Meet Dr. Emily Guarnotta | Psychologist and Founder of Phoenix Health

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Emily Guarnotta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Emily, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first became a psychologist, I didn’t specialize in perinatal mental health. Like many people, I thought postpartum depression was something that happened to other people, but certainly not to me. But after the birth of my first child, I struggled in ways I never expected. It took me a long time to recognize that what I was experiencing was postpartum depression, and even longer to admit I needed help.

That experience changed everything for me. It opened my eyes to how isolating and overwhelming the postpartum period can be, how hard it is to ask for help, and how few resources exist for parents who are struggling. I knew then that I wanted to specialize in perinatal mental health in order to help others in the way I had needed help myself.

That’s why I founded Phoenix Health, an online therapy practice dedicated to supporting parents. I wanted to make mental health care more accessible and affordable, so no one has to go through what I did feeling alone. Becoming a parent changed my life in so many ways, but perhaps the most unexpected was how it reshaped my career and deepened my passion for helping others navigate this incredibly challenging and transformative time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Phoenix Health is more than just a therapy practice. It’s a mission-driven space dedicated to supporting parents through the emotional challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, and loss. As a psychologist specializing in perinatal mental health, I founded Phoenix Health to provide accessible, high-quality mental health care for parents who often feel overlooked or struggle to find the support they need.

What sets us apart is our commitment to meeting parents where they are. We offer online therapy to eliminate barriers like childcare, transportation, and time constraints, because we know firsthand how hard it can be to prioritize your mental health when you’re in the thick of parenting. We also take an integrative approach to therapy, combining evidence-based treatments with a deep understanding of the unique emotional struggles that come with parenthood.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Like many business owners, I faced challenges in building something from the ground up. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth takes time. There were moments of doubt, but I reminded myself that even small steps forward were meaningful. I also learned that asking for help, whether from mentors, colleagues, or my own support system, was just as important in business as it is in mental health.

At the heart of Phoenix Health is the belief that no parent should suffer in silence. We want the world to know that struggling in parenthood doesn’t mean failing at it, and that seeking support is one of the strongest things a person can do. My hope is that through Phoenix Health, more parents will feel seen, supported, and empowered to care for their mental health—because they deserve it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love Southern California. When I moved there for graduate school in 2011, I fell in love with everything about it. San Diego, in particular, holds a special place in my heart, and if my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got to experience all the best parts of this incredible city. We would definitely check out Balboa Park, my absolute favorite place in the city. It’s this beautiful, green oasis right in the middle of the urban hustle.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have contributed to my success in starting and growing Phoenix Health. It’s impossible to name just one. My journey has been shaped by the support, mentorship, and encouragement of so many individuals and organizations.

First and foremost, my mentors, previous supervisors, and colleagues have been invaluable. Their guidance helped me develop my skills as a psychologist and gave me the confidence to step into the world of perinatal mental health. My business partner has been an incredible source of support, helping to turn our shared vision into a reality.

Of course, I have to recognize my husband and family, who have stood by me every step of the way. Starting a business is never easy, and their unwavering belief in me, even during the moments I doubted myself, has meant everything.

Lastly, organizations like Postpartum Support International (PSI) have played a huge role in my journey. PSI’s work in raising awareness, providing education, and building a network of support for perinatal mental health professionals has been instrumental in shaping the kind of care I want to provide through Phoenix Health.

Success is never a solo journey, and I am deeply grateful for every person and organization that has helped me get to where I am today.

Website: http://www.joinphoenixhealth.com/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dr_emily_guarnotta/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-guarnotta/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoinPhoenixHealth