The pregnancy and postpartum time can bring much joy and fulfillment to parents’ lives. This is also a time when new challenges can arise. When one becomes a parent, physical, social, and mental changes happen that can be overwhelming. Also, parents might find their pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experience includes a difficult or complicated event, like a pregnancy loss or medical issue. It's common to feel lost on how to cope when unexpected hardships occur.
At East Cascades our goal is to help patients feel as well and supported as possible as they experience the emotional ups and downs that can accompany pregnancy and postpartum. We know the whole family benefits when parents feel healthy and equipped.
Current patients of East Cascades have access to our behavioral health consult/psychologist Dr. Stephanie (Stevie) McLaughlin. Interested patients can call the main line to schedule with her (no referral needed), or they may speak with their ECWG medical provider about this option. In person or virtual visits are available.
Dr. McLaughlin has specialized training and experience to help patients and their partners:
- Stay healthy and well during the perinatal period and take steps to prevent perinatal mood and anxiety disorders for both partners
- Understand any emotional or relational challenges that might arise during pregnancy or postpartum
- Build a social support network which helps prevent onset of mood or anxiety concerns
- Cope with the various emotions that can come when things do not go as planned during pregnancy or postpartum such as pregnancy loss, fertility issues, and unexpected medical concerns for parents or their babies
- Help parents feel strong and secure in their relationships and cope with stress effectively
- Connect with outside community specialists to support patients and their partners as needed
What to expect in your first visit with Dr. McLaughlin
- Plan to meet for about 40 to 45 minutes. If your appointment is via telehealth, you can join the appointment on MyChart.
- Feel free to bring your partner or other relevant social support to the visit. Some patients prefer to have an individual session first before a partner is invited. You can choose whatever feels best to you and your family.
- You will likely fill out a questionnaire about your mood after you check in for the visit.
- During the appointment, Dr. McLaughlin will ask you some questions about your background and pregnancy/postpartum experience. She will ask questions on topics like your physical health, day-to-day functioning, what your social support is like, and your mood and emotional health. Dr. McLaughlin will then provide feedback on what resources might be most helpful to you and your family. Treatment plans typically include: individual or couples therapy visits with Dr. McLaughlin, referrals to community resources, books or podcasts, referrals to behavioral health providers in community that have specialized training on a presenting issue, and/or general discussion of medication options.
- Please note that Dr. McLaughlin can typically do therapy only on a short-term basis, on average 8 to 12 sessions. She shares her notes with all providers at East Cascades. She cannot do evaluations for Emotional Support Animals.
MEET DR. STEVIE MCLAUGHLIN
Dr. Stephanie McLaughlin received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and her doctorate in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University in Utah. She emphasized in neuropsychological/cognitive assessments in graduate school but learned quickly she liked working with patients in therapy as well.
DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEED IMMEDIATE SUPPORT?
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS SUPPORT (24/7 ACCESS)
If you or someone you know is in crisis, you should contact the crisis line by dialing 988 or (541)322-7500 x9 or call (800) 875-7364 (toll free) or walk into the Stabilization Center which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week