Meet Erica Battista, LCSW, PMH-C

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Battista, LCSW, PMH-C and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about perinatal mental health therapy that outsiders are probably unaware of is how much of the work goes beyond just treating ‘postpartum depression.’ There’s an entire range of emotional and psychological challenges that can show up before, during, and after pregnancy; from birth trauma, fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, to the huge identity shifts of becoming a parent. It’s not just about symptom management; it’s about helping people heal, process, and build a foundation for their mental health while navigating one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My practice is dedicated to helping people navigate the deeply personal, messy, and transformational journey of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on surface-level symptom relief; I create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to process birth trauma, fertility struggles, identity shifts, and the overwhelming expectations that come with modern motherhood.

I’m especially proud of how my work blends evidence-based therapy with real-world support. So many parents feel isolated, ashamed, or ‘not good enough’ — and I want them to know they don’t have to carry that alone.

Getting here wasn’t easy; growing a business in this field means facing stigma and a lot of invisible labor. There were moments of self-doubt, burnout, and wondering if I could really make this work. But I learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Building my own support system, setting boundaries, and remembering why I do this work has helped me grow not just a business, but a practice that truly supports women.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my story, it’s that no one should have to navigate this season of life alone. Healing is possible. Asking for help is brave. And it’s never too late to put your mental and emotional well-being first.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit South Florida, I’d be sure to check out all the local restaurants because I’m a huge foodie! We’d probably eat our way through the week — starting with a sunrise breakfast at a cozy beach café, then hit up fresh seafood spots right on the water. I’d take them to try Cuban coffee and pastries at a local ventanita, and maybe a lazy lunch at a taco shack by the beach.

When we’re not eating, we’d soak up the best of what South Florida has to offer — long beach walks in Boca, paddleboarding in Delray, maybe a day trip to the Everglades for a little adventure. Evenings would be all about good food and live music, whether that’s at a laid-back tiki bar, a trendy rooftop, or a hidden jazz club.

Of course, we’d spend a day exploring local art districts and cute boutiques — probably ending up back at the beach to watch the sunset. For me, South Florida is this perfect mix of great food, beautiful views, and easygoing vibes — and I’d want my best friend to experience all of it, one delicious meal and salty breeze at a time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support of both my mentors and my clients. First, I want to give a huge shoutout to my clinical supervisors and professors who challenged me to grow as a therapist. Their guidance helped me develop the skills and compassion needed to sit with people in some of their most vulnerable moments.

I also want to recognize the brave moms, parents, and families I’ve worked with; they’ve taught me more about resilience, honesty, and the real side of parenthood than any textbook ever could. Their stories inspire me to keep learning and advocating for better mental health support during pregnancy and postpartum.

And on a personal level, my own circle of family and friends who remind me to practice what I preach — they’ve been the soft place to land when things get hard, which makes me a better therapist, too.

Website: https://www.maternalmindandwellness.com/

Instagram: themommyhealer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-battista-lcsw-pmh-c-3b7389207