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Understanding Postpartum Psychosis: What Every Family Should Know

Aug 19, 2026
Understanding Postpartum Psychosis: What Every Family Should Know

Bringing a new baby home can be joyful, overwhelming, and life-changing, often all at once. But what happens when postpartum mental health challenges become something more serious?

While postpartum psychosis is rare, it’s one of the most serious postpartum mental health conditions and one that’s often misunderstood. In this episode clinical psychologist Dr. Ashton Scherrer unpacks what postpartum psychosis really is, how it differs from other postpartum mood disorders, and why awareness can make all the difference.

Together, we discuss warning signs loved ones should watch for, who may be at greater risk, and the treatment approaches used to support recovery.

We also explore the importance of reducing stigma around postpartum mental health and ensuring new parents feel supported during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Ashton Scherrer, PhD

MEET THE GUEST

Ashton Scherrer, PhD

Dr. Ashton Scherrer, PhD, is dedicated to creating a compassionate and supportive space where individuals of all ages can explore their emotional well-being and develop tools for lasting change. Serving clients throughout Indiana, she provides both individual therapy and psychological testing, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns with care and clinical precision. Dr. Scherrer welcomes children, adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors, offering thoughtful, personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each life stage. One of Dr. Scherrer’s greatest clinical passions lies in the intersection of health psychology, neuropsychology, and perinatal mental health. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating postpartum depression and anxiety, reproductive challenges, and the emotional complexities that accompany medical conditions. With advanced expertise in neuropsychological testing and health psychology, she assists clients in understanding how physical health and cognitive functioning impact emotional wellness. Dr. Scherrer approaches these concerns through evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and medical procedure evaluations, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, integrative care. In addition to her focus on perinatal and health-related concerns, Dr. Scherrer provides affirming and informed support for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, LGBTQ+ individuals, and first responders, recognizing the importance of culturally competent, identity-affirming care. She works collaboratively with each client to develop a path toward resilience and emotional strength, addressing concerns such as anxiety, trauma, and sleep disorders. Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Scherrer enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her pets. She has a passion for discovering new teas and traveling to explore unfamiliar destinations.
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