Transforming Women's Mental Healthcare with Tina Keshani
Episode Overview
One in five women experience perinatal mood disorders. Seven Starling offers specialized maternal mental health care. Partnerships with health plans ensure affordable access. Group therapy enhances flexibility and care delivery. Experimentation and passion are key for MBA students.
Focus on the problem, not the solution. Don't overly focus on the exact product but the problem area you really want to solve.
In this insightful episode of Kellogg Healthscape, Kaiya Adam, a full-time MBA student at Kellogg, converses with Tina Keshani, co-founder and CEO of Seven Starling. The discussion centers around Seven Starling's mission to transform maternal mental healthcare for women. Tina details the alarming statistics of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affecting one in five women during pregnancy or postpartum, which are the leading complications of childbirth and maternal deaths in the U.S.
Seven Starling, founded in 2020, is pioneering specialized mental health support for women through individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management. Their unique model aims to bridge the significant gap in maternal mental health care, offering comprehensive services that start from preconception and continue through postpartum. The company's rapid expansion to 14 states and impressive partnerships with major health plans, including commercial and Medicaid, underscore their commitment to accessibility and affordability.
Tina shares how the activation energy required to seek therapy is substantial, highlighting systemic barriers that women face even after being referred to therapists. Seven Starling's group therapy component offers flexibility, addressing these challenges while promoting a team-based approach. The conversation also delves into Tina's journey as a first-time founder, offering inspiration and advice to MBA students passionate about healthcare innovation.
She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the problem rather than the solution, encouraging experimentation and a deep understanding of personal motivations to drive impactful change. As Seven Starling continues to grow, Tina's insights provide valuable perspectives on navigating the complex world of healthcare startups and advancing health equity for women. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in healthcare innovation and women's health.