Waypoint Counseling & Maternal Wellness, PLLC

05/01/2026

In honor of National Mental Health Month, we've reflected on Mental Health America's theme for 2026 — More Good Days, Together — encouraging us all to reflect on what a "good" day looks like. As providers, we center our work on meeting each person where they are, honoring the full complexity of their lives, and partnering with them to define what “good” means in a way that reflects their own values and goals. From that foundation, we support their movement toward experiencing more days that feel meaningful and manageable to them.

What does a good day look like for you? Comment below!

04/30/2026

There's still time!
You're invited to Mind, Mood, & Menopause with facilitators Rachel VanBree and Kelly Smedley. Join our free virtual community gathering on Tuesday, May 5th at 12pm! This is a space for open conversation about the mental health changes that come with perimenopause and menopause. Whether you're experiencing these changes yourself or supporting someone who is, you're welcome here.

Scan QR code to register.

04/30/2026

Honored to have been invited to be a part of this conversation on maternal grief. Go listen to the latest episode of Mama Needs a Moment—this is one conversation every mother deserves to hear.

04/28/2026

Mother's Day can be a painful reminder for those who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or child loss. We see you. We remember with you. Waypoint honors our babies gone too soon and the mothers who carry their memory every day. In recognition of Bereaved Mother's Day—and as a year-round tribute—we invite you to place a butterfly on our Butterfly Memorial in honor of your baby. You can choose a butterfly with the color and wording of your choice. 🦋 Your butterfly will be carefully added to our memorial wall in Raleigh as a lasting remembrance.🤍 On Bereaved Mother’s Day and every day, we are here for you. Requests can be made at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6myKvD1RWgvhsjwmvGw1IxihJW3Rw9zQXH8_4WsVPaajj3Q/viewform

04/24/2026

Infertility holds so much that goes unseen—grief, hope, anger, longing… sometimes all at once. Support can exist in the middle of the uncertainty, too. If you’re needing support, we’re here. Reach out to speak with one of our providers.

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, step outside—feel the sun, notice the breeze, and hear the birds. Nature actually helps regulate your nervous system. Pause, breathe, and take one moment just for you—read on for a few fun facts about nature and how it helps us feel better.

04/21/2026

Our Founder & CEO Kelly spent some time at the NC Legislature today to advocate for nurse practitioners to have full practice authority in NC.

We are kicking off the start of the 2026 short session with a spectacular group of volunteers here to talk to legislators about the importance of APRN Definitions (H514/S537)!

✅ Savings of nearly $1-BILLION per year
✅ Increased access, especially in rural & underserved areas
✅ Proven, high quality care North Carolina patients deserve & need

It’s time.

®️

04/17/2026

As providers, we can all agree that stronger care happens in partnership. We’re proud to support therapists and group practices across North Carolina with collaborative, client-centered medication management services — designed to integrate smoothly with the work you’re already doing. If you’re looking for a reliable medication management partner for your practice, we’d love to connect. Feel free to DM us!

04/17/2026

As providers, we can all agree that stronger care happens in partnership.
We’re proud to support therapists and group practices across North Carolina with collaborative, client-centered medication management services – designed to integrate smoothly with the work you’re already doing.

If you’re looking for a reliable medication management partner for your practice, we’d love to connect.

Feel free to DM us!

04/16/2026

Catch up with our latest Spring 2026 Newsletter focused on perimenopause and menopause.

Scan the QR code to read directly or visit our website and head to the “Newsletter” page to subscribe.

04/15/2026

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect mental health in ways many people don’t expect. Here are some key points:
• Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate and eventually decline — these hormones play a key role in mood, sleep, and emotional regulation
Other hormones shift too:
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) increase as the brain tries to stimulate the ovaries — but the ovaries become less responsive over time
• Testosterone gradually declines, impacting energy, motivation, and libido
• Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) drops, reflecting changes in ovarian function
These combined changes can contribute to:
• Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and mood instability
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances (like insomnia or night sweats) can intensify emotional challenges
• Changes in stress tolerance — things that once felt manageable may feel overwhelming
• Past mental health history (including postpartum depression or anxiety) can resurface or intensify
Menopause is not just physical — it’s a major neurological and emotional transition.
Support matters:
• Therapy can help you process identity shifts, mood changes, and life transitions
• Hormone-informed care leads to better mental health outcomes
• You don’t have to “just push through” — support is valid and effective
Let’s normalize the conversation. Perimenopause and menopause are a natural part of the life stage — but struggling through it in silence shouldn’t be.

04/10/2026

Maternal mental health conditions are the most common complication of childbirth—yet Black mothers face higher risks, greater barriers, and less support.
Here’s what we need to understand:
• Black women experience higher exposure to trauma, chronic stress, and systemic inequities—factors that significantly increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
• Chronic stress from racism impacts maternal mental health disorders.
• Black mothers are more likely to experience postpartum depression and anxiety, yet are less likely to receive care.
• Nearly 60% of Black mothers do not receive mental health support during pregnancy or postpartum due to stigma, access barriers, and lack of culturally responsive care.
• Symptoms don’t always look the same—mental health challenges may show up as physical symptoms or “not feeling like yourself.”
What is needed?
• Culturally competent care
• Community-based and peer support
• Greater representation in the mental health workforce
• Listening to and trusting Black mothers’ voices
This week—and every week—we honor, support, and advocate for Black maternal mental health.