Lynchburg, Virginia-based Thriveworks is expanding its pediatric care offerings with the launch of TherapyLand, a new program designed specifically for children ages 12 and younger. The pilot initiative is being rolled out across 18 sites in 12 states, providing child mental health services that address the unique emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of young children.
Focused Care for Children
TherapyLand focuses on a wide range of challenges that affect children, including developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, parental divorce, grief and loss, defiance, and bullying. Unlike adult behavioral health models, which often fail to meet the needs of younger patients, TherapyLand emphasizes play therapy and child-centered counseling as primary approaches to care. According to Thriveworks CEO Will Furness, the company recognized an urgent need for child mental health services that truly cater to kids.
“We knew the need was urgent and realized the behavioral health models that are effective on adults don’t translate for kids,” Furness said. “We sought out a unique solution that challenged the status quo, and focused on play to address children’s unique needs with the environment, the tools and modalities they would be most responsive to.”
The Role of Play Therapy
Play therapy is highly effective for helping children process emotions, build coping skills, and navigate life challenges in a supportive and age-appropriate way. While Thriveworks had offered play therapy before, TherapyLand represents a dedicated investment in child mental health services, creating spaces within clinics specifically designed for this type of therapy.
Pilot Program and Locations
The pilot program currently runs in Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Indiana, Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, with plans for expansion. Thriveworks is also actively recruiting skilled child and adolescent therapists to deliver high-quality child mental health services at these locations.
Company Background
Founded in 2008, Thriveworks has grown to become one of the largest outpatient mental health providers in the U.S., now operating 375 locations across 36 states. The company raised $340 million in 2021, backed by investors such as Wellington Management Co. LLP and Regal Healthcare Capital Partners, fueling growth and expansion into innovative care models like TherapyLand.
Technology and Hybrid Care
Beyond expanding access to pediatric care, Thriveworks is investing in technology to enhance both patient and provider experiences. In June, the company rolled out a digital booking and intake management system, along with custom tools to support providers. This hybrid model allows the company to combine in-person child mental health services with digital infrastructure that streamlines intake and improves care continuity.
This investment mirrors broader trends in outpatient mental health. Other leading providers, such as LifeStance Health Group Inc., have similarly emphasized digital solutions to optimize patient intake and provider support, highlighting a growing industry-wide focus on technology-enabled care for children and adults alike.
Commitment to Child-Centered Care
TherapyLand reflects Thriveworks’ commitment to addressing the distinct needs of children in mental health care. By prioritizing play therapy, personalized counseling, and developmental understanding, the company is setting a new standard for child mental health services.
Future Expansion
Looking forward, Thriveworks plans to expand TherapyLand to additional states while continuing to recruit top-tier therapists. Furness emphasized, “We are focused on hiring the best child and adolescent therapists across these 18 locations, intending to expand the pilot program further in the near future.”
As more families seek mental health support for children, TherapyLand positions Thriveworks at the forefront of innovative, child-centered outpatient care, ensuring children have access to the child mental health services they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
