The Center for Women’s Behavioral and Mental Health at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago provides state-of-the-art psychological evaluation and treatment of issues associated with female reproductive and sexual health, including premenstrual mood changes, pregnancy-related depression or anxiety, postpartum adjustment and mood changes that occur with menopause.

Good mental health is an important part of a woman’s overall health. However, symptoms of depression or anxiety can affect pregnancy outcomes, the ability to mother, sexual health, pelvic pain, healing from medical procedures and overall quality of life.

Our service specializes in helping women identify and overcome obstacles, understand problematic thought and behavior patterns, develop problem-solving strategies, manage stress and practice coping skills. We are committed to working closely with OB/GYN and women’s health care providers to enhance physical and psychological well-being, restore functioning, and improve quality of life.

The Center for Women’s Behavioral and Mental Health is dedicated to improving women’s physical and mental health through individual and group psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, medication management and comprehensive medical care.

Pregnancy and Parenting

• Pre-pregnancy
• High-risk pregnancies
• Depression/anxiety during pregnancy
• Pregnancy loss
• Life changes after childbirth, breastfeeding
• Adjusting to being a new parent
• Postpartum depression/anxiety
• Adoption

Reproductive Health

• Infertility or difficulties conceiving
• Sexual health, sexually transmitted infections
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Fear of pelvic exams
• Hysterectomy or tubal ligation
• PMS/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Women-specific cancers
• Menopausal symptoms

Stress Management

• Relationship difficulties
• Sexual assault, domestic violence
• Posttraumatic stress
• Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders

Nicole Heath, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating women who have experienced traumatic stress and interpersonal violence, including physical and sexual abuse. She also has expertise in helping women recover from a variety of disorders including anxiety and depression, improve relationships, and cope with sexual health difficulties.

Natalie Stevens, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Behavioral Sciences who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of women during pregnancy and postpartum. Her areas of expertise include anxiety and depression, coping with pregnancy loss and psychological factors associated with high-risk pregnancy.

Alison Reminick, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry. She holds a medical degree in psychiatry and specializes in providing comprehensive medical care for women who suffer from PMS/PMDD, mood disorders during pregnancy and post-partum, and emotional disturbances during menopause.

April Taylor-Clift, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Behavioral Sciences who has expertise in treating women with trauma-related disorders as well as mood and anxiety disorders. She uses cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based techniques to help women develop the tools they need to manage their mood and emotions.