Expanding Maternal Mental Health Support: Starling Secures $8M Funding for Enhanced Access and Resources

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September 22, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Seven Starling, a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider focused on women, announced Thursday it has secured $8 million in new funding. This investment will fuel the company’s ambitious plans for national expansion of its specialized maternal mental health platform.

Addressing a Critical Need in Women’s Healthcare

Seven Starling concentrates its efforts on the unique mental health considerations surrounding fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, the postpartum period, and early parenthood. The company partners with Obstetric Gynecologists (OBGYNs) to connect women with therapists specializing in perinatal mental health. this collaborative approach aims to integrate mental healthcare seamlessly into existing prenatal and postnatal care.

Beyond individual therapy,patients gain access to a extensive suite of services,including group therapy sessions,medication management,dedicated patient advocacy,and readily available in-app resources and exercises. Seven Starling currently accepts most major commercial insurance plans, such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna, making care accessible to a broader population.

Investment Details and Future Growth

Rethink Impact spearheaded the $8 million funding round, with notable participation from Pear VC, Zeal Capital Partners, Magnify Ventures, Ulu Ventures, Expa, Fiore Ventures, the March of Dimes, Rogue Women’s Fund, and Graham & Walker. This latest funding brings Seven Starling’s total raised capital to $22 million.

Jenny Abramson, Founder and Managing Partner of Rethink Impact, highlighted the significant disruption Seven Starling offers to a fractured system. She stated that the platform’s tech-enabled model delivers measurable results in a field plagued by high costs, poor outcomes, and limited access to care.

Tina Keshani, CEO and co-founder of Seven Starling, expressed her confidence in the company’s progress. She stated that the financial backing from Rethink Impact will allow the company to expand its reach to over 30 states by the end of 2026, enhance its technology to personalize the patient experience and strengthen partnerships with health systems and insurance providers.

Currently, Seven Starling operates in 18 states, collaborating with a network of 1,500 OBGYNs.

Demonstrable Positive Outcomes

Early data from Seven Starling’s platform demonstrates a strong positive impact. Ninety percent of patients report experiencing clinical enhancement, while 96% can utilize their existing insurance coverage, with copays ranging from $0 to $30. The company also prioritizes diversity, with 37% of its patients identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of color, mirroring the demographics of its clinical staff.

According to recent data from the American Psychiatric Association, approximately one in five women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Though, a substantial 75% of those diagnosed face barriers to treatment, primarily due to a shortage of qualified providers and inadequate insurance coverage. Seven Starling aims to bridge this gap.

Metric	value
Patients Experiencing Clinical Improvement	90%
Patients Utilizing In-Network Coverage	96%
Patients Identifying as BIPOC	37%
Clinicians Identifying as BIPOC	50%

“Our long-term vision is to become the premier destination for women’s mental health,addressing the spectrum of mental health needs women encounter throughout their lives,” Keshani explained. “We’re beginning with maternal mental health, a crucial period where many women face mental health challenges for the first time, and are committed to growing alongside our patients.”

competitors in the women’s mental health space include Mavida Health and LunaJoy.

The Rising Importance of Maternal Mental Health

In recent years, there’s been a substantial increase in awareness surrounding maternal mental health. Factors contributing to this include increased open dialog, reduced stigma, and a growing recognition of the long-term impacts of untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic also exacerbated these issues, leading to increased rates of anxiety and depression among pregnant and postpartum women. Resources like the postpartum Support International are playing a vital role in providing education and support.

Did You know? According to the CDC, depression is the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth.

Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is struggling with maternal mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Yoru healthcare provider is a great first point of contact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maternal Mental Health

• What is maternal mental health? It encompasses the emotional and psychological well-being of women during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
• Why is maternal mental health crucial? Untreated mental health conditions can negatively impact both the mother’s health and the child’s growth.
• What are the common signs of postpartum depression? Symptoms can include persistent sadness, anxiety, difficulty bonding with the baby, and changes in appetite or sleep.
• How does Seven Starling address access to care? By partnering with OBGYNs and accepting most major insurance plans, they aim to make care more affordable and accessible.
• What types of therapy does Seven Starling offer? They provide individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management services.
• What is perinatal mental health? Perinatal mental health refers to mental health during pregnancy and in the year after childbirth.
• Is maternal mental health care covered by insurance? Seven Starling is in network with most major commercial plans, offering copays between $0 and $30.

What are your thoughts on the growing investment in virtual mental health solutions? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific clinical programs will starling develop with the new funding to address PMADs?

The growing Need for Perinatal Mental Health Services

The prevalence of maternal mental health conditions, including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), is a notable public health concern. Historically, these conditions have been underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to adverse outcomes for both mothers and their families. Recent data indicates a considerable increase in reported cases, likely due to increased awareness and reduced stigma, but also reflecting the unique stressors of recent years. This heightened need underscores the critical importance of expanding access to specialized mental healthcare for mothers.

Starling’s $8M Funding: A Catalyst for Change

Starling, a leading provider of maternal mental healthcare, recently announced an $8 million funding round led by Leaps by Bayer and existing investors. This investment will be instrumental in scaling Starling’s platform and expanding its reach to more mothers in need. The funding will specifically focus on:

* Expanding Telehealth Services: Increasing the availability of virtual therapy and support groups, addressing geographical barriers to care.

* Developing New Clinical Programs: Introducing specialized programs for specific pmads, such as postpartum OCD and postpartum PTSD.

* Integrating with Healthcare Systems: Partnering with hospitals and OB/GYN practices to seamlessly integrate mental health screenings and referrals into routine prenatal and postpartum care.

* Investing in Research & Advancement: Furthering research into innovative treatment approaches and preventative strategies for perinatal mental health.

How Starling is Addressing Key Barriers to Care

Several factors contribute to the challenges mothers face in accessing mental health support. Starling’s approach directly tackles these obstacles:

* Stigma Reduction: By offering discreet, virtual care, Starling helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for postpartum mental health.

* Accessibility: Telehealth removes geographical limitations and scheduling conflicts, making care more convenient for busy mothers.

* Affordability: Starling works with insurance providers and offers flexible payment options to make care more affordable.

* Specialized Expertise: The platform connects mothers with therapists specializing in perinatal mental health, ensuring they receive evidence-based care.

* Early Intervention: Proactive screening and early intervention programs can prevent mild symptoms from escalating into more severe conditions.

Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorders (PMADs)

PMADs encompass a range of mental health challenges that can occur during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards seeking help. Common signs include:

* Persistent sadness or Hopelessness: Beyond the “baby blues,” lasting feelings of sadness or despair.

* Excessive Worry or Anxiety: Constant worrying, racing thoughts, or panic attacks.

* irritability and Anger: Increased irritability, mood swings, or outbursts of anger.

* Difficulty Sleeping or Eating: Significant changes in sleep or appetite.

* Withdrawal from Loved Ones: Loss of interest in activities and social isolation.

* Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted, distressing thoughts, frequently enough related to harm to the baby or oneself. (Seek immediate help if experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby).

Benefits of Early Intervention and Treatment

Addressing maternal mental health early on yields significant benefits for both mother and child:

* Improved Maternal Well-being: Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to a better quality of life.

* Stronger Mother-Infant Bonding: Enhanced emotional connection and attachment between mother and baby.

* Optimal Child Development: Children of mothers who receive mental health support tend to have better cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes.

* Reduced Risk of Chronic Mental Illness: Early treatment can prevent the development of chronic mental health conditions.

* Decreased healthcare Costs: Proactive care can reduce the need for more intensive and costly interventions later on.

Resources for Maternal Mental Health Support

beyond Starling, numerous resources are available to support mothers