Hi! I’m Dr. Julie Franks, a Bainbridge Island + Seattle, Washington-based therapist specializing in perinatal and maternal mental health.

ALSO BOY MOM, INFERTILITY WARRIOR, POSTPARTUM ANXIETY SURVIVOR, AND FOUNDER OF NURTURING THE SISTERHOOD.

I know what it’s like to be in the messy middle of infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum - and be unable to find local, expert mental health support.

When I was navigating infertility and the difficult transition into new parenthood, I was surprised by how hard it was to find specialized maternal mental health care close to home. On the Kitsap side, nothing specialized existed - and the few options in Seattle had long waitlists or felt corporate + impersonal. It made an already overwhelming season even harder. I felt alone and invisible (yes, even therapists feel this way!).

That Experience Stuck With Me. In such a family-focused area like Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula, it didn’t make sense that these services were so hard to access.

And so I created Nurturing the Sisterhood to be the resource I wish our community had when I was in the thick of it, and I’m here to support your mental and emotional well-being every step of the way. Whether you’re trying to conceive, preparing for birth, or adjusting to life as a new mom, I want you to know: You don’t have to go through this alone.

I’m here when you’re ready.

Now that we know each other, you can just call me Dr. Julie

Although I never would have said this before becoming a mom, being a mom is my most important credential…

(and that is saying a lot because I have a pretty snazzy education and a whole lot of experience with supporting women as a clinical therapist).

I am a licensed clinical social work therapist in the state of Washington with advanced training in Perinatal Mental Health. I received both my masters and doctorate degrees in social work from the University of Tennessee. My post-doctorate training in perinatal mental health is through Postpartum Support International.

My professional work also includes teaching aspiring social workers to become clinical therapists at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota + serving on the Council of Social Work Education’s Women’s Council. My hope is to inspire new generations of therapists to gain a greater respect and interest in the needs of women and mothers.

My goal is to always support the mother. Whether you’re facing infertility, pregnancy, loss, labor and delivery, the postpartum period, or the early years of being a parent, I’m here for you.

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A woman with light brown hair and a white dress sitting on a brown leather couch with a young child, who has blonde hair and is wearing a checkered shirt and shorts, as they both reach for a book on the couch.

some of the things I value most:

The village.

Communities of women have always been really important to me, starting with the all-girls middle school I attended + all the way through my all-female doctorate cohort at the University of Tennessee + then into motherhood. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the guidance of strong female mentors, and this is part of why supporting women as a therapist is so important to me now.

Women first.

I have always worked with women, teens and families as a part of my social work practice, I started exclusively focusing on moms when I was trying to get pregnant and struggling with infertility. I realized just how little support moms get from the time they start trying all the way through birth and into motherhood. I’m not sure why I was surprised; women have always been unsupported in this world.

Being a mom.

My education, training, & empathy didn't fully prepare me for the way motherhood changes wellness. I had to experience it to truly get it – and I was shocked by the challenges I faced. With time and support, I figured it out, and I believe you will, too.

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A woman in a brown dress holding a bouquet of light pink roses, white baby's breath, and greenery, smiling.
Sunset over rugged cliffs and sandy beach along a coastline.
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You are not meant to go through motherhood alone.

You deserve support from an expert in perinatal mental health who truly understands what you’re going through. And I’m here for it.

Here’s what you can expect from Dr. Julie as your therapist:

  • A dedicated, private space (with no waiting room awkwardness) where your story is held with complete confidentiality.

  • I’m compassionate, easy to talk to, and non-judgmental. Everything we do together is personalized and tailored to your needs and experience.

  • This may seem basic, but I respond to every single inquiry for support, client email, and phone call, no matter what. I also send email recaps after each session to help you process and reflect between visits.

  • I’m happy to cooridinate with your perinatal providers to make sure your care feels connected and aligned. I can also help you connect with local providers I trust to support with needs related to medication, fertility, breastfeeding, pelvic floor etc.

  • Every now and then, I send a note in the mail—because it’s nice to get a little heartfelt surprise every once in a while.

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🎧 PODCAST EPISODES

Hear My Story

Therapy for Washington Women At Every Stage of Motherhood.

The strongest women are the ones who ask for this kind of support.

I understand that reaching out for help can feel like a lot. I’m really proud of you for checking this out, because all moms need and deserve support. Just reach out by phone or email to set up your free intro call and see if we’re a fit. I’m really looking forward to hearing from you. 

Lately, on The Blog

Maternal mental health matters

Through Thick and Thin

join the mailing list for perinatal mental health info, practice updates, and monthly interviews of local providers who support moms in the puget sound region.
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