How Is Bloom Psychology Different from Other Austin Perinatal Counseling Centers?
Austin has several excellent perinatal mental health providers. Here's what makes Bloom Psychology's approach unique—and how to choose the right fit for YOU.
If you're searching for postpartum therapy in Austin, you've likely found several options: group practices, perinatal counseling centers, therapists who specialize in maternal mental health, and Bloom Psychology.
All of these providers offer valuable support for new mothers—but they differ in important ways.
Our goal: Help you find the RIGHT provider—even if that's not us.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Group Practices | Perinatal Centers | Bloom Psychology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credentials | LPC, LCSW (Master's) | LPC, LCSW, some PhDs | PhD Clinical Psychologist |
| Specialization | General perinatal | Postpartum depression, anxiety | Postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, rage |
| Treatment Focus | Supportive therapy, general CBT | CBT, supportive therapy | Specialized ERP, CBT, ACT, EMDR |
| Continuity | May rotate therapists | May rotate or stay with one | Same specialist throughout |
| Best For | General postpartum support | Comprehensive perinatal care | Complex conditions requiring specialized expertise |
What Makes Bloom Psychology Different?
PhD-Level Clinical Psychologist Specializing in Postpartum OCD
Dr. Jana Rundle is a licensed clinical psychologist (PhD) with advanced training in postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT, ACT, EMDR, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
What this means for you:
- ✓Depth of expertise: PhD training involves 5-7 years of specialized clinical training beyond a Master's degree
- ✓Diagnostic precision: Ability to differentiate postpartum OCD from general anxiety, postpartum rage from depression
- ✓Complex case experience: Training to handle severe, treatment-resistant, or comorbid conditions
Note: Most perinatal therapists in Austin are LPC or LCSW with Master's-level training. These are excellent, qualified professionals—PhD-level training is NOT "better," just more specialized for complex conditions.
Specialized Training in ERP Therapy for Postpartum OCD
Bloom Psychology is one of the few providers in Austin offering Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) therapy specifically for postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts.
Why ERP matters for postpartum OCD:
- •General talk therapy doesn't work for OCD - It can actually make symptoms worse
- •70-80% of mothers improve with ERP within 8-12 weeks
- •ERP requires specialized training - Not all therapists (even excellent ones) are trained in this modality
Focus on "Darkest Fears" Conditions
Bloom Psychology specializes in the maternal mental health conditions that are hardest to talk about.
Postpartum OCD
Intrusive thoughts about harm
Postpartum Rage
Explosive anger that scares you
Intrusive Harm Thoughts
Disturbing mental images
Birth Trauma
PTSD from difficult birth experiences
Why this matters: Shame-free zone where you won't be judged, reported, or misunderstood. Many perinatal therapists focus primarily on postpartum depression and general anxiety—few specialize in these specific presentations.
Solo Practice = Continuity of Care
Bloom Psychology is a solo practice. You work with Dr. Rundle from your first session through completion—you never have to "start over" with a new therapist.
Why continuity matters:
- →Build deep trust and rapport with one provider
- →No need to re-explain your story or symptoms
- →Treatment evolves based on your specific progress and needs
Evidence-Based Treatment with Measurable Outcomes
Bloom Psychology uses evidence-based modalities with proven effectiveness: ERP for OCD, CBT for depression/anxiety, ACT for emotional regulation, EMDR for birth trauma.
Baseline Assessment
Standardized symptom measures
Structured Protocols
Not just "talking it out"
Progress Tracking
See measurable improvement
Between-Session Work
Exercises, exposures, skills practice
How to Choose the Right Provider for You
Choose Bloom Psychology If:
- ✓You have postpartum OCD with intrusive thoughts
- ✓You experience postpartum rage
- ✓You have birth trauma or PTSD
- ✓You've tried general therapy without improvement
- ✓You want ERP therapy specifically
- ✓You prefer PhD-level expertise
Choose a Group Practice If:
- ✓You want flexibility to switch therapists
- ✓You prefer a team approach
- ✓You want access to multiple services in one location
- ✓You have general postpartum depression or anxiety
Choose a Support Group If:
- ✓You want peer connection and community
- ✓You're looking for low-cost or free resources
- ✓You want to supplement individual therapy
- ✓You don't have severe symptoms requiring clinical treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a PhD psychologist 'better' than an LPC or LCSW?
Not 'better'—more specialized. PhD training involves deeper diagnostic expertise and advanced training in complex conditions. For general postpartum support, Master's-level therapists are excellent. For complex conditions like postpartum OCD requiring ERP, PhD-level expertise can be beneficial.
Do you accept insurance?
Bloom accepts some insurance plans and provides superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients receive 50-80% reimbursement from their insurance. Contact us to verify your specific plan.
Can I switch to Bloom if I'm already seeing another therapist?
Yes. If you're not improving with your current therapist (especially if you have postpartum OCD and aren't receiving ERP), switching to specialized care may help. We recommend discussing with your current therapist first.
Do you offer group therapy or support groups?
No. Bloom focuses on individual therapy for complex conditions requiring specialized expertise. For support groups, we recommend Austin Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative or Postpartum Support International (PSI-Austin).
What if I can't afford your rates?
Check your insurance benefits first—many plans cover a significant portion. If cost is a barrier, we can discuss options or provide referrals to more affordable community resources.
How long is treatment?
Most mothers with postpartum OCD see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks of consistent ERP therapy. Timeline varies based on symptom severity and engagement with treatment.
Not Sure Which Provider Is Right for You?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Rundle. She'll help you understand your symptoms and recommend the best path forward—even if that means choosing another provider.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just honest guidance.
📞 (512) 648-2722
📧 bloom@bloompsychologynorthaustin.com