Trainings, Community Outreach, & Advocacy 

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SPEAKING & EVENTS:

Dr. Carissa is a perinatal mental health speaker offering ACT trainings & workshops

Dr. Carissa Gustafson is a licensed clinical psychologist, perinatal mental health specialist (PMH-C), and sought-after speaker based in Los Angeles. She delivers engaging, evidence-based presentations on perinatal mental health, postpartum depression and anxiety, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and self-compassion for parents and professionals.

Known for her warm, relatable, and clinically grounded approach, Dr. Gustafson translates complex psychological concepts into practical, actionable tools that audiences can immediately apply—in both their personal lives and professional work.

Dr. Gustafson is available for keynote speaking, clinical trainings, and workshops for healthcare organizations, corporations, and parent communities—both in Los Angeles and nationwide.

Dr. Carissa has provided trainings for leading organizations such as:

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Signature speaking topics:

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Preparing for Postpartum: Protecting Your Mental Health in the Fourth Trimester

FOR EXPECTING PARENTS:

A practical and supportive workshop that helps expecting parents prepare for the emotional realities of postpartum. Participants will learn how to create a postpartum mental health plan, recognize early signs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and build the support, flexibility, and coping skills needed to navigate the transition to parenthood with greater confidence and care.

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Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs): Assessment, Treatment & Prevention

FOR CLINICIANS, HOSPITALS, AND HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS:

A comprehensive training on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and related conditions across pregnancy and postpartum.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Identify risk factors, symptom presentation, and diagnostic features

  • Utilize evidence-based screening and assessment tools

  • Apply individual, relational, and systems-based treatment approaches

  • Implement prevention and early intervention strategies

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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Perinatal Mental Health

FOR THERAPISTS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS:

An in-depth clinical training on using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to treat maternal mental health concerns.

Participants will:

  • Learn ACT’s six core processes and their application to PMADs

  • Develop case conceptualization and treatment planning skills

  • Practice interventions such as mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and values-based action

  • Support clients in building psychological flexibility

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Mindful Motherhood: Self-Compassion & Values-Driven Parenting

FOR PARENT GROUPS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:

An experiential workshop supporting mothers in navigating the emotional complexity of parenting with greater compassion, flexibility, and intention.

Participants will:

  • Learn tools for managing postpartum anxiety and overwhelm

  • Practice self-compassion in moments of guilt or self-doubt

  • Clarify parenting values and priorities

  • Build emotional resilience and presence in motherhood

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  • "Dr. Gustafson is one of my favorite psychologists to refer clients to."

    — Dr. Brittany Booth, Reproductive Psychiatrist

  • "Exceptional warmth, clinical insight, and steadiness"

    — Dr. Nina Polyne, Psychologist

  • "A hardworking and dedicated psychologist, colleague and professional."

    — Dr. Annie Vavaryan, Psychologist

Guested on a variety of Podcasts including:

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PMAD Treatment: How ACT Aids Recovery

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Reproductive Rights and Mental Health

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Depression: How to Make Peace with Painful Feelings

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (And Work)

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Book Dr. Gustafson

Dr. Gustafson is available for: clinical trainings and continuing education workshops, hospital and healthcare system trainings, parenting and community workshops, podcasts, virtual and in-person events.

Send a message below. You can expect a reply within 48 hours.

“Acceptance is not passivity. It is a courageous step in the process of transformation.”

— Jack Kornfield