Reproductive Psychiatry
Compassionate and Inclusive Care for
Every Reproductive Journey
Meet our Reproductive Psychiatrist
At Arbit Counseling, our Reproductive Psychiatry services offer deeply compassionate and specialized care tailored to the unique mental health challenges that can occur throughout the reproductive lifespan. We are committed to providing an inclusive space that supports individuals across all gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures.
We move beyond simple medication management, providing a truly holistic and client-centered approach that integrates medication, psychotherapy, nutrition guidance, and coping strategies. Our goal is to honor your unique journey, empowering you to heal, grow, and thrive during life's most complex transitions.
Reproductive Life Transitions We Support
Preconception Planning
Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
Infertility and Pregnancy Loss
Premenstrual & Perimenopause Syndromes
Birth Trauma
Parenting Transition
Compassionate & Affirming Care for All Identities
Mental health support tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community is essential. Dr. Pumar is deeply committed to providing compassionate and affirming care to adults of all identities, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals, as well as people from various religious faiths and cultural backgrounds. She is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all people—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship structure.
Dr. Pumar’s care prioritizes a deep respect for each person’s lived experience, ensuring a space where all individuals, whether single, partnered, or in family systems, can be fully seen, heard, and respected.
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Comprehensive Assessment
Through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, we work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that consider all aspects of their lives.
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Supportive Environment
Our caring and supportive staff create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns and working towards healing.
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Collaborative Care
We collaborate closely with therapists, primary care physicians, OBGYNs, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for your mental health needs.
Fast, free consultation.
Inclusive Reproductive Care
Dr. Pumar’s approach to reproductive psychiatry is deeply compassionate and inclusive, designed to support individuals across all gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures. She collaboratively develops personalized treatment plans that honor each person’s unique reproductive journey. By integrating medication management, psychotherapy, nutrition guidance, and coping strategies, Dr. Pumar provides a holistic and client-centered approach to reproductive health, empowering individuals to heal, grow, and thrive.
GeneSight Testing
If you've ever felt like finding the right medication is just trial and error—you’re not alone. We know how exhausting that can be. Roughly 1 in 6 Americans—around 40 million people—take psychiatric medication to support their mental health. But finding the right medication and dosage isn’t always straightforward. For many, it can be a long and frustrating process of trial and error that may take 6-8 months or more to get just right.
For those who’ve struggled to find the right medication, Dr. Pumar offers GeneSight testing as one more way to bring clarity and precision to the process. It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about walking alongside you, step by step, with warmth, curiosity, and care.
Meet our Reproductive Psychiatrist
and Medical Director
Dr. Margo Pumar (she/her) is a distinguished, licensed adult psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, affirming care for all adults, including the LGBTQIA+ community and people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
Dr. Pumar's approach is grounded in empowering clients to embrace brighter futures. She is highly skilled in integrating psychopharmacology with therapeutic modalities to address a wide range of mental health issues.
Partner with Us for Your Well-Being
Whether you are planning a family, navigating loss, or experiencing postpartum challenges, you deserve to feel understood and well-supported. By choosing our expert Reproductive Psychiatry services, you are taking a definitive step toward emotional healing and resilience during this life phase. Connect with our intake specialist today for free consultation.
The perinatal period brings profound change — not just for individuals but for relationships. Our couples counseling services with Ieisha Dale, LMFT help partners navigate the emotional, relational, and identity shifts that come with pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood — alongside your psychiatric care."
Dr. Pumar offers in-person psychiatric care in the San Francisco Bay Area and virtual services throughout California, and the Washington D.C. area ensuring accessible, high-quality, and affirming mental health support for individuals and families across the state.
In-Person & Virtual Care Across California
FAQs
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While both PMS and PMDD show up before your period, PMDD tends to be much more intense. It can impact your mood, energy, and relationships in a way that feels overwhelming. If you find your cycle regularly brings severe emotional distress, it may be time to check in with someone who understands these hormonal shifts.
What helps with PMDD?
Many people find relief through a combination of lifestyle support, therapy, and sometimes medication like SSRIs or birth control pills. A reproductive psychiatrist can help you explore what feels right for your body and mind. -
If you're planning for pregnancy, it’s wise to also plan for your mental wellness. A reproductive psychiatrist can help you navigate medication safety, anxiety, or past experiences that may resurface. Think of it as emotional prenatal care.
Will I need to stop my meds?
Not necessarily. Many medications are considered safe or can be adjusted. The key is to make changes thoughtfully, with guidance. We’re here to help you make informed, supportive choices. -
Experiences like infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth can bring immense grief. You’re not alone. We offer compassionate care to help you process complex emotions, navigate treatments, and feel less isolated in your journey.
Can I get care remotely?
Absolutely. Whether you're going through IVF or grieving at home, telehealth options let you access support in a way that feels accessible and private. Dr. Margo Pumar offers telehealth options in both the Washington D.C. and San Francisco area.If you are not sure if you are ready to schedule an apppointent, we proudly offer 15-20min free introductory calls with Dr. Pumar to ensure we are the best match for your needs.
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If your birth experience left you feeling scared, out of control, or deeply shaken, that’s valid. Birth trauma can lead to flashbacks, avoidance, or anxiety. Therapy can help you process your story and feel grounded again.
What treatments help?
We often use approaches like trauma-focused CBT, written exposure therapy, or EMDR to gently help you heal. -
That's perfectly okay! Psychiatrists understand that different people prefer different approaches to treatment. If you want to start with therapy, you can discuss this with your psychiatrist. They can work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs and preferences, which might include therapy alone or in combination with other treatments.
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Yes, psychiatrists can offer therapy. The therapy provided by psychiatrists may be similar to that provided by psychologists, but psychiatrists can also integrate medical knowledge into their therapeutic approach.
This means they can consider both psychological and biological aspects of your mental health and offer a more holistic treatment plan, including the option to prescribe medications if needed.
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Fluctuating hormones can stir up anxiety, low mood, and sleep trouble. You’re not imagining it. These shifts are real, and support from a psychiatrist trained in hormonal mental health can make a big difference.
Is help available beyond medication?
Yes—we look at the whole picture, from talk therapy to lifestyle changes to, if helpful, hormonal options. You deserve to feel understood and well-supported during this life phase. -
Absolutely. Pregnancy and new parenthood bring so many changes—physically, emotionally, relationally. If you’re feeling anxious, down, or not yourself, you’re not failing. You’re human. We're here to help you reconnect with yourself.
What support is available?
We provide therapy, medication guidance, and coordination with your OB. Many new parents also love the flexibility of telehealth. -
Yes, many people see both a psychiatrist and a therapist. A psychiatrist can manage medications and provide medical insights, while a therapist can offer ongoing counseling and support. Together, they can provide a comprehensive approach to your mental health care. Sometimes, psychiatrist can do both.
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If you have an emergency or urgent mental health concern, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
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Maybe! If you often feel scattered, forgetful, or overwhelmed by daily tasks, it could be more than just "being busy." An evaluation can provide clarity—and a treatment plan, if needed, can help you feel more in control.
What does treatment look like?
It may include medication, therapy, and skills coaching around focus and organization. We're here to support your brain, your strengths, and your goals. -
Reproductive Challenges
Premenstrual Syndromes
Preconception Planning
Infertility and Pregnancy Loss
Birth Trauma
Perimenopause
Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Mood Disorders
Adult ADHD
Trauma and Complex Trauma
Relationship challenges
Psychopharmacology and Talk Therapy
CBT
Written Exposure therapy
Prolonged Exposure for PTSD
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy