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Plant and Candle

FAQ Guide

Everything you need to know before we work together.

FAQ

1 / What types of concerns do you treat?

I work with individuals experiencing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and neurodevelopmental concerns. I also specialize in perinatal mental health, supporting clients through infertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, postpartum adjustment, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, OCD, and birth-related trauma.

2 / What do "Perinatal" and "Postpartum" mean?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings.

Perinatal refers to the period surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. In mental health care, perinatal mental health generally includes mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period following birth.

Postpartum refers to the period after childbirth. While the postpartum period is sometimes discussed as the first six weeks after birth, postpartum mental health care extends well beyond those initial weeks. For mental health purposes, the first year after childbirth is an especially important period for recognizing and addressing postpartum mental health concerns.

You don't stop being postpartum at six weeks. You don't have to stop seeking support because your baby is several months old. Mental health symptoms can emerge at different points throughout the postpartum year, including after an initially positive adjustment.

 

When left untreated, perinatal mental health conditions can persist well beyond the postpartum period and may continue to affect a parent’s mental health, relationships, and daily functioning for years after a child is born.

3 / What is the difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues?

“Baby blues” is a common, temporary emotional shift that many people experience in the first days to about two weeks after giving birth. It is usually caused by rapid hormonal changes after delivery (especially drops in estrogen and progesterone), combined with physical recovery, sleep deprivation, and the emotional intensity of caring for a newborn.

 

Symptoms can include mood swings, crying more easily, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping.

 

The “baby blues” often hit hardest around days 3–5 postpartum. They generally improve within about two weeks. 

Postpartum depression tends to be more persistent, intense, or disruptive to daily functioning and may require professional support.

4 / How common is postpartum depression and anxiety?

About 1 in 5 birthing parents experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. Postpartum depression is not always sadness. Symptoms can look like panic, numbness, rage, irritability, anxiety, disconnection, or complete exhaustion. Postpartum Mood/Anxiety disorders can develop anytime in the postpartum period, not just directly following birth. New or prolonged mood and anxiety symptoms should be professionally evaluated and supported. 

5 / What can I expect from therapy?

I believe meaningful therapy is rooted in authenticity, connection, and trust, while honoring both clinical expertise and the lived experiences you bring into the room. I want you to feel safe enough to be honest, curious enough to explore what’s underneath the surface, and comfortable enough to show up as you are. We’ll make room for the messy parts, the growing parts, the moments when you’re not quite sure what you need, and the moments when you just need someone to sit with you in it.

 

I value authenticity, self-compassion, and meaningful connection, and my work is informed by the awareness of broader social and cultural factors that shape our lives and experiences.

 

Therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff or overly clinical, it can be thoughtful and challenging while still feeling human, relatable, and even a little lighthearted when the moment calls for it.

6 / Do you accept insurance?

At this time, I am not accepting insurance, but can provide documentation for out-of-network benefits. See the full list of services and fees for current rates. 

Your treatment is not subject to insurance-imposed limitations, diagnoses, or session caps.

 

We can fully tailor your care to your individual needs, preferences, and goals.

 

Choosing out-of-network therapy can offer greater privacy and flexibility in your mental health care. When you pay privately and do not submit claims to your insurance company, your clinical information is not shared with your insurer for reimbursement. This means your care can remain more private, with greater control over who has access to information about your mental health treatment.

7 / Can I get reimbursed by insurance if I have out-of-network benefits?

Many clients successfully use their out-of-network benefits for reimbursement. I’m happy to provide documentation and walk you through how that works so it feels straightforward and manageable.

May individuals with out-of-network benefits successfully receive reimbursement for some or all of their session fees.

To find out if you have OON benefits, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask "Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health?"

​​*Please note that if you choose to submit claims for OON benefits, a diagnosis code must be provided*. 

8 / What are your fees for services?

PSYCHOTHERAPY INTAKE
Individual (60 min)...................................$250

 

PSYCHOTHERAPY  FOLLOW UP
Individual (Standard 55 min)................$175
Individual (Extended 75 min) ...............$250

9 / How do I get started?

Getting started is simple. Complete the contact form here.

 

I will connect with you as soon as possible but within 1-2 business days to get you scheduled. 

During your intake, we can discuss what brings you to therapy, what you’re looking for, and whether my approach and areas of specialization are a good fit for your needs.

Your needs matter, even if you’ve spent years putting everyone else first. Making space for your own well-being isn’t selfish, it strengthens every relationship and role you hold. Prioritizing your mental health is a powerful act of care for yourself and those you love.

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Jennifer Valenta Psychology Today Verified
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Jennifer Valenta PSI PMH-C Seal Post partum support international trained clinician
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Pro Choice Therapist
Jennifer Valetna Inclusive LGBTQ+ therapy

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2025 by Jennifer Valenta Counseling
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