Thriveworks, a leading mental health service provider based in Lynchburg, Virginia, has announced a significant leadership transition under the banner of Thriveworks CEO leadership. William Furness has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, sharing his enthusiasm and dedication to advancing Thriveworks’ mission of improving access to affordable mental health care nationwide. Furness, who made the announcement in a LinkedIn post last week, succeeds Anthony Centore, the founder who launched Thriveworks in 2008 and grew it into a nationwide network of over 300 locations.
The appointment of Furness marks a new chapter in Thriveworks CEO leadership, reflecting the company’s evolution from a startup to a major player in the behavioral health space. Furness brings more than 15 years of experience as a healthcare executive, including leadership roles that emphasize operational efficiency and strategic growth. He joined Thriveworks in September 2021 as Chief Operating Officer, quickly demonstrating his ability to manage complex operations, which led to his promotion to President in February 2022. His deep experience includes serving as President and COO of Vein Clinics of America, which operates over 50 locations in 15 states, and advisory work for Radial Analytics, a technology company focused on clinical decision support.
In his LinkedIn post announcing his new role, Furness said, “I’m honored to be part of a leadership team that is helping solve the mental healthcare affordability and access problem in the U.S. With more than 300 locations and thousands of amazing clinicians, I know we will continue to grow our impact and help countless clients thrive in the coming years.” This statement highlights his focus on expanding Thriveworks’ reach and improving mental health care delivery through a combination of clinical excellence and operational innovation—a hallmark of strong Thriveworks CEO leadership.
Thriveworks’ Comprehensive Service Model and Nationwide Expansion
Thriveworks offers a wide range of mental health services, including in-person and online counseling and psychiatry, to meet the diverse needs of clients. According to the company’s website, Thriveworks operates 321 locations in 42 states plus Washington, D.C., making it one of the most accessible mental health providers in the nation. This extensive network allows Thriveworks to serve a broad demographic and address growing demand for mental health care in both urban and underserved areas.
A critical factor behind this expansion is Thriveworks’ innovative franchise business model. The company markets a “turn-key counseling practice” to franchise partners, providing extensive operational support that includes scheduling services, in-house billing, marketing assistance, and a supportive network designed to help new practices succeed. This model allows Thriveworks to scale efficiently while maintaining high-quality care standards. By enabling clinicians to focus on client care rather than administrative burdens, Thriveworks fosters an environment where mental health professionals and clients can thrive.
This business model is a testament to visionary Thriveworks CEO leadership, blending clinical care with business strategy to tackle one of the most pressing issues in mental health—accessibility. Moreover, Thriveworks has embraced partnerships to further broaden its services. In 2021, the company partnered with SelectQuote, an insurance marketplace, to integrate virtual behavioral health and medication management services into SelectQuote’s Population Health platform. This collaboration extends Thriveworks’ reach and offers clients a seamless experience across insurance and care delivery.
Financial Backing Fuels Thriveworks’ Growth and Innovation
Thriveworks’ ability to expand and innovate is strongly supported by robust financial investments. In July 2021, Thriveworks Administrative Services (its management services organization, or MSO) announced a funding round led by Boston-based private equity firm Wellington Management Co. LLP. Other notable investors in the round included Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, RA Capital Management, Redmile Group, and Transformation Capital. Despite the influx of new capital, Regal Healthcare Capital Partners, based in New York City, remains the largest equity holder of the Thriveworks MSO, having first invested in 2019.
Following this funding round, a public Securities and Exchange Commission filing revealed that Thriveworks TopCo LLC, whose board members and executives include founder Anthony Centore and Regal Healthcare Capital partners, sold $340.2 million in equity to 21 investors. This transaction underscores strong investor confidence in Thriveworks’ business model, leadership, and growth potential within the behavioral health sector.
These financial developments highlight the critical role of effective Thriveworks CEO leadership in navigating complex capital markets and fueling the company’s ongoing expansion. With access to substantial resources, Furness is positioned to lead Thriveworks through continued growth, service innovation, and expansion into new markets.
The Future of Thriveworks Under William Furness
William Furness’s elevation to CEO represents a pivotal moment in Thriveworks CEO leadership. His extensive healthcare industry experience, operational expertise, and commitment to mental health care accessibility make him well suited to guide the company through its next phase. Under his leadership, Thriveworks aims to continue expanding its footprint, improving care quality, and increasing affordability for clients across the country.
Furness’s vision aligns with Thriveworks’ broader mission to dismantle barriers to mental health treatment. By leveraging technology, expanding franchise partnerships, and integrating virtual care options, the company is positioned to meet the rising demand for behavioral health services in a post-pandemic world. With thousands of clinicians in its network and more than 300 locations, Thriveworks is uniquely equipped to address diverse client needs and provide comprehensive, accessible mental health care.
In the coming years, Thriveworks CEO leadership under Furness will likely focus on strengthening the company’s operational infrastructure, enhancing partnerships, and exploring new ways to deliver care that is both effective and affordable. This strategic focus will be crucial as mental health needs continue to grow nationally, and as the healthcare landscape evolves with technological advances and changing reimbursement models.
In summary, William Furness’s appointment as CEO underscores the importance of visionary Thriveworks CEO leadership in driving growth, innovation, and expanded access to mental health services. His leadership promises to build on the solid foundation laid by founder Anthony Centore, positioning Thriveworks for a future of continued impact and success in the behavioral health industry.
