Hopscotch, a New York City-based digital youth mental health startup, has secured $8 million in seed funding, marking a significant milestone in its mission to make mental health care more accessible and effective for children, teens, and their families. Alongside the funding announcement, Hopscotch revealed partnerships with major health payers, including Optum, Aetna, and Cigna. These partnerships expand the company’s goal of bringing more in-network mental health care to the market, making it easier for families to access care without the complications of out-of-network restrictions.
Making Care Accessible for Patients and Providers
Hopscotch provides solutions for both patients and youth mental health providers. For families, the platform simplifies and accelerates access to behavioral health services, helping children and teens receive support more efficiently. For providers, Hopscotch offers a suite of tools and resources, including advanced administrative support, interactive content, and professional development materials. These resources are designed to support evidence-based care while allowing clinicians to focus on delivering engaging, high-quality sessions. Marla Beyer, Co-Founder and CEO, said, “Hopscotch is supporting providers with the infrastructure to enable them to deliver quality care so they can make sessions as interactive as possible. We are developing the highest quality network of providers, clinical models, and evidence-based content to make care as accessible as possible for all, in a time of such need.”
Funding and Investor Support
The $8 million seed round was co-led by venture capital firms Greycroft and Inspired Capital, with participation from New York Ventures, Remarkable Ventures, Watershed VC, Cold Start, and executives from other behavioral health organizations. The funding reflects growing investor interest in digital youth mental health solutions as demand for pediatric behavioral health services continues to rise. Ellie Wheeler, partner at Greycroft, emphasized the company’s transformative potential: “Hopscotch is changing the way clinicians and families navigate the pediatric health care system…allowing them to help more families than ever before.” Greycroft has previously invested in other digital youth mental health startups such as Octave and Boulder Care, demonstrating a broader commitment to the sector.
Streamlining Provider Workflows
Hopscotch’s model focuses on reducing administrative burdens and streamlining interactions with payers. This allows youth mental health providers to concentrate on care delivery rather than paperwork, making it easier for clinicians to grow their practices and support more patients. In addition to partnerships with Optum, Aetna, and Cigna, Hopscotch also works with UnitedHealthcare and several Blue Cross Blue Shield entities, including Highmark, Empire, and Anthem. The platform is currently available in Delaware, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, reflecting a growing footprint across the eastern and central United States.
Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis
The timing of Hopscotch’s expansion aligns with an urgent need to address worsening youth mental health trends. Studies and reports have consistently highlighted increases in anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health challenges among children and adolescents. Policymakers and investors alike are prioritizing solutions to this crisis. Government initiatives, such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, have allocated billions to youth mental health and school-based health services. In July, the Biden administration pledged $300 million specifically to youth mental health programs, signaling strong federal support for innovative care models like Hopscotch.
Growth in Digital Youth Mental Health
Other digital youth mental health providers have also seen significant funding activity in recent months, underscoring the sector’s growth potential. Brightline, a competitor in pediatric mental health care, raised $105 million earlier this year, while the private equity firm Thurston Group acquired two youth mental health practices within a single month. These moves highlight the increasing recognition that digital youth mental health platforms can play a vital role in addressing gaps in pediatric behavioral health care.
Hopscotch’s Approach and Future Plans
Hopscotch’s approach goes beyond access—it aims to create a more engaging, evidence-based experience for children and teens. By combining interactive tools, professional development for providers, and partnerships with major payers, the platform seeks to transform the landscape of digital youth mental health care. The startup’s growth represents both an investment opportunity and a potential lifeline for families struggling to navigate a fragmented behavioral health system.
With its recent funding, expanding payer network, and focus on high-quality, accessible care, Hopscotch is positioning itself as a key player in the digital youth mental health space. The startup’s commitment to supporting both families and providers demonstrates a comprehensive approach to improving pediatric mental health outcomes at a time when such solutions are desperately needed.
