What services does Vital Start Health provide?

Vital Start Health offers virtual 1:1 and group mental health sessions with perinatal behavioral health experts, designed for pregnant and postpartum individuals and their partners. As part of your care, a virtual reality (VR) headset is shipped to your home at no additional cost. The headset gives you on-demand access to tools and practices that support your emotional wellness, reinforcing the skills introduced in therapy.

Our team will guide you through a brief training session to get started with VR and will continue to check in about your experience during each session with your provider. There’s no limit to how often you can use the headset, and you may keep it after completing at least six virtual sessions (individual or group).

Some clients may experience nausea while using VR, especially during pregnancy. To help reduce discomfort, we provide headset adjustment instructions below. Many clients report that proper alignment significantly improves their experience.

Clients may be eligible (depending on insurance) to participate in both individual and group therapy. If you’re interested, our Care Coordinator team can help review your benefits. We also offer self-pay options for both group and individual sessions. In addition, our licensed clinical social workers provide traditional talk therapy, which may be covered by insurance in some cases.

How do I get started with services?

Click “Get Started” on our website to schedule a complimentary 30-minute session with a Qualified Mental Health Professional or call us at 814-CALL-VSH (814-225-5874.

Can partners or co-parents participate in care?

Yes! Perinatal mental health impacts the entire family, and we encourage partners and co-parents to be actively involved. They’re welcome to join shared sessions or receive individual support tailored to their own needs. We’re here to support the full parenting journey—together or individually.

What backgrounds or specialties does your care team bring?

Our team of Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs) brings a wide range of lived experience and expertise to the families we serve. Our care team includes doulas, experienced maternal health counselors, a labor and delivery nurse, professionals with crisis response training, Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees, a chaplain, a specialist in partner and co-parent support, PhDs in psychology, as well as clinical professors of psychology. This diversity allows us to deliver deeply informed, inclusive, and compassionate care tailored to the perinatal experience from every angle.

Do you offer services in languages other than English?

At this time, our services and content are provided in English only. Even if some of our coaches or clinicians speak other languages, sessions, tools, and materials are currently available in English. We’re always exploring ways to expand access and will share updates as new language options become available.

When are therapy sessions available?

We offer flexible scheduling to meet your needs! Sessions are available during daytime hours, evenings, and weekends—including options for early mornings or after work. We do our best to match you with a provider whose availability fits your schedule.

How can I provide feedback or get in touch?

Your voice matters. After working with us, you may receive a feedback form. You can also reach out directly to our team at any time with questions, concerns, or suggestions at contact@vitalstarthealth.com, call us at 814-CALL-VSH (814-225-5874), or visit our website at https://www.vitalstarthealth.com. 

1. Enrollment & Onboarding
   Sign up on www.vitalstarthealth.com/register or via the Pregnancy+ app. Upon sign up, a Care Specialist will schedule a time to speak with you about our services and to schedule you for your first session. You can also call our Care Specialist team at 814-CALL-VSH (814-225-5874). 
2. VR Headset Delivery & Setup
   Participants receive a custom Meta Quest 3S headset kit, which includes controllers, a charger, and a storage case. The setup involves connecting to Wi-Fi and adjusting the headset for comfort. A dedicated session with a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) ensures users are comfortable with the VR technology.
3. Personalized Pregnancy Well-Being Program
   Vital Start offers a unique pregnancy-focused mental health program grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Guided by a licensed mental health professional, participants receive:
   • Psychoeducation to understand mood changes, anxiety, and the mind-body connection during pregnancy.
   • CBT-based therapy tailored to address emotional regulation, stress, and perinatal mood disorders.
   • Goal setting and progress tracking to build emotional resilience and prepare mentally for childbirth and parenting.
4. Immersive VR Experiences
   Therapeutic VR sessions feature calming environments, mindfulness exercises, and cognitive restructuring activities. These immersive experiences complement therapy sessions and help users practice stress reduction in a realistic, engaging way.
5. Ongoing Coaching & Partner Support
   In addition to one-on-one therapy, users have access to coaching, group sessions, and partner-inclusive education. The care team includes perinatal mental health specialists, doulas, and culturally competent counselors.
6. Insurance & Accessibility
   The program is accessible via commercial insurance, out-of-network reimbursement, and self-pay. Equipment and coaching are included, and payment plans are available to ensure equitable access.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, we work with many commercial insurance providers. Our care coordination team can help verify your benefits and explain any associated costs. We also offer out-of-network options, self-pay rates, and flexible payment plans to ensure our services remain accessible. Call us at 814.225-5874 (814-CALL-VSH) to discuss your payment options.

How does the virtual reality (VR) component work?

At Vital Start Health, virtual reality (VR) is a core part of our care model. Our VR experiences are designed to immerse clients in calming, therapeutic environments that complement counseling and help regulate emotions in real time. VR is integrated into treatment plans to enhance relaxation, emotional processing, and stress reduction. From setup to ongoing use, our team provides full support so you can confidently use this tool in your care journey.

When can I use the VR headset?

You can use your VR headset as often as you like while enrolled in the Vital Start Health program. Whether it’s for a quick calming break or part of a daily wellness routine, the experience is always available on your schedule.

What’s included with my VR headset?

Each VR kit includes:

• 1 custom Meta Quest 3S headset
• 2 controllers (with AA batteries)
• 1 USB-C charger and wall plug
• 1 Vital Start Health storage case
• 1 return shipping label and original shipping box

Please keep the box and label for return when your program ends.

How do I set up my VR headset?

It’s quick and simple:

1. Charge the headset and put it on.
2. Follow the prompts to connect to Wi-Fi.
3. If not prompted: open Quick Settings, select the Wi-Fi symbol, choose your network, and enter your password.
4. Once connected, you’re ready to begin!

Staying connected to Wi-Fi is essential for a personalized VR experience. For additional setup support, access the VR Expert Knowledge Base.

Each controller requires 1 AA battery and may arrive with batteries pre-installed. However, replacement batteries are not included and typically needs to be changed every 2-4 weeks depending on usage. 

What if the screen looks blurry?

Adjust the lenses inside the headset until the view is clear. A good fit makes a big difference in clarity, comfort, and reduces the risk of nausea. Click here for instructions for lens adjustment.  

Is VR onboarding support available?

Yes! Once you are enrolled in our program, your QMHP will dedicate one session to VR headset training after you’ve received your headset shipment. 

What if I have VR technical issues or questions?

• The most common issue is when the controllers stop working. Try replacing the AA batteries. If that doesn’t work or if you need other assistance, contact our Care Coordinators at contact@vitalstarthealth.com or 814-225-5874 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM EST). You can also contact our partner, VR Expert at 551.755.3580 or support@vr-expert.com (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM EST).

How do I return my headset?

The VR headset is the property of Vital Start Health and must be returned once services have ended. We’ve made the return process simple:

1. Pack the headset, controllers, and charger in the case and place it back in the original box.
2. Cover the original shipping label with the included return label.
3. Drop it off at any UPS location (find one at UPS.com).

Lost your label or missing items? Let us know and we’ll help.

Are your services confidential?

Absolutely. All client data is handled in compliance with HIPAA and other privacy regulations. Your privacy and trust are top priorities, and we take every step to safeguard your information.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please seek help right away.

• Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate support.
• Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, available 24/7 for free and confidential support.
• You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741.

You are not alone—help is always available.