When someone seeks mental health care, they are not looking for reach, scale, or a recognizable logo. They simply want the person sitting across from them to truly understand their unique journey. Environment plays such a crucial role in the experiences that shape our worldview, which is why community-centered care is the foundation of superior outcomes.

This is something we deeply believe in here at Thriveworks, which is why our clinicians live and work in the communities they serve. Having a therapeutic relationship forged on common ground, with an understanding of local culture, references, and resources, drives a better connection for better clinical outcomes.

A multicultural neighborhood gathering, painting a mural on an outside wall.

Our Hyperlocal Philosophy Drives Growth

Thriveworks’ hyperlocal philosophy has been the cornerstone of our growth story. From a single clinic in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to our 340-plus clinics nationwide, we’ve remained harnessed to the idea that therapy works best when delivered in the community, for the community, by members of the community.

Each new clinic location is chosen in consultation with local data and input from community members, identifying underserved areas where we can fill a gap in access. This year, we’ve opened four new clinics in regional markets, with five more slated before the year’s end.

Our commitment to community goes beyond the clinical encounter. Our teams regularly engage with local schools, colleges, and health systems. Our clinicians speak at health and wellness fairs and other local events. We partner with local organizations on like-minded goals. From participating in local NAMI walks to supporting mental health awareness weeks on college campuses, we constantly look for ways to show up and give back to our communities.

This community approach has contributed to our national scale, and in turn, this scale provides our clinicians the support they need to focus on what they do best: caring for people. The impact this has on the quality of our services is reflected in our feedback: 96 percent of clients feel understood by their therapist, which is proof that a large-scale operation can still feel personal.

Partnership Benefits for Health Systems

For our health system partners, this model offers consistency in standards and service delivery, while still allowing for local alignment with community goals and populations. We integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, coordinate closely with medical providers, and offer in-network coverage with more than 360 regional and national payers. Consistency, quality, and speed to care remain our gold standard, while the way we engage is shaped by local context.

The bottom line: Community-based care is not at odds with national scale. By remaining focused on the people we’re trying to serve and what matters to them, it’s possible to deliver care that is personal in every community, while ensuring access for the millions who need it.