
In this interview, we sat down with Marco Renzi, MA, LCSW, PMH-C, an experienced psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and manager of intake operations at Wildflower Center for Emotional Health, to discuss his deep commitment to supporting individuals and couples as they transition to parenthood. Marco brings a compassionate and informed approach to his work with both birthing individuals and their partners. As one of the relatively few male therapists certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C), he offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by expectant and new parents. With a particular passion for couples therapy, Marco emphasizes the importance of supporting relationships during this transformative time. His insights offer valuable guidance not only for those navigating the perinatal period but also for professionals interested in pursuing this specialization.
As a male therapist, what inspired you to specialize in perinatal mental health?
Honestly, one of the big draws was seeing my own lack of knowledge. Prior to specializing in perinatal mental health, I did not feel well-equipped to support my psychotherapy clients in their perinatal journey. It is my belief that when I am lacking in an area that is as common a concern as perinatal mental health, it is my responsibility to increase my understanding and competency. As I moved through the PMH-C [perinatal mental health certification] process, I became more and more excited about expanding my clinical toolbox to address the mental health needs of expectant and new parents.
What areas of perinatal mental health are you most passionate about and why?
My passion for couples therapy expands to the perinatal couple. Whether it is family planning, addressing fertility concerns, or the transition to parenthood, couples therapy can be a really powerful support to help partners remain unified and connected throughout their journey. The perinatal period can be a very isolating time, and I want to make sure that the couples I work with not only remain at their baseline, but improve their relationship during these changes in their relationship.
What was your experience like in gaining this expertise and starting to work with pregnant and postpartum women and birthing people, and their partners?
The word that best describes the experience of getting certified was “insightful.” PSI [Postpartum Support International] does a truly excellent job of making sure that every training you take is relevant and helpful, and it did not feel like there was a moment of wasted time. Additionally, working with more and more clients who are going through their perinatal journey has allowed me the privilege of supporting those who typically feel isolated, their problems minimized by society at large. The therapeutic connection is always a powerful one, and there is something truly special about being able to support and work with someone during one of the biggest life transitions (and potentially one of the biggest challenges) that they have gone through in their life.
How has becoming certified in perinatal mental health enhanced your clinical practice?
I am really thankful that I was able to become a PMH-C relatively early in my clinical career, because it has truly made me a better therapist. One of the strengths of the certification track is that it highlights just how impactful physical/hormonal changes can be on our mental health, and it has helped me understand how crucial incorporating a treatment team into our clinical work can be to ensuring good care. Additionally, oftentimes the cultural messaging I received prior to becoming a PMH-C focused on how joyful the transition to parenthood is, without leaving space for the hardships that people face during this change. I am not sure I would have been adequately equipped to support my clients without getting this additional training.
Have you ever had perinatal clients who felt reluctant to work with you as a male therapist, and how did you navigate that experience?
I have absolutely encountered clients who have felt reluctant to work with me as a male therapist. My first response is to always validate their concern, and let them know that I respect their decision, whether it is to stay with me or to seek out a provider with a different gender identity. I want to be certain that clients are choosing to work with me, rather than feeling forced into that position, as I want to make sure we have good rapport and they can be vulnerable and trust me. With the perinatal mental health certification, I am able to confidently and accurately tell them that I am qualified to support them.
What are some core themes in your clinical work with male clients who are transitioning to parenthood?
A common theme I see in my work with male clients is the minimizing and invalidating feedback they often receive from external sources. When society talks about perinatal concerns, it tends to focus almost exclusively on the birthing person’s experience. While those concerns are valid, it’s equally important to recognize that the partners of birthing people also experience significant distress. When a birthing person faces postpartum depression, it drastically increases the likelihood that their partner will also experience mental health challenges. Much of my early work with male clients involves helping them accept that they, too, deserve support and that the transition can be challenging for them as well.
What would you say to someone who is experiencing mental health or relationship challenges in their transition to parenthood, but is feeling reluctant to seek help?
A sentiment that I frequently hear in my first sessions with perinatal clients is that they wish they had sought help earlier, but I have never had a client complain that they started therapy “too early.” Frequently, perinatal clients seek therapy as the last resort, when they feel like they do not have any other choice. To any potential client, I would just say that you may feel like you do not “need” therapy right now. However, if you are struggling, even if you may not be experiencing a crisis right now, therapy can be a tool to help make sure it does not become a crisis. Even if you can get through this alone, it doesn’t mean you should, and we are here to help.
As an experienced couples therapist, what are the most frequent areas of struggle reported by the perinatal couples you have worked with, and how can couples therapy help?
This is a really hard question, as there are so many aspects of the perinatal experience that come up during couples therapy. One of the most common concerns that comes up in my sessions is just how difficult the transition to parenthood can be, not just as individuals but as a couple. There is a huge identity shift that occurs, and suddenly so many priorities are shifted. It can be really hard to still prioritize the relationship when so much time is dedicated to being a good parent. Couples therapy can be a very powerful tool to get that additional support during a difficult transition, and to make sure that the romantic relationship does not feel like it gets left behind.
What advice would you give to male therapists who are thinking about pursuing specialization and certification in perinatal mental health?
In addition to my role as a therapist and clinical supervisor, I’m also the intake manager at Wildflower. Something that is paramount when we schedule new clients at our practice is making sure that they are paired with a clinician who is the right fit for them. I remember from my pre-PMHC days that there were understandably a lot of clients who did not feel like I would be able to support them, or understand their experience. However, as I increased my own knowledge and obtained this certification, it became easier for clients to see that not only I have the skills to help them, but I am also passionate about perinatal mental health. This certification opens doors to help clients who may be nervous about working with a male provider, and can also help clients who are struggling to find support build trust in your competence as a mental health professional.
Thank you, Marco, for taking the time to share your expertise and insights with us. Your perspective on perinatal mental health and couples therapy is both enlightening and deeply impactful, and we appreciate the compassionate approach you bring to your work at Wildflower!

Wildflower Center for Perinatal and Family Mental Health is the heart of Wildflower Center for Emotional Health, a department reflecting over a decade of steadfast commitment to addressing perinatal and reproductive mental health concerns. Grounded in clinical expertise, transformative education, and advocacy, we are leaders in advancing care, support, and awareness in this specialized area of mental health. Whether you are a client seeking mental health services or a medical or mental health professional looking for training, consultation, or other educational programming, we are here for you.