Seven Starling Secures $8 Million to Expand Access to Crucially Needed Maternal Mental healthcare
Teh landscape of women’s health is undergoing a vital shift, and Seven Starling is leading the charge.This virtual behavioral health company recently announced an $8 million funding round, bringing their total raised to $22 million. this investment will fuel their mission to dramatically expand access to specialized mental healthcare for women navigating the complexities of fertility,pregnancy,and postpartum – a period often fraught with emotional and psychological challenges.
Why This Matters: The Maternal Mental Health Crisis
For too long, maternal mental health has been a tragically underserved area of healthcare. Consider these sobering statistics:
* One in five women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) – that’s conditions arising during pregnancy and the year after childbirth.
* Despite the prevalence, 75% of diagnosed women face barriers to treatment, often due to provider shortages and inadequate insurance coverage.
Seven Starling is directly addressing this gap, offering a much-needed solution for a significant public health concern.
What Sets Seven Starling Apart? A Holistic, Tech-Enabled Approach
Seven Starling isn’t just another telehealth platform. They’ve built a thorough system designed to provide truly integrated care. Here’s how it works:
* Referral Network: You’re typically connected to Seven Starling through your OBGYN, ensuring a seamless integration with your existing care team.
* Specialized Therapists: You’ll be matched with a therapist specifically trained in perinatal mental health – a critical distinction, as these conditions require specialized understanding.
* Comprehensive Support: Beyond individual therapy, Seven Starling offers:
* Group therapy sessions for peer support.
* Medication management services, if needed.
* A dedicated patient advocate to navigate the healthcare system.
* In-app content and exercises to support your well-being.
* Insurance Accessibility: Seven Starling is in-network with most major commercial plans (UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and more), making care affordable with copays frequently enough between $0 and $30.
* Commitment to Diversity: Reflecting the diverse population they serve, 37% of Seven Starling’s patients and 50% of their clinicians identify as BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and People of Color).
Proven Results & Rapid Expansion
The effectiveness of Seven Starling’s model is backed by impressive data:
* 90% of patients report experiencing clinical improvement.
* 96% of patients are able to utilize their in-network insurance benefits.
Currently operating in 18 states with partnerships with 1,500 OBGYNs, Seven Starling plans to expand to over 30 states by the end of 2026. This rapid growth is fueled by the clear demand for their services and the backing of leading investors like Rethink Impact, Pear VC, and the March of Dimes.
What Investors Are Saying
Jenny Abramson, founder and managing partner of Rethink Impact, highlights the critical need for innovation in this space: “Maternal mental health represents a massive market failure…and is ripe for disruption.Seven Starling’s tech-enabled integrated model tackles one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges with measurable results.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Comprehensive Women’s Mental Health
Seven Starling’s ambition extends beyond maternal mental health. CEO and co-founder Tina Keshani envisions the platform becoming “the go-to destination for women’s mental health, tackling the unique mental health needs that women have throughout their lives.”
By starting with the acute needs of new and expecting mothers, seven Starling is building a foundation for long-term support and a future where every woman has access to the mental healthcare she deserves.
Other Players in the Women’s Mental Health Space:
while Seven Starling is making significant strides, other companies are also working to address this critical need. Keep an eye on:
* Mavida Health
* LunaJoy
Resources:
* [Anxiety Disorders in Pregnant and Postpartum women – Psychiatrist.com](https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/anxiety-disorders-in