The need for accessible pediatric behavioral health care has never been greater, and one international company is making bold moves to meet that demand. London-based Healios Ltd., a pioneer in digital pediatric behavioral health, has raised $16 million to fund the expansion of its U.S. subsidiary, Meliora Health. With this investment, Healios plans to scale across multiple states, grow its network of health plan partnerships, and provide timely behavioral health care to children, teens, and young adults up to age 25.
This funding reflects both the growing demand for youth-focused mental health services and investor confidence in digital pediatric behavioral health as an effective, scalable solution. According to CEO and founder Rich Andrews, the investment will help the company “build from the inside out,” strengthening infrastructure to support rapid, sustainable growth.
Services and Conditions Addressed
Healios and Meliora Health specialize in digital pediatric behavioral health services for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD
Their model goes beyond traditional therapy. Meliora Health offers comprehensive clinical assessments, individualized care planning, therapy, and ongoing support, all delivered digitally. The platform also provides self-management tools and a family-centered approach, ensuring caregivers are actively engaged in the treatment process. This emphasis on the home environment helps improve long-term outcomes for children and teens.
Through secure video and text chat, patients can connect with multidisciplinary teams, including therapists, psychiatrists, and specialists. This approach allows Healios to deliver digital pediatric behavioral health services that are both convenient and collaborative, addressing care gaps that often exist in traditional systems.
Addressing the U.S. Pediatric Behavioral Health Gap
The U.S. faces significant challenges in pediatric behavioral health access. A 2019 study found that 70% of counties lacked a single child psychiatrist between 2007 and 2016. Wait times are especially long for autism services, with families often waiting months — sometimes up to 18 months — to see a specialist.
By expanding digital pediatric behavioral health services across the U.S., Meliora Health aims to reduce these barriers. Telehealth models allow children and teens to receive timely care without traveling long distances, helping families access quality care faster.
Building a Strong Foundation
Unlike some telehealth providers that rely on contractors, Meliora Health employs all of its providers directly. Andrews emphasizes that investing in skilled staff ensures high-quality care and consistency across the company’s growing footprint.
Currently operating in New York and Pennsylvania, Meliora Health plans to expand to all 50 states as quickly as possible. While timelines are not yet specified, Healios intends to scale its digital pediatric behavioral health services nationwide, reaching thousands more young people in need. The company currently employs around 500 people, with U.S. staffing expected to grow alongside the expansion.
Funding Details and Investors
This $16 million round is part of Healios’ Series A funding, which started with $8 million in 2021, bringing the total to $24 million. Existing investors AlbionVC and InHealth Ventures participated, alongside new U.S. investor Autism Impact Fund (AIF). AIF specializes in venture capital for autism-related services and technologies, lending both financial and strategic support.
Andrews notes that having a U.S.-based investor provides “critical validation” for Meliora Health and reinforces Healios’ commitment to delivering high-quality digital pediatric behavioral health care stateside.
Why the U.S. Market Was Chosen
Healios launched in the UK in 2013, partnering with 62% of NHS mental health trusts. With a proven model at home, the U.S. was a natural first step for international expansion. Andrews highlighted the high demand for pediatric behavioral health care, especially digital-first services, as a key driver.
Looking forward, Healios also plans to expand into European Union countries, but the immediate focus remains on scaling digital pediatric behavioral health services across America to address critical access gaps.
A Growing Trend in Investment
The pediatric behavioral health space has seen significant investment in recent years. In 2022 alone, Hazel Health, Brightline, and InStride Health secured a combined $192 million to expand similar services. The influx of funding shows strong investor confidence in digital-first solutions that can meet the growing needs of children, teens, and families. Healios and Meliora Health are poised to join this wave, demonstrating how digital pediatric behavioral health can transform care delivery.
Family-Centered Care at the Core
Central to Healios’ mission is the belief that caregiver involvement is crucial to successful outcomes. Andrews explains, “If you can optimize the skills of parents or caregivers, then you increase your likelihood of a better outcome, not only in the near term. You improve the opportunity of having long-term recovery and building towards long-term resilience.”
This philosophy makes digital pediatric behavioral health care not only effective but also holistic, supporting both the child and their family unit to create lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
With $16 million in funding and a clear expansion strategy, Healios and Meliora Health are ready to make a significant difference in U.S. pediatric behavioral health. By combining technology, a family-centered approach, and top-tier providers, the company hopes to shorten wait times, improve access, and strengthen outcomes for children and young adults nationwide.
As demand continues to rise, digital pediatric behavioral health solutions like those offered by Healios are proving that innovative, technology-driven care models can help close the access gap and deliver meaningful results to families across the country.
