Therapy for Women and New Moms.

THERAPY WHILE TRYING TO CONCEIVE, Pregnant, Postpartum, and navigating motherhood.

Serving Women in Seattle, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, the Kitsap Peninsula, and Across Washington State

Dr. Julie Franks, LICSW — perinatal therapist for women and new moms in Washington, wearing a soft pink blazer and smiling warmly

Therapy for Women and New Moms in Seattle, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, and Across Washington State

where moms come first + babies are always welcome.

Even when you’ve planned for this stage of life, it can still feel nothing like you imagined. You might be navigating fertility decisions, adjusting to a new identity in early motherhood, or feeling emotionally off postpartum — and unsure if it’s normal.

You’re not alone. Most women experience stress, anxiety, or grief during the transition into motherhood — but rarely talk about it. And because these experiences are so often unspoken, many of us feel completely unprepared when they happen to us. That’s why this space exists: to offer honest, compassionate care where you feel supported without judgment.

Use the button below to schedule your free 15-minute intro call and see if we’re a fit. I’m here when you’re ready.

  • You’ve found yourself thinking things like:

    • “This is way harder than I thought it would be.”
    • “I feel disconnected — from myself, my baby, or both.”
    • “I’m exhausted in a way I can’t shake.”
    • “These scary thoughts won’t stop.”
    • “I keep second-guessing every decision.”
    • “Is this normal, or is something wrong?”
    • “My anxiety feels out of control.”
    • “I don’t feel like the mom I thought I’d be.”
    • “I’m overwhelmed and not sure where to start.”

    These are just a few of the things women share in therapy every day — especially during pregnancy, postpartum, or while navigating fertility struggles.

    These are the kinds of thoughts women share in therapy with me every day — especially during pregnancy, postpartum, or while navigating the uncertainty of infertility. You're not the only one feeling this way, even if it feels like it.

Woman holding soft pink and white bouquet, representing support, growth, and healing in the postpartum and fertility journey

Women Who Access Support Tend to Feel Better Quickly — And That Includes You

  • Pregnancy can bring unexpected emotions — from anxiety and overwhelm to guilt, fear of birth, or stress about adding another child to your family. I offer compassionate support for women navigating pregnancy stress, birth after trauma, and emotional preparation for postpartum. You’re not alone in this.
    To learn more about my therapy services for pregnancy, click here →

  • Postpartum anxiety can feel relentless — intrusive thoughts, constant worry, or the fear that something bad might happen. Whether these feelings are new or familiar, you deserve support that helps you feel more like yourself again. I offer specialized therapy for postpartum anxiety that’s informed, responsive, and judgment-free.
    To learn more about my therapy services for postpartum anxiety, click here →

  • Postpartum depression can feel heavy — like exhaustion, disconnection, sadness, or guilt that won’t lift. Many women struggle to feel like the parent they hoped to be and wonder if it’s always going to feel this hard. I offer therapy for postpartum depression that’s compassionate, individualized, and grounded in real-life experience as a mom and therapist.
    To learn more about my therapy services for postpartum depression, click here →

  • Grieving a pregnancy loss — whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion — can be deeply isolating. These experiences often go unspoken, but they deserve care and support. While I’m building a dedicated page for loss support, you can learn more about my approach to therapy for loss on my infertility counseling page.
    To learn more about my therapy services for pregnancy loss, click here →

  • Infertility is painful, often invisible, and emotionally exhausting. You might be balancing hope and heartbreak — or feeling guilt, grief, and isolation that others don’t see. I offer therapy for women navigating infertility, offering support grounded in both lived experience and clinical expertise. You deserve a place to process all of it, without pressure.
    To learn more about my therapy services for infertility, click here →

therapy for women

therapy for postpartum

therapy for pregnancy

infertility support

therapy for women ❋ therapy for postpartum ❋ therapy for pregnancy ❋ infertility support

Woman sitting by a lake, surrounded by wildflowers, symbolizing reflection, healing, and emotional grounding in motherhood

I provide specialty therapy for women navigating infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood. These transitions uniquely shape your mental health, and I offer support to help you feel grounded and like yourself again.

Therapy for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is more than the baby blues, and it’s different than feeling sad or overwhelmed. Many women who experience PPD descibe feeling exhausted, irritable, insecure, and even hopeless. I understand the way these feelings can cause you to feel like you aren’t doing your best as a parent. I want you to know that you’re not alone and this isn’t your fault.

Therapy for Postpartum Anxiety

Anxiety is the #1 reason moms seek therapy. Postpartum Anxiety impacts 1 in 5 moms during the first year of their child’s life, and maternal anxiety impacts women during every stage and phase of parenthood. I teach coping skills and self-compasion using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and active problem solving techniques.

Therapy for Infertility and Pregnancy Loss

Going through fertility treatment, coming to terms with secondary infertility, and/or facing recurrent pregnancy loss can isolating and invisible. I’ve been in your shoes, so I know that it’s incredibly difficult. I provide a safe space to explore your feelings, support your problem solving, and help you navigate the grief that comes with these impactful life events.

Therapy for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy can bring stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm — especially after a previous birth trauma. Many women seek therapy during pregnancy to feel more prepared, supported, and steady. I offer care for coping with pregnancy after birth trauma, planning for postpartum, and preparing to welcome a new baby when you already have children at home.

maternal mental health matters. 

Therapy Isn’t Often Designed with a Mother’s Needs in Mind — We’re Here to Change That

Hi, I’m Dr. Julie - your Washington therapist for women and new moms.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) specializing in perinatal mental health therapy, including therapy for fertility stress, pregnancy anxiety, postpartum depression, and support for overwhelmed new moms navigating early motherhood.

As a therapist who is also a mom who had a challenging start to motherhood, I understand how hard it is to hold it all together when no one can see how much you’re carrying. I know firsthand how powerful it is to be met with kindness, empathy, and support from someone who truly gets it.

I offer virtual therapy for women throughout Washington — including therapy for women in Seattle, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County, and beyond — and yes, babies are always welcome.

Dr. Julie Franks, LICSW — smiling and seated in a calm, welcoming setting, offering therapy for women and new moms in Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Everything about Dr. Julie’s practice is designed with women’s needs in mind.

    (A) We offer virtual therapy that you can attend from a convent location such as home, work, or someplace nearby. This helps to make regular attendance easier and is one less in-person medical appointment for you as you keep up with the many medical appointments you face during fertility treatment, pregnancy, in postpartum, and in early motherhood.

    (B) We allow and encourage your infants, toddlers, and young children to be present during your sessions. You are always welcome to breastfeed, hold your child, etc. We can help you find ways to entertain your child so you can talk with us. We know that this helps you attend without needing to arrange childcare.

  • You do not need a referral from a medical provider. You can reach out to me directly to request to get started.

  • I am an independently licensed clinical social worker in the state of Washington (LICSW).

    Completed Education:

    Emory University, BA (2009)

    Vanderbilt University, MTS (2011)

    University of Tennessee, Masters in Social Work (2013)

    University of Tennessee, Doctorate in Clinical Leadership and Social Work Practice (2019)

    Specialized Training:

    Maternal Mental Health Professional Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training via Postpartum Support International + Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

    Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy via Postpartum Support International

    Motivational Interviewing

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

  • My standard rate is $185 per 55-minute clinical session.

    Payment can be made by credit card or HSA Card.

    You are entitled to and will receive a Good Faith Estimate of the anticipated cost of your services before we get started.

  • I am an Out of Network Provider with most insurance companies.

    I partner with a company called Mentaya to help you access and utilize your out-of-network insurance benefits. If you are eligible for and choose to utilize the Mentaya service, I submit your out-of-network benefits for you after each session in a seamless process. Click here to check your benefits through Mentaya.

    I can also provide you with a monthly super bill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance plan administrator to determine your eligibility for out-of-network benefits.

  • Contact me today and we'll schedule your free intro call. It's that easy!

You'll Find Dr. Julie Here, Too ↓

Proud Member of TherapyDen