FamilyWell Health has secured $4.3 million in seed financing to solve the maternal mental health crisis. This milestone marks the company’s first round of institutional capital, and it is led by .406 Ventures, with participation from GreyMatter Capital and Mother Ventures. And FamilyWell will continue to scale throughout New England and the funding will enable the company to expand nationally.
New mothers often face dire maternal mental health challenges, with a staggering 1 in 5 U.S. women suffering from postpartum depression. And individuals who seek treatment typically wait for months to be seen by a mental health provider and instead turn to their obstetricians, who are often hesitant to screen for mental health conditions knowing there is a shortage of therapists and psychiatrists.
FamilyWell is addressing these issues by integrating comprehensive mental health services directly into OB practices, providing pregnant and postpartum patients specialized support for depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mental health concerns. And the FamilyWell approach combines a best-in-class clinical model with the deep understanding that comes from personal experiences, as the company was built from the ground up by mothers who have overcome their own mental health struggles during and after pregnancy.
By working with OB providers, FamilyWell increases access to mental health support for pregnant and postpartum individuals where and when they need it. And FamilyWell patients typically access insurance-covered coaching and therapy in less than one week, avoiding the 6-12 month wait times.
KEY QUOTES:
“Given our team’s deep experience backing innovative behavioral health and women’s health companies, we had been looking at this intersection for quite some time. FamilyWell offers an elegant solution that is a win-win for all stakeholders, including obstetric practices. Dr. Gaulton and her team have built an incredible, mission-driven company poised to address a critical need in women’s mental health.”
– Payal Divakaran, partner at .406 Ventures
“I had difficulty finding support when I experienced postpartum depression and have cared for countless new moms struggling to access mental health care during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. My experience, both as a survivor and as a practicing neonatologist, inspired me to start FamilyWell to provide equitable, affordable, and accessible mental healthcare for new mothers.”
– Dr. Jessica Gaulton, Founder and CEO of FamilyWell
“When you’re pregnant or caring for a newborn, you can’t afford to wait months for help. With FamilyWell, patients get help within days and have ongoing support through one of the biggest transitions of their lives.”
– Dr. Melissa Sherman, Medical Director and Obstetrician at Essex OB/GYN Associates, a FamilyWell customer
