Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and OCD: Dr. Kat Interviewed by Karen Kleiman (Ep. 485)
Author: Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C
August 24, 2026
Duration: 45:28
Today is a very special episode because I not only have the pleasure of hosting this podcast, but I am also the guest. Yes, that's right! Today, I'm opening up my heart and sharing my postpartum story with you once again; I last told my story way back in Episode 1 in June 2016. I want all of you who know me as Dr. Kat professionally to understand why I am so deeply passionate about the cause of maternal mental health. Join us now!
Karen Kleiman is a well-known international maternal mental-health expert with over 35 years of experience. As an advocate and author of several groundbreaking books on postpartum depression and anxiety, her work has been featured on the internet and within the mental health community for decades. In 1988, Karen founded The Postpartum Stress Center, a treatment and training facility for prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety.
Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, “Dr. Kat,” is a perinatal mental health-certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques, and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast, covering personal stories and expert interviews related to perinatal mental health. She is also the board chair of Postpartum Support International, an organization whose mission is to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide. Dr. Kat began specializing in perinatal mental health after her own experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD over 12 years ago. Dr. Kat continues to work virtually with clients across California.
Show Highlights:
How Dr. Kat’s first pregnancy, even though planned and easy, resulted in a long, difficult labor that jump-started postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD
Why new moms struggle to know what’s normal, not normal, too much, or not enough
How feeling inadequate and incompetent as a new mom was part of Dr. Kat’s anxiety and her battle with perfectionism
How she felt alone and disconnected even from her husband, and NO ONE knew what was happening on the inside
How scary intrusive thoughts put her in emotional turmoil
Why shame and stigma are greater for mental health professionals–and will silence them at times
How Dr. Kat carried on her therapy work with clients as the depression grew, making her feel trapped, exhausted, embarrassed, and confused
How finally taking the PHQ-9 depression screening test for herself finally opened her eyes to the truth of what she was going through
How she shut down even with her therapist and turned to a naturopathic physician, acupuncture, and other healing alternatives
Why therapists MUST address the suffering client in front of them with curiosity and questions
Why Dr. Kat is so deeply driven to help other moms break through and find the help and support to know that THEY WILL BE OK
Resources:
Connect with Karen: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Book: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts and LinkedIn
Check out Karen Kleiman’s other books: Website and Amazon.
Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov
Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.
You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.
Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.
Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!
If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!
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