Residential Mental Health Treatment in Haverhill, MA
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after childbirth, affecting a person’s mood, energy, ability to function, and emotional connection with their baby. It’s more than just “baby blues” — it can be long-lasting, disruptive, and dangerous if left untreated. Unlike temporary mood swings, PPD can persist for months and significantly interfere with parenting and quality of life.
Serenity at Summit New England, located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, provides short-term residential mental health treatment specifically tailored to individuals experiencing postpartum depression. Our program combines clinical expertise, a trauma-informed approach, and a nurturing environment to help new mothers or birthing parents regain emotional stability and build a path toward lasting recovery.
Understanding Postpartum Depression
PPD affects approximately 10–20% of new mothers in the United States, though some reports suggest higher rates, particularly among under-resourced communities.
In Massachusetts, state data shows that roughly 1 in 7 women reports symptoms of postpartum depression, and the rate is even higher in Essex County and among women of color or those with limited access to healthcare.
Core symptoms of PPD include:
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or tearfulness
- Excessive guilt or feeling like a failure as a parent
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Fatigue or restlessness
- Intrusive thoughts or fears about the baby’s safety
- Suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm
PPD can begin days or weeks after childbirth, and may emerge even up to a year postpartum. It is often underdiagnosed, especially when individuals are reluctant to admit emotional distress or are dismissed by providers unfamiliar with perinatal mental health.
Massachusetts-Specific Challenges
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
- Only 60% of birthing parents are screened for PPD during postpartum visits.
- Up to 85% of mothers with symptoms do not receive adequate treatment.
- Barriers include a lack of perinatal-trained providers, stigma, childcare limitations, and long waitlists for therapy.
In Essex County, Haverhill and neighboring areas face heightened risk due to provider shortages in maternal mental health. Serenity at Summit addresses this treatment gap by offering residential support without requiring co-occurring addiction issues — a rare offering in the region.
Comparing Common Postpartum Mood Disorders
| Condition | Onset | Key Symptoms | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postpartum Depression | Within weeks to months after delivery | Persistent sadness, guilt, fatigue, trouble bonding with baby | Moderate to severe – requires clinical treatment |
| Postpartum Anxiety | Often starts soon after delivery | Racing thoughts, panic, excessive worry, sleep issues | Often underdiagnosed – benefits from therapy and medication |
| Postpartum Psychosis | Typically within 1–2 weeks postpartum | Delusions, hallucinations, confusion, suicidal or infanticidal thoughts | Psychiatric emergency – hospitalization required |
When Residential Treatment Is Needed
Outpatient therapy or support groups can be helpful for mild symptoms. However, individuals with moderate to severe PPD — particularly those experiencing suicidal ideation, functional impairment, or difficulty caring for their infant — may benefit more from structured, inpatient treatment.
Residential treatment at Serenity at Summit is ideal for individuals who:
- Feel emotionally overwhelmed or unsafe at home
- Have tried outpatient therapy without success
- Require medication monitoring or adjustment
- Are experiencing trauma symptoms related to birth or motherhood
- Need daily structure, consistency, and therapeutic support
What to Expect from Treatment
Our 21–35 day program is designed to stabilize mood, reduce symptoms, and build healthy coping strategies. Our licensed psychiatric team evaluates every patient and receives an individualized treatment plan.
Core treatment services include:
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management – with consideration for breastfeeding safety
- Individual therapy – with clinicians trained in maternal mental health and trauma
- Group therapy – including parenting stress, relationships, and emotion regulation
- DBT and CBT modalities – for managing negative thoughts and self-criticism
- Mind-body therapies – like mindfulness, grounding techniques, and yoga
- Daily structure – supporting sleep, nutrition, self-care, and peer connection
We foster a validating and nonjudgmental environment. Patients are encouraged to process grief, fear, shame, or identity shifts as they move toward healing.
Support Beyond the Patient
Postpartum depression often impacts partners, families, and caregivers. As part of our treatment model, we offer:
- Family therapy or check-in sessions (virtual or in person)
- Education on PPD and how to support recovery
- Resources for co-parenting and reintegration after discharge
Our team understands that motherhood doesn’t happen in a vacuum — healing must consider the full family system.
Discharge Planning and Continuing Care
Before leaving Serenity at Summit, every patient works with our case management team to establish a detailed aftercare plan. This may include:
- Referrals to outpatient perinatal therapists or psychiatrists
- Telehealth continuation care for remote patients
- Enrollment in support groups or peer circles
- Infant bonding and parenting support planning
- Medication follow-up and safety planning
Our goal is to ensure a smooth and supported transition, reducing the risk of relapse or emotional regression once patients return home.
Why Serenity at Summit?
We are one of the only programs in Massachusetts offering short-term residential mental health treatment exclusively for mood and anxiety disorders, without requiring substance use or dual diagnosis. This makes us uniquely equipped to support individuals facing postpartum challenges who are often underserved in traditional behavioral health models.
Highlights of our Haverhill location:
- Private, medically supervised campus in Essex County
- Women-inclusive environment with clinical focus on trauma, identity, and transition
- Experienced clinicians trained in maternal and perinatal mental health
- Culturally competent care for diverse patient populations
Recovery Is Possible
Postpartum Depression can make you feel like you’re failing — but you’re not. You’re not alone, and with the right treatment, it’s possible to feel like yourself again. Residential treatment provides the space, support, and expertise needed to begin that transformation in a meaningful way.
Let us help you take that first step toward hope and healing.
📍 Address: 61 Brown Street, Haverhill, MA 01830
📞 Call: 978-312-9830
🌐 Website: www.serenityatsummit.com
Contact Serenity At Summit
If you or someone you love is experiencing postpartum depression, don’t wait. Reach out to Serenity at Summit for a confidential assessment and discover how our Haverhill facility can help you begin your healing journey.
You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help you reclaim your voice, your peace, and your strength.
