconnecting to your own needs, even when everything feels urgent
  • Supporting your relationship, offering couples counseling during a time of deep strain and divergent coping styles

We support you with:

Reflecting and Healing After NICU Discharge

  • Integrating your birth and NICU story in a way that honors your experience
  • Processing lingering trauma or anxiety, especially around health and safety
  • Rebuilding emotional trust in your body and parenting instincts
  • Navigating the adjustment to life at home, especially with a medically fragile or developmentally delayed baby
  • Reconnecting as a couple or family unit, as you move from survival mode toward restoration

We support you with:

We are a team of therapists with advanced training in perinatal mental health and NICU-related trauma. We intimately understand what it's like to experience postpartum anxiety, mood disorders, medical trauma, and different family dynamics. 

Our team also has direct experience in NICU hospital settings.

We're here to honor both the science and emotional complexity of your experience, while working together.

Our practice offers a distinct focus on the emotional and mental health needs that arise for mothers, fathers and couples
in the perinatal period.

schedule a free consult

The NICU may be where your baby’s journey begins, but it doesn’t have to define your transition into parenthood. At Perennial Wellness, we’re here to help you make sense of the experience — with steadiness, skill, and care.

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"I consider Dr. Levine and the entire team at Perennial Wellness trusted partners in the care of women through their many life transitions, especially the perinatal period. They are an expertly trained team of skilled and dedicated clinicians with a thoughtful approach to supporting women’s mental health. We have been lucky to partner with Perennial Wellness to provide parenting support groups and are grateful to have them in our community of resources for expectant, new and seasoned parents alike."

— Carolyn Kagen, Founder, The Alliance Center

"Emma and her team are a go-to for maternal mental health support for my clients. New motherhood is a time of steep learning curves and emotional upheaval which can contribute to anxiety and feelings of overwhelm. I am so thankful to have a trusted partner in Perennial Wellness for new moms that need additional support."

— Jessica Hill, the Parent Collective

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