What You Should Know:
– Seven Starling, a women’s mental health company focused on providing specialized care during the critical stages of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood , has released its first patient outcomes study.
– The findings demonstrate the profound impact of accessible, specialized treatment on the maternal mental health crisis. Perinatal mental illness is the most common complication of childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 women in the U.S..
The Problem: Underdiagnosed and Undertreated
Despite affecting 1 in 5 women in the U.S. , perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) remain widely underdiagnosed and undertreated. An estimated 75% of women diagnosed with PMADs never receive treatment. Left untreated, PMADs are linked to poor obstetrical outcomes, can disrupt the mother-infant bond, and raise the risk of maternal mortality—suicide is a leading cause of death in the first year postpartum. The societal cost of untreated perinatal mental health conditions is estimated to be $14B annually in the U.S..
Specialized Care Drives Superior Outcomes
Seven Starling’s specialized virtual care platform is designed to meet the unique needs of women experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma throughout fertility, pregnancy, loss, postpartum, and early parenthood . Research consistently shows that virtual care can deliver timely, specialized mental health services with outcomes comparable to in-person care while reducing obstacles like transportation and childcare.
The key findings from Seven Starling’s outcomes study, which has served over 6,000 women across 18 states, demonstrate the effectiveness of this model:
- Symptom Improvement: 90% of patients who complete the program felt better, with a 5-point average reduction on the PHQ-9, a clinically significant improvement.
- Patient Satisfaction: Nearly all members felt genuinely heard and supported, with 97% sharing that the time spent with their therapist was beneficial. The platform holds an impressive 4.9 out of 5 average patient satisfaction score.
- Timely Access: While national wait times for perinatal mental health appointments average 5 weeks , Seven Starling has initial consultation appointments available same day or within 24 hours of referral.
Seamless Integration and Equitable Access
The platform is bridging the treatment gap by partnering with women’s and pediatric clinics to integrate mental health care. Over 90% of Seven Starling’s patients are referred by an OBGYN.
This integration is achieved through three key components:
- Single-Click Referral: Integrating directly with the clinic’s EMR system allows providers to initiate a referral with a single click.
- Dedicated Care Coordinator: A Care Coordinator contacts patients within 24 hours, reaching over 70% of referrals.
- Continuous Communication: A closed-loop reporting system maintains continuous communication with referring providers through structured progress reports.
Notably, Seven Starling is committed to equity:
37% of its patients identify as BIPOC, and over 50% of its specialized mental health clinicians identify as BIPOC to ensure patients are matched with providers who understand their lived experiences. The platform is covered by major commercial and Medicaid plans, making care accessible to over 100 million covered lives.
