When you’re living with endometriosis, physical symptoms are only part of the story. Many patients spend years navigating pain, delayed diagnosis, fertility challenges, and uncertainty, often without the emotional support they need along the way. Batya Novick is helping to change that.
As a therapist specializing exclusively in reproductive mental health, Batya works closely with individuals navigating endometriosis, infertility, and chronic illness. Her approach centers on helping patients process the emotional impact of their experiences while rebuilding a sense of control, clarity, and trust in their bodies.
In our recent Endo Exchange conversation, Batya Novick joined Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein and Dr. Mary Sabo to explore how endometriosis affects identity, relationships, and long-term mental health and why emotional care is essential—not optional—in treatment.
About Batya Novick
Batya Novick is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Calla Collective, a network of licensed therapists and coaches who are true experts in reproductive mental health. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating fertility challenges, chronic illness, pregnancy loss, and reproductive transitions.
Her work focuses on helping patients move through uncertainty, manage anxiety, and regain a sense of agency during complex medical journeys.
Batya and her team of clinicians work with patients across the country through virtual care and in person in New York and Miami. Calla Collective’s mission is to expand access to specialized mental health support for those who may not have local resources.
Why Her Voice Matters in Endometriosis Care
Endometriosis is not just a physical condition. It is an experience that can affect how someone feels about their body, relationships, and future plans.
At ESSE Care, we value Batya’s work because she:
- Recognizes the deep connection between chronic illness and mental health
- Helps patients process years of dismissal, delayed diagnosis, and uncertainty
- Supports individuals navigating fertility challenges and treatment decisions
- Focuses on restoring a sense of control and trust in the body
- Integrates emotional care into the broader treatment plan
Her approach reinforces that healing is not just about managing symptoms. It is about supporting the whole person.
Top Questions from the Endo Exchange Conversation with Batya Novick
1. How does endometriosis impact mental health over time?
Batya Novick: Many patients come in after years of experiencing symptoms without getting answers. Over time, that often builds anxiety, frustration, and a sense that something is wrong with their body.
There are two common experiences we see:
- Patients who have struggled with symptoms for years but were never diagnosed
- Patients who only discover endometriosis during fertility challenges
In both cases, the emotional impact can be significant. Chronic pain, uncertainty, and feeling dismissed can lead to anxiety, depression, and a loss of trust in the body.
2. Why do so many patients feel disconnected from their bodies?
Batya Novick: When your body is causing pain or not functioning the way you expect, it can start to feel unreliable.
Patients often describe:
- Feeling like their body is working against them
- Fear around symptoms or cycles
- Loss of confidence in their physical health
Part of the work we do is helping patients rebuild that relationship. The goal is not perfection but rather learning that your body can still be supported and understood.
3. How does endometriosis affect relationships and identity?
Batya Novick: Endometriosis can impact intimacy, social life, and even how someone sees themselves.
We often see:
- Strain in romantic relationships due to pain or fatigue
- Social withdrawal from repeated symptoms
- Identity shifts related to fertility challenges
There is also a lot of unspoken grief. Patients may feel like they are missing out on experiences or timelines they expected for themselves.
4. Why is uncertainty such a major part of the experience?
Batya Novick: A lot of the mental health burden comes from not having clear answers.
Patients may go through:
- Years of unexplained symptoms
- Multiple treatments without improvement
- Fertility journeys without clear direction
Moving from uncertainty to clarity, even if the answer is difficult to hear, can be incredibly relieving. It gives patients a sense of direction and control.
5. What role does mental health care play in treatment?
Batya Novick: Mental health support helps patients regulate anxiety, process their experiences, and feel more grounded as they navigate care.
This can include:
- Developing coping strategies for chronic pain
- Managing anxiety during fertility treatment
- Processing grief, loss, or frustration
- Rebuilding a sense of agency
The goal is not to fix everything at once. Even small steps can make the experience feel more manageable and the patient feel more supported.
Why We Value This Partnership
Batya Novick helps patients feel heard, understood, and supported beyond their physical symptoms. Her work helps patients navigate not only diagnosis and treatment but also the emotional layers that come with chronic illness and reproductive health challenges.
At ESSE Care, we believe that true healing requires both medical expertise and emotional support. Batya’s partnership ensures that endometriosis patients are cared for as whole individuals.
If you are navigating anxiety, fertility challenges, or the emotional impact of endometriosis, working with a reproductive mental health specialist like Batya and her team at Calla Collective can be a powerful step toward feeling more supported and in control of your journey.
