Momwell now offers Direct Billing in Canada!
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Momwell now offers Direct Billing in Canada!
GET STARTED TODAY

Motherhood & Identity

Online Therapy for Stepmoms Adjusting to Blended Family Life

Stepping into the role of a stepmom can feel overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally complex. Our licensed therapists specialize in virtual therapy for stepmoms navigating identity, guilt, family dynamics, and the invisible load of blended families.
IN NETWORK WITH

Why Being a Stepmom Is So Hard?

Stepping into a blended family often comes with invisible expectations, emotional landmines, and unspoken pressure to “just fit in.” You might be navigating loyalty binds, unclear boundaries, or feeling like you’re constantly giving without recognition. Unlike biological parents, stepmoms are rarely offered grace or guidance—yet you’re still carrying a deep emotional load. Therapy offers a space to unpack these challenges, process complex emotions, and find support that’s actually centered on you.

You might benefit from therapy if you...

Adjusting to life as a stepmom can bring up complex emotions, especially when you're expected to seamlessly blend into a family that’s already formed. Therapy can help you navigate the unique challenges of this role with clarity and support.
  • Feel like an outsider in your own home or unsure of your role in the family
  • Struggle to bond with your stepchildren or feel disconnected from them
  • Avoid family activities or dread transitions like pickups, drop-offs, or shared holidays
  • Experience persistent guilt, resentment, or anxiety about how you’re showing up
  • Feel pressure to keep everyone happy while pushing your own needs aside
  • Question whether you're cut out for this role, or wonder what’s “wrong” with you for finding it so hard

Momwell can help you:

Understand Your Role

Our therapists help you process the complexity of stepmom life—so you can stop questioning your place and start feeling more grounded in it.

Set Healthy Boundaries

We’ll work with you to define limits that protect your mental and emotional wellbeing, without sacrificing connection.

Navigate Co-Parenting Dynamics

Momwell therapists offer tools to help you navigate interactions with ex-partners, parenting conflicts, and loyalty binds—so you can stay grounded without losing yourself in the process.

Address Guilt and Resentment

We create space for your full emotional experience, helping you move through guilt, resentment, and shame with compassion—not judgment.

Rebuild Connection with Yourself and Others

You’ll learn to reconnect with your own identity while building more authentic relationships with your partner and stepchildren.

Protect Your Peace

We’ll help you identify what drains you and what restores you—so you can create a version of stepmom life that feels sustainable and supported.

Understanding the Stepmom Transition

Becoming a stepmom is one of the most emotionally complex parenting roles—yet it’s often overlooked. Many stepmoms report high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout, especially during the early years of adjusting to a blended family. Online counseling for step mom guilt and burnout can help you navigate this transition!
  • Studies show that stepmothers report higher levels of depressive symptoms than biological mothers, especially when navigating unclear roles or co-parenting tension.
  • Up to 70% of stepmothers experience feelings of exclusion, resentment, or disconnection in their family unit.
  • The emotional labor of “trying to do it all” without being seen or validated can lead to chronic stress and overwhelm.
  • Many stepmoms feel guilt for struggling or shame for not bonding “naturally”—but these feelings are common and treatable.
  • Stepmom mental health support can make a significant difference in how you navigate these emotional demands.‍

Common Misconceptions About Being a Stepmom

If I were stronger, this wouldn’t feel so hard
The challenges of stepmotherhood aren’t a reflection of weakness—they’re a reflection of how emotionally complex and unsupported this role often is.
I’m not allowed to have boundaries
You’re allowed to protect your energy and mental health. Boundaries don’t mean disconnection—they make connection more sustainable.
If I were doing this right, I wouldn’t feel resentful
Resentment is a signal—not a failure. It often points to needs going unmet, and it can be worked through in therapy.
I should love my stepchildren right away
Love and connection take time. It's okay if those feelings don’t happen immediately—or if they look different than what you expected.
It’s my job to keep everyone happy
Trying to manage everyone else’s emotions can lead to burnout. You’re allowed to prioritize your own wellbeing too.
No one else feels this way
Many stepmoms feel overwhelmed, invisible, or unsure of their place. You are not alone—and support is available.

Getting startedis simple

1.

Schedule with Our Care Coordinator

Book your no-pressure consultation to discuss your needs and explore your options.

2.

Get Matched with Your Therapist

Our care coordinator will pair you with a maternal mental health specialist who’s the right fit for you.

3.

Begin Therapy

Start personalized sessions with a Momwell therapist to help you navigate the emotional complexity of stepmom life, feel more grounded in your role, and reconnect with yourself.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY

“I wish I would have found your company sooner. I struggled for 20 months on my own after working with a previous therapist, who wasn't trained in postpartum care and didn't help at all. I ended up feeling like a failure as a mom. My new therapist at Momwell has helped me see beyond that and finally feel like myself again.”

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Brittany

“Momwell has helped me know that I am not alone. When I got pregnant, I felt very detached. I saw a therapist who told me that’s just how life was and that I would never be as happy as I had been. I trusted her as an expert. Now I know that’s not true. I was likely battling mental health struggles and I just needed the right support.”

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Ashley

“I was knee-deep in PPD when I came across Momwell. I was in a place where I felt like my symptoms weren’t scary or serious enough, so I downplayed the significant impact they were having on my life. I did everything in my power to fight my PPD alone. Momwell showed me I didn’t have to tackle it alone any longer.”

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Lauren

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SARA TIM, Mother & Manager at a bank.

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SARA TIM, Mother & Manager at a bank.

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consecte tur adipiscing elit. A etiam ornare massa pellentesque etiam consecte. “

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SARA TIM, Mother & Manager at a bank.

“I struggled with the adjustment to motherhood after my first baby was born. I had already discovered The Momwell Podcast, and it resonated with me…so I decided to reach out to the team for therapy services. I have been seeing Johanna for just under a year now and I absolutely love her! I always look forward to our sessions, and I always recommend the podcast to any new moms!”

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Stacy

“I was struggling so much and feeling extremely overwhelmed as a new mother when I discovered Momwell. I thought I was the only one struggling and that there was something wrong with me for not being able to handle it all. After listening to the podcast, I’m feeling so much more like myself again! Motherhood is still hard, but I feel like I can finally breathe and enjoy it. Thank you, Erica!”

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Natalie

“I’d just gotten done crying after yelling at my children for the 100th time that day, feeling like I was a terrible mother, when I found the Mom Rage course. It was so comforting to hear people talking about exactly what I was going through–with NO judgment. I left with the tools I needed to recognize when I’m getting overwhelmed and bring myself back down. Our lives have gotten so much easier–I’m so grateful to Momwell!”

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Rachel

Additional Mental Load Resources

FAQs

I’m interested in therapy. What’s my first step?
Click “Get Started” on our website and follow the prompts to determine your eligibility for care based on your location and services you require. It will also collect information from you to help match you with the best therapist to suit your needs.

Once your information has been submitted you will receive an email from our team with more information such as the cost of therapy, whether its any co-payment amounts if you are an insurance client that has been approved for in network services, out-of-pocket rates if you are a cash pay client.
You will also be directed to complete some intake forms and any other account set up steps in order to proceed.

Once the forms have been completed and finalized you are then ready to be matched with one of our therapists. Our team will send a second email with a link to book your first therapy appointment with your matched therapist directly in our Momwell Healthie Portal.
How long does it take to get started into therapy with Momwell?
Once you complete the Intake process and submit your information our team will follow up with next steps via email within 24-48 hours. Then once you have completed the next steps outlined in our first email such as intake forms and account set up action items your next email from us with details about your matched therapist and a link to book should also be received within the same timeframe of 24-48 hours.

Momwell Therapists are currently booking out at approximately 1-3 weeks ahead or less (location/therapist dependant).

That means that, should you be eligible, you can expect to be attending your first psychotherapy session in 1-3 weeks or less!
What can I expect from my first therapy session?
It’s normal to be a little nervous about your first official therapy session. Your relationship with your therapist is an important one, so in your first session, we will get to know you better! We’ll review your intake paperwork, and might ask about your birth, your feeding journey, your child(ren), your relationship, your support system, and any symptoms you might be experiencing. During this first visit your therapist will also take some time to understand your goals and what you want to achieve during therapy.  Each therapist has a unique style and approaches this first session differently, but they all share the common goal of ensuring that you feel comfortable and determining your therapy needs.
Is virtual therapy effective?
Yes! Studies have shown that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person counseling, and that satisfaction levels after a virtual therapy experience are just as high.
How much does virtual counseling cost? How do I pay?
Momwell offers In Network services in the following US States: California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas with more states being added soon. Check out our Insurance Page to see if we are in network with your insurance provider and how billing through insurance at Momwell works.

For our Canadian clients, clients without insurance benefits, or clients who wish to proceed pay out of pocket until we are in network with their provider; therapy sessions are paid at the time of the service directly from within our Momwell Portal.

A virtual counseling session costs between $150-$220 depending on the education and experience of the therapist. You will be required to add valid payment to your account before attending your first paid session. Payment will be processed at the end of each session using the card on file and an invoice will be emailed.
Where are your services currently offered?

Momwell currently serves clients across Canada and in the United States. We see clients in the following Canadian provinces: 

Canada Provinces:

Ontario
Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
British Columbia

USA States:

Arizona
Florida
Georgia
Ohio
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
North Carolina
California
Illinois
New York
Michigan
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
Ohio
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

 

To determine whether we offer services in your area or to request we add a service provider in your state or province, click “Get Started” on our website and enter your information.

Do you bill insurance?
US CLIENTS: 

Momwell is in-network with insurance providers in the following states; California, New York, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, Illinois and Pennsylvania, with more being added soon. Visit our Pricing Page to see a full list of the insurance providers we are currently in network with and how the insurance billing process works.

Book a  Free 15 minute consultation with a Care Coordinator to receive a full benefits check where they will provide you with all the necessary details about your coverage, such as deductibles, patient responsibilities amounts like co-pays or co-insurance and the cost of canceled or missed sessions.

If you do not have insurance, you wish to pay out of pocket or we are not yet in network with your insurance provider in your state you can still pay for therapy services out of pocket. Visit our Pricing page to learn about the cost of therapy and details about invoices. 

CANADIAN CLIENTS:

We currently do not bill insurance directly. We will provide you with an invoice that can be submitted to your benefits provider or insurance company for reimbursement. We do not guarantee that you will be reimbursed by your benefits or insurance for online therapy as each plan and policy is different.
Does my insurance cover virtual therapy?

Each person’s insurance or benefits coverage is different and therefore we can’t make any guarantees that virtual therapy services are covered.

Our team is a mixture of registered psychologists, psychotherapists, licensed social workers and licensed clinical counselors. To receive a benefits check if you are with one of our in-network providers or to better understand cash-pay invoicing, please select “Get Started” to complete our intake process and receive a follow up email from our team with all the information you will need to start care. 

What is a mom therapist? Why do I need to see a specialist?

A mom therapist, or a maternal mental health therapist, has received additional training or experience in working with issues that impact moms–like birth trauma, feeding struggles, infertility or trying to conceive, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, matrescence, and adjusting to motherhood.

 

All therapists can offer you support. But motherhood comes with unique challenges, needs, and difficulties. Our mom therapists get it. They offer a safe and judgment-free space for you to express your feelings openly and honestly. They better understand the relationship between hormones and mood, and they are trained in identifying what is normal (and not normal) to feel during an adjustment to motherhood. They work with lots of moms and know what a "baseline” should look like.

 

All of our mom therapists are required to complete the PMH-C (certification in perinatal mental health) through Postpartum Support International when they join the team.

 

Our therapists understand women's health/mental health and will take your struggles and concerns seriously, without dismissing or minimizing them. And they are specifically trained to offer support specific to what you are going through.

Do your therapists only support motherhood struggles?
No, our therapists have experience and training in many areas beyond the adjustment to motherhood. Other possible examples are parenting support, relational support, partner support, career dissatisfaction, trauma training, etc.
Do you only work with moms?
No, we work with all parents and couples as well (state/province dependent).
Can I receive relationship support by myself?
Yes. Relationship work can be done as individuals or as a couple.
What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Many symptoms overlap between baby blues and postpartum depression, including changes in mood or mood swings, irritability, crying, and fatigue. The biggest differences are the intensity and the length of time your symptoms last. If you have been experiencing symptoms for longer than two weeks, or if you are simply not feeling like yourself, we urge you to reach out. A mom therapist can help talk you through the differences and offer support.
How do I schedule/request an appointment?
Visit our booking page to book an appointment or login to your Momwell Healthie portal and click “Book Now”.
How do I cancel/reschedule an appointment?
To make any changes to a booked appointment, please login to your Momwell Healthie Portal and select “Want to confirm or cancel?”under the Appointments icon and then select cancel to cancel your appointment. Just a reminder that all appointments canceled less than 24 hours before their session time will be charged 50% of the session cost.
What virtual therapy software do you use? Is it PIPEDA/HIPAA compliant?
Momwell has our own integrated client portal called Healthie a HIPPA and PIPEDA compliant platform where clients can log in, view and join their appointments and also cancel and book new appointments all in one central location. For more information please read our privacy policy. You can login via the account icon at the top of the main website page or by visiting momwell.com/login.
How should I prepare my space for a virtual therapy appointment?
Given that your therapy appointment will be remote, your therapist cannot control the privacy of your space. Find a room that is quiet and tucked away for your video appointment (we recommend putting a noise machine on in the hallway for added privacy if your partner, family or co-workers are around.) If you live in close quarters and privacy is tricky, feel free to take your appointment from a vehicle in the driveway to ensure you can speak openly. If you are newly postpartum or have a young baby, feel free to have them present and feed, etc., as needed.
Is virtual therapy private?
We have worked hard to ensure that your visit will be private and confidential. We have taken all precautions to provide you with secure technology. It’s important to us that you understand the privacy of virtual therapy–for more information, see our privacy policy. To protect your confidentiality, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and log on to your session from a private space.
Will the appointments be recorded?
None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored.