Eligibility
Do I Qualify? Eligibility for Funded Postpartum Therapy
You likely qualify for PTP's funded postpartum therapy if you're within roughly the first year after having a baby, paying for private therapy yourself would be a real financial strain, you live in an area we serve, and you're ready to attend regular sessions. You don't need a diagnosis, a referral, or insurance — eligibility is based mainly on financial need, and we tell you exactly what's needed when you apply.
Ready now? Start your application. Want the bigger picture first? See how free postpartum therapy works.
Who is eligible for PTP's funded therapy?
In plain language, the program is generally a fit if all of these are true for you:
- You're postpartum. You had a baby within roughly the last 12 months.
- There's financial need. Paying out of pocket for specialized therapy would be a genuine strain.
- You're in a service area. We're starting in Texas and expanding to more states as funding grows. Not sure if we've reached you yet? Reach out — we'll point you in the right direction either way.
- You can attend regular sessions. You're ready to show up, by video or in person, across the year.
Not sure if you fit every line? Apply anyway. We'd rather hear from you and help you find the right door than have you count yourself out.
Do I need a diagnosis or insurance to qualify?
No on both counts. You do not need a formal diagnosis, and you do not need insurance. If you have coverage, that's fine too — it doesn't disqualify you. PTP was built for the gap so many mothers fall into: real struggle, but no affordable way to see a therapist who actually understands the postpartum period.
- No diagnosis required — struggling is reason enough.
- No insurance required — and having it doesn't rule you out.
- No referral required — though clinicians and doulas can refer you if they'd like.
What should I expect in the application?
A short, plain-language form — not a clinical interrogation. We ask only what we genuinely need to confirm you're a fit and to match you well. Expect a few questions about:
- Where you are in your postpartum year.
- A little about what you're going through, in your own words.
- Your financial situation, so we can confirm need.
- How you'd prefer to meet — telehealth or in person.
You can fill it out in pieces around naps and feedings. There are no trick questions and no wrong answers.
What documents will I need to send?
Usually just enough to confirm financial need — and we'll tell you exactly what's needed when you apply, so nothing is a surprise. We keep the list as short as we honestly can.
Wondering what private therapy would otherwise cost you? See the real cost of postpartum therapy and why this funding matters.
What happens after I apply?
We review your application, confirm eligibility, and work to match you with a vetted therapist who specializes in the perinatal period — so care can begin. Here's the path, step by step:
- We review it. A real person reads your application and confirms you're a fit.
- We reach out. We'll let you know your expected timeline and follow up directly — you won't be left wondering.
- We match you. You're paired with a PMH-C, trauma-informed therapist who fits your needs.
- Care begins. Your year of 26 bi-weekly sessions starts, and PTP pays the therapist directly — $0 to you.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for funded postpartum therapy?
Mothers who are roughly within the first 12 months after having a baby, who couldn't comfortably afford private therapy on their own, who live in an area PTP serves, and who are ready to attend regular sessions. Eligibility is based mainly on financial need.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to qualify?
No. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or a label of any kind. If you're struggling after having a baby, that's enough. We never ask you to prove you're "sick enough" to deserve support.
What if I already have insurance?
You can still apply. Having insurance does not disqualify you. Many mothers have coverage that doesn't include a perinatal specialist, comes with copays they can't manage, or doesn't cover enough sessions. PTP exists to close that gap.
How long does it take to hear back after I apply?
We review applications as they come in and follow up personally. We'll let you know the expected timeline when you apply, and we aim to keep you informed at every step rather than leaving you waiting and wondering.
Take the first step
Find out if you qualify — in just a few minutes.
Start your application, or send us a note if you have questions first. A real person will get back to you.
You can also help fund another mother's year — donate to PTP.