San Francisco-based Hazel Health has announced a $51.5 million Series C1 funding round, marking a major milestone for the tech-driven pediatric mental and physical health provider. The company said it will use the new funds to fuel national expansion, enhance its technology stack, and grow its workforce to better deliver school-based health care to children across the United States.
This latest round builds on Hazel Health’s previous $33.5 million Series C funding in September 2020, bringing its total funding to $112.5 million. CEO Josh Golomb emphasized that expanding the workforce is a core part of the company’s growth strategy. “In order to truly address and improve attendance and quality learning time, we realized we must expand our services to offer whole child care — integrated physical and mental health care services,” Golomb said in a press release. By investing in staff and technology, Hazel Health is strengthening its ability to provide high-quality school-based health care in more communities.
A Growing Presence in Schools Across the U.S.
Hazel Health currently operates in 14 states and partners with more than 3,000 schools, reaching approximately 2.5 million children. The company estimates that its services are accessible to over 10% of American K-12 students. By integrating school-based health care into the learning environment, Hazel helps ensure that children receive timely mental and physical health support without missing valuable class time.
Founded by Nick Woods, Dr. Rob Darzynkiewic, and Raquel Antunez, Hazel Health initially began as an in-school physical care provider. Its mental health services launched in the summer of 2021 and have rapidly expanded. Today, Hazel Health provides mental health care in eight states across 20 school districts, delivering 15,000 sessions during the 2021-22 school year alone. This dual approach positions Hazel as a leader in delivering comprehensive school-based health care.
Funding and Investor Support
The Series C1 round attracted participation from Tao Capital Partners, Owl Ventures, Firework Ventures, Children’s Memorial Hermann, and Carrie Walton Penner through Fiore Ventures. The investment reflects confidence in Hazel Health’s model and the rising demand for integrated pediatric health services.
With this funding, Hazel Health will enhance its technology infrastructure, including telehealth platforms and care coordination tools. Technology enables Hazel to provide scalable school-based health care solutions that help school staff efficiently manage both physical and mental health services for students.
Partnerships and Expansion Initiatives
Hazel Health has also secured strategic partnerships to expand its reach. In October, the company launched a $3.83 million initiative with the Hawai’i State Department of Education, bringing school-based health care to 170,000 students across 295 schools. In the same month, Hazel partnered with Memorial Hermann Health System to increase care access in Houston, Texas.
These partnerships highlight how school-based health care programs can be tailored to local needs while still leveraging the expertise and resources of national providers like Hazel Health. By embedding care within schools, Hazel addresses both preventive and urgent health needs, ensuring students remain engaged in their education.
The Growing Market for Pediatric Behavioral Health
Hazel Health is part of a larger movement toward integrated pediatric mental and physical health services. Competitors include Brightline, a virtual mental health provider for children with $220 million raised, and Springtide, a tech-enabled autism services provider with $18.1 million in Series A funding.
Rising awareness of children’s mental health needs, exacerbated by the pandemic, has increased demand for accessible school-based health care. Hazel Health’s model, combining physical and mental health services in one platform, helps schools meet these needs while supporting better attendance, learning outcomes, and overall child wellness.
Benefits for Schools and Students
By providing school-based health care, Hazel Health reduces barriers to care. Students do not need to leave campus to receive services, which minimizes absenteeism and supports classroom engagement. Mental health interventions delivered on-site help identify and address challenges like anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues early, promoting long-term academic and social success.
For schools, Hazel Health offers a scalable and financially sustainable solution. School districts can leverage Hazel’s clinicians and telehealth services to complement existing staff, ensuring students have comprehensive access to both physical and mental health care. Funding comes from a combination of insurance reimbursement, federal initiatives, and school district support.
Looking Ahead
With $51.5 million in Series C1 funding, Hazel Health is poised to expand its footprint and enhance access to school-based health care nationwide. Strengthened technology capabilities, an expanded workforce, and strategic partnerships allow Hazel to reach more students and deliver higher-quality, integrated care.
As awareness of pediatric health continues to grow, Hazel Health’s model demonstrates how technology, school partnerships, and a focus on whole child care can transform access to school-based health services in the United States. By bridging education and healthcare, Hazel Health is helping ensure children not only remain healthy but are also set up for academic and social success.
