Welcome. We’re so glad you are here.

PSI-NJ is the New Jersey state chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping those suffering from perinatal mood disorders, the most common complication of childbirth.

Our mission is to promote awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, their families, and support systems in all areas of New Jersey.

  • You are not alone

    All mothers, fathers, and families deserve support during pregnancy and parenthood.

  • You are not to blame

    This time is challenging.

  • You will be well

    Many types of support are available.

Get Help

If you, or a loved one, is suffering with perinatal mood disorders, you’ve come to the right place. Contact one of our PSI-NJ Support Coordinators, who will help guide you through the process of finding a professional near you with expertise and experience in treating perinatal mood disorders. Whether you are searching for a therapist within your insurance network, a medication prescriber knowledgeable in prescribing during pregnancy and lactation, or looking for a local peer support group, we are here to help.

Information about NJ’s online support groups
can be found at this link.

Find a PSI-NJ Coordinator or Support Group:

Mikaela Langdon
Statewide
732-630-3102 TEXT OR CALL
mikaelalangdon@gmail.com

Deborah Flam
Statewide
609-879-2748 TEXT OR CALL
deborahflampsi@gmail.com

Rachel Odland
Statewide
856-352-5242 TEXT OR CALL
rodland.psi@gmail.com

Doaa Hamdoun
Northern NJ
Doaa can also assist callers who speak Arabic.
856-345-9644 TEXT OR CALL
Doaa.hamdoon11@gmail.com

We do not offer crisis management services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. For additional safety information, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

mom looking out window

Did you know that perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) are the number one medical complication of childbirth? While often referred to as postpartum depression or even simply as postpartum, PMD can take many forms and can also occur during pregnancy. Perinatal mood disorders include depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and (much more rarely) psychosis.

Get the facts by visiting PSI’s website at www.postpartum.net

Get Involved

Want to make a difference? Become a member today.

  • Receive PSI-NJ quarterly newsletter
  • Invitation to Members Only Events
  • Help us fulfill our mission and feel good for helping a great cause!

Memberships are tax-deductible donations.

Volunteer

PSI state chapters are made up of a variety of local stakeholders and further the mission of PSI on a grassroots level. Chapters work on a wide range of initiatives that they dictate for themselves because they know their states best! While some states may focus on passing legislation, others may create a robust network of peer support groups, or compile a state-wide list of perinatal mood disorder providers and resources.

All are welcome at PSI! Survivors, mental health professionals, doulas, clinicians etc. volunteer through the chapter in order to give back to their local communities. We work to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and provide connections to resources.

Climb Out Of The Darkness

Every year, PSI hosts Climb Out Of The Darkness, a movement that invites people from all over the world to host local walks and events to spread awareness of mental health challenges of new families. A Climb can be as simple as a play-date in a park, a hike, or a more elaborate event. The majority of Climbs are held in June, near the summer solstice in celebration of long sunny days and a family’s climb from anxiety and depression to recovery.

Climb Out Of The Darkness 2019

Host a Climb

We are looking for Climb Leaders to host events in your state. Leaders will go through a quick training, and will have the support of other climb leaders, your state chapter and PSI staff. To create a Climb event in your area, email our Climb Manager Emily at Cotd@postpartum.net!

For Professionals

PSI Provider Directory

Postpartum Support International offers an online directory of qualified perinatal mental health professionals. Join the registry and share your listing as a mental health provider, a healthcare provider, childbirth professional, or support group. As a specialized provider, you can tailor your directory listing to reach out to potential clients in your area. Keep your profile up-to-date with practice announcements, new programs and groups, and more!

Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line

The PSI Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line is a service provided for medical professionals who have questions about the mental health care related to pregnant and postpartum patients and pre-conception planning. It is staffed by reproductive psychiatrists who are members of PSI and specialists in the treatment of perinatal mental health disorders. The service is free and available by appointment. Call 800-944-4773, ext 4 and we will match you with an appointment. We will respond to your request within one business day. This service is available for medical providers only.

Training Sessions

We provide top-notch education and training for professionals both in-person and online allowing you to serve your patients with confidence.

About Us

Our mission is to promote awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, their families, and support systems in all areas of New Jersey.

PSI-NJ is State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, a 501(c)(3) organization.  The Tax ID number of Postpartum Support International and PSI-NJ is 77-0196208.

Alexis Menkin, PhD

Co-President: Alexis Menken

The creator of The Conscious Motherhood Experience, Alexis E. Menken, Ph.D. Is a Clinical Psychologist with more than twenty years of experience focusing on reproductive mental health. She is on the Advisory Council for Postpartum Support International and has been their NJ Coordinator for eighteen years. She has served on Governor Codey’s task force for Postpartum Depression, sits on the NJ Maternal Mortality Review Committee, and is on the board of The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health. Dr. Menken co-founded the NJ Chapter for Postpartum Support International and is currently serving as their co-president. Dr. Menken is the author of Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders: Perspectives and Treatment Guide for the Health Care Practitioner, Stone & Menken, Springer, 2008.  Dr. Menken is in private practice in Montclair, NJ


Deana Stevens, PsyDCo-President: Deana Stevens

Deana Stevens, PsyD is a NJ Licensed Psychologist with specialties in substance abuse treatment and reproductive mental health. She is a certified Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator and has completed advanced training through Postpartum Support International. In her practice, she provides help for growing families around issues of fertility, loss, pregnancy and parenting.


Linda Klempner, PhDCo-VP: Linda Klempner

Linda Klempner, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in N.Y. and N.J., began Women’s Health Counseling & Psychotherapy in Teaneck over thirty years ago. Having served on the Board of Depression After Delivery and Postpartum Support International, she is currently Postpartum Support International-Advisory Council Chair.  Co-founder of the PSI-New Jersey Chapter, she currently serves as PSI-NJ Vice President and is on the Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of N.J.’s Regional Education Committee.  Dr. Klempner has written, taught and appeared on television regarding women’s reproductive health issues and maternal mental health and has served on the faculty of several postgraduate psychoanalytic institutes.  She is a winner of the Stars of RESOLVE award.


Dyana ThompsonCo-VP: Dyana Thompson

Dyana Thompson PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who co-founded and manages The Perinatal Mental Health Program at the Valley Health System. She is responsible for the growth and development of the program, provides trainings, develops protocols and provides therapy and medication management. She is trained in advanced perinatal psychopharmacology through Postpartum Support International. Dyana sits on the Case Review Team of the Fetal Infant Mortality Review Program, and the combined Community Action Team and Perinatal Bereavement Committee Meeting with The Northern NJ Partnership of Maternal Child Health. She is a trained Perinatal, Neonatal, and Pediatric Bereavement Coordinator through Resolve Through Sharing (RTS). Dyana was nominated and a finalist for March of Dimes Nurse of the Year.


Rachel Shmutz

Treasurer: Rachel Shmutz

Rachel Shmuts DO is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she serves as the Vice Chair of Education of the Department of Psychiatry. Her clinical specialty is women’s mental health, where she primarily works with women and their partners providing psychoeducation and care for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She also does private consultations for transcranial magnetic stimulation. She is a mother to three little girls and is a primary support for her extended family in the South Jersey area.


Mollie BusinoCLC: Mollie Busino

Mollie Busino , LCSW is Director of Mindful Power LLC, a group psychotherapy practice located in Hoboken NJ. Mollie specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a large focus on Female Reproductive Health, including Fertility Counseling and Perinatal Mood Disorders. In addition, she facilitates Postpartum Support and Infertility Support for the community. Mollie utilizes an approach that integrates her expertise in CBT, RECBT, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, and EFT.


Robin MuskalSecretary: Robin Muskal

Robin Muskal has a Doctorate in clinical psychology and is a licensed counselor. She  has trained and worked as a psychotherapist, body worker and energy practitioner for  25 years. Robin works with the perinatal and postpartum population as an adjunct  wellness practitioner. She is an advocate for whole person and whole family care.  Robin helps patients build a strong network of community support. Utilizing a  meaningful set of interventions and techniques, such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness  and cognitive behavioral strategies Robin, will assist with transitions, balance of mood,  attachment and bonding, birth trauma, and empowerment towards self-integrity and  healing. Currently, Robin has added traumatic grief and loss as an area of specialty.  Robin served on the Board of Postpartum Support International for many years, and is  now serving on the board of PSI-NJ Chapter. Robin has an office in the Morristown NJ  area.


Membership: Stephanie M. Swasey

Stephanie M. Swasey is PSI-NJ’s Membership Chair. She is responsible for the recognition and welcoming of new members and guests. Stephanie organizes and hosts special events for meeting and greeting prospective members or guests. Another primary responsibility of membership is for Stephanie to reach out to existing members. She also hosts events for members, raising awareness of the value of their membership and retaining existing members. As the membership committee chair, she also issues surveys and learns about the needs, issues and desires of members and the NJ chapter.

Stephanie is an active participant in PSI-NJ’s Advocacy committee working to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues. She is currently working toward a Certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through PSI. Stephanie also has a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Rutgers University which has led to a career as a pharmaceutical research and development scientist.


Jacqueline Ansbrow GoldbergCommunications: Jacqueline Ansbrow-Goldberg

Jacqueline “Jackie” Ansbrow-Goldberg, LSW, RYT is a therapist and yoga instructor  at Lotus Blossom Psychotherapy. She has an active approach and utilizes CBT, EMDR and psychodynamic therapy. She utilizes mindfulness tools, including mediation and relaxing breathing techniques, to cultivate the mind body connection.  Specialty areas include women’s mental health, traumatic birth experiences, perinatal loss and bereavement. She offers support groups for Postpartum Anxiety and Depression.


Gerry ViggianiTraining & Development: Gerry Viggiani

Geraldine “Gerry” Viggiani, LCSW, LCADC, PMH-C Geraldine founded Lotus Blossom Psychotherapy. Along with her team, Lotus Blossom offers a place for women to feel supported on their journey toward wellness and personal healing.  With specialties ranging from trauma to addiction to Perinatal Mood Disorders – particularly traumatic birth experiences – Geraldine’s approach to treatment modalities is eclectic, and includes EMDR, Brainspotting, and trauma and compassioned focused therapies.  She is also highly trained and certified in perinatal mood disorders.  Geraldine supervises other social workers, lectures on birth trauma, is a regular writing contributor to Bella Magazine’s Mind and Body Section.  She sits on the Board of PSI-NJ as Chair of the Education and Training Committee, Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Women Foundation.


Katie McGowanAdvocacy: Katie McGowan

Katie McGowan, Ed.M, is PSI-NJ’s Advocacy Chair.  She is a graduate of Rutgers University with degrees in Psychology and Education.  She is currently working toward a Certification in Perinatal Mental Health through PSI, where she combines her love of education with a passion for supporting women. As founder and facilitator of Beyond the Baby Blues, a peer-to-peer support group for mothers experiencing perinatal mood disorders, she helps women in their journey through motherhood. She experienced pregnancy loss, traumatic births, was a NICU mom, and a perinatal mood disorder survivor.  Katie is a proud wife and Mommy to two beautiful children.


Scholarships: Susan Esserman

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MSW and LCSW), Susan has worked with women and their families around issues of pregnancy, birth and parenting for over 30 years.  Susan counsels individuals and couples on a variety of issues.  She has in-depth experience in the areas of women and children’s health including pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting issues as well as pediatric health concerns — illness, palliative and hospice care.
She has led parenting groups that focus on new motherhood as well as bereavement groups for parents.  She also teaches childbirth education classes, parenting classes and breastfeeding classes all with a focus on tuning into your own natural, intuitive nature.
In addition to a professional certification as a Childbirth Educator, Susan is a Breastfeeding Consultant and  Birth and Postpartum Doula.

Emily Haberman, LMSWFundraising: Emily Haberman

Emily Haberman, LCSW, is currently the Upper School Counselor at Gill St. Bernard’s School in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ.  After experiencing Postpartum Anxiety following the birth of her first child, she developed a personal and professional interest in understanding Perinatal Mood Disorders.  Emily has completed certificate training in perinatal and maternal mental health from Postpartum Support International and worked as a therapist in private practice supporting new and expecting moms until taking time off for the birth of her second child.

Contact Us

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact us using the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.

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