Postpartum Depression Support Groups in Austin, TX: Find Your Community
You don't have to navigate postpartum depression alone. Discover in-person and virtual support groups in Austin where you can connect with other mothers, share experiences, and find validation during the postpartum journey.
Support Options at a Glance
In-Person
Local Austin groups
Virtual
Online meetings
Partners
Support for partners
Free
No-cost options
Why Postpartum Support Groups Matter
Support groups don't replace therapy, but they're a powerful complement to professional treatment. Here's why they help:
Reduces Isolation
Depression makes you feel alone. Meeting other mothers struggling with PPD reminds you that you're not the only one.
Validation & Understanding
Other mothers "get it" in ways that friends without PPD can't. No judgment, just understanding.
Practical Tips & Strategies
Learn what's worked for others: sleep schedules, coping strategies, therapist recommendations, medication experiences.
Hope & Perspective
Seeing mothers further along in recovery shows you that recovery is possible. "If she got better, I can too."
Accountability & Encouragement
Group members encourage each other to seek treatment, take medication, practice self-care, and keep showing up.
Lasting Friendships
Many mothers form deep friendships with others from their support group—connections that extend beyond PPD recovery.
Important: Support groups are most effective when combined with individual therapy, not as a replacement. For moderate to severe PPD, professional treatment should be your primary intervention, with support groups as a valuable supplement.
National Virtual Support Groups (Accessible from Austin)
Postpartum Support International (PSI) - Online Groups
The gold standard for postpartum support groups. Free, weekly virtual meetings facilitated by trained volunteers and mental health professionals.
Format: Weekly 90-minute Zoom meetings, mothers-only
Topics: General PPD/anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, loss, NICU, and more
Schedule: Multiple time zones/days available (check current schedule)
Cost: Free (donations accepted)
Registration: Required (to maintain group safety and size)
Why we recommend PSI: Evidence-based, professionally facilitated, confidential, and specifically designed for maternal mental health.
The Blue Dot Project - Virtual Support
Free online community and resources for postpartum depression and anxiety.
Format: Private Facebook group + Instagram community + blog resources
Focus: Peer support, education, reducing stigma
Cost: Free
Website: thebluedotproject.org
Postpartum Progress - Online Community
Oldest and most widely read blog on postpartum depression, with active online community.
Format: Blog + social media community
Focus: Education, personal stories, resources
Cost: Free
Website: postpartumprogress.com
Local Austin Support Groups & Resources
Bloom Psychology - Therapy Groups (Coming Soon)
We're planning to launch postpartum depression therapy groups in 2025. Unlike peer support groups, these will be clinically-led group therapy sessions with Dr. Jana Rundle.
Format: Weekly 90-minute group therapy sessions (8-10 week series)
Location: North Austin (and virtual option)
Focus: CBT skills, coping strategies, peer support in therapeutic setting
Cost: Insurance accepted or private pay
Availability: Join waitlist by contacting us
Austin Moms - New Moms Support Group
General new mom support group (not PPD-specific but welcomes mothers with PPD).
Format: Monthly in-person meetups
Location: Various locations across Austin (check Facebook group)
Focus: General new mom support, socialization, parenting tips
Cost: Free
Website: Facebook: Austin Moms
Austin Area Birth Network - Postpartum Support
Birth and postpartum resource network connecting families to doulas, lactation consultants, and mental health support.
Services: Referrals to postpartum doulas, therapists, support groups
Location: Austin metro area
Cost: Referrals are free (services cost varies)
Website: Check local doula networks and birth centers
Integral Care - Perinatal Mental Health Services
Travis County's mental health authority offering affordable/sliding scale perinatal mental health services.
Services: Individual therapy, case management, medication management
Location: Multiple Austin locations
Cost: Sliding scale based on income, Medicaid accepted
Phone: (512) 472-HELP (4357)
Website: integralcare.org
Support Groups for Partners
Partners need support too. Here are resources specifically for partners supporting someone with PPD:
PSI - Partners Support Group (Virtual)
Postpartum Support International offers virtual support groups specifically for partners of mothers with PPD.
Schedule: Check PSI website for current meeting times
Website: postpartum.net
Dad's Adventure - Austin
Local Austin group for fathers navigating new parenthood (general support, but welcomes fathers of partners with PPD).
Format: Monthly outdoor activities + meetups
Website: Check Facebook and Meetup.com for current groups
Bloom Psychology - Partners Welcome in Individual Sessions
We often include partners in individual therapy sessions to improve communication and provide partner education.
Crisis & Immediate Support Resources
If you're in crisis, these resources provide immediate support:
🚨 Emergency (Suicide Risk or Harm to Baby)
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
Dell Seton Medical Center (Downtown Austin): 1500 Red River St
St. David's South Austin Medical Center: 901 W Ben White Blvd
988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support. Free, confidential, trained counselors.
PSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773
Text "HELP" to 800-944-4773. English & Spanish. 24/7 support and referrals.
Integral Care Crisis Helpline: (512) 472-HELP (4357)
24/7 mental health crisis line for Travis County residents. Can dispatch mobile crisis team.
How to Choose the Right Support Group
Not all support groups are the same. Here's how to find one that fits your needs:
In-Person vs. Virtual
Virtual groups offer convenience (no childcare needed, attend from home). In-person groups offer deeper connection and accountability. Try both to see what fits your lifestyle.
Facilitated vs. Peer-Led
Facilitated groups (like PSI) have trained leaders and structure. Peer-led groups are more informal. Facilitated groups tend to be more effective for clinical support.
Specific vs. General
Some groups are PPD-specific; others are general "new mom" groups. If you have PPD, anxiety, or OCD, choose groups designed for maternal mental health challenges for better understanding.
Try Multiple Groups
Group dynamics vary. If one group doesn't feel right, try another. It's not about you—it's about finding the right fit.
Combine with Professional Treatment
Support groups are most effective when combined with individual therapy. Use groups as a supplement, not replacement, for professional treatment.
Need More Than a Support Group?
Support groups are valuable, but if you're experiencing moderate to severe PPD, individual therapy should be your primary treatment. At Bloom Psychology, we specialize in evidence-based treatment for postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and rage in Austin, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions About Support Groups
Do I need to be formally diagnosed with PPD to join a support group?
No. Most support groups welcome any mother experiencing postpartum challenges—whether formally diagnosed or not. If you're struggling with mood, anxiety, or adjustment to motherhood, you're welcome. Self-diagnosis is sufficient for support group participation (though professional diagnosis is important for treatment).
What if I cry the whole time or can't talk?
That's completely okay and very common, especially in your first meeting. You don't have to share if you're not ready—listening and being present is enough. Many mothers cry during meetings, and that's normalized in these spaces. There's no pressure to perform or "be strong."
How long should I attend a support group?
As long as it's helpful. Some mothers attend for 2-3 months during acute PPD, then stop once they feel better. Others continue for 6-12 months for ongoing support. There's no minimum or maximum—attend as long as you're benefiting from it.
Can I bring my baby to an in-person support group?
It depends on the group. Some welcome babies; others are mothers-only to allow full focus on the discussion. Check the group's policy before attending. Virtual groups are easier with babies since you can mute/turn off camera as needed for feeding or fussiness.
Are support groups confidential?
Yes. Most groups have confidentiality agreements—what's shared in the group stays in the group. However, confidentiality is peer-enforced, not legally protected like therapy. If you need guaranteed confidentiality, individual therapy is more appropriate.
What's the difference between a support group and therapy group?
Support groups are peer-led or volunteer-facilitated, focus on sharing experiences, and are typically free. Therapy groups are led by licensed therapists, include therapeutic interventions/skill-building, involve clinical treatment, and cost money (often insurance-covered). Both are valuable but serve different purposes—support groups for connection, therapy groups for treatment.
What if I don't connect with anyone in the group?
Try at least 2-3 meetings before deciding—group dynamics change week to week. If you still don't connect, try a different group. Not every group is the right fit for every person. Virtual groups offer more variety since you're not limited by geography.
Related Resources
PPD Symptoms Guide
Comprehensive guide to recognizing postpartum depression
Anxiety Treatment Options
Therapy, medication, and self-help for postpartum anxiety
Partner Support Guide
How partners can support PPD recovery
Postpartum Recovery Tips
Physical and mental healing after childbirth
How to Support Partner with PPD
Complete guide for partners supporting PPD
Our Treatment Approach
Evidence-based PPD therapy at Bloom Psychology