FamilyWell Eliminates Long Waitlists for Postpartum Depression Treatment
New moms and birthing persons can get into specialized therapy covered by their insurance, in just two days.
ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS — Many moms-to-be and new moms are in crisis. National rates of postpartum depression and maternal mortality are rising, and wait times to see mental health providers, especially perinatal specialists, are lengthening. But FamilyWell Health, a tech-enabled mental health startup, is getting pregnant and postpartum patients into treatment in just two days, despite a national shortage of mental health providers.
FamilyWell reaches pregnant and new moms where they are: in OB offices. This July, FamilyWell launched a perinatal mental health program at Essex County OBGYN, a leading obstetric clinic that supports more than 2,000 new mothers in Massachusetts each year. The program embeds in-person and telehealth providers in the clinic, including coaches, therapists, and psychiatrists specializing in maternal and reproductive mental health. Patients can also text live coaches, on-demand, for extra emotional support. Unlike competitors, FamilyWell’s services are covered by both commercial and Medicaid insurance plans, increasing access to underserved communities who would traditionally have to wait 6-12 months or longer for care.
FamilyWell clients are also going into remission in as few as four to six weeks. A patient recently told her coach,
"I was such a mess when I first started. I am coping so much better. Even my partner has noticed."
Obstetric providers have shared positive feedback. Dr. Melissa Sherman, Medical Director at Essex, said,
“Bringing FamilyWell into our practice has ensured that our perinatal patients have access to mental healthcare where and when they need it.”
“Prior to FamilyWell, our patients had to wait months on waiting lists or pay out of pocket to access care. Now we have equitable care that is accessible to everyone.”
“When patients are pregnant or caring for newborns, they can't afford to wait months for help. With FamilyWell, they get help within days and have ongoing support through one of the biggest transitions of their life.”
About FamilyWell Health
FamilyWell is physician-founded, women-led, and run by a team of perinatal clinicians, therapists, coaches, and parents who are deeply committed to transforming maternal mental health. Learn more about how FamilyWell integrates accessible mental health services into Obstetrics at familywellhealth.com.
For press inquiries, email danielle@familywellhealth.com or call 508-658-3489.
