Demand for mental health services remains high, despite long wait lists and a massive shortage of providers. Last week, mental health care startup Two Chairs announced a major expansion to help address this need.
The San Francisco-based company, which offers hybrid behavioral health care, expanded its presence from three states to 22 states.
Before, Two Chairs operated in California, Florida and Washington. The expansion includes states such as Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois and New Jersey.
This expansion gives millions of people access to therapy services, as Two Chairs’ services are now available to 75% of the U.S. population, according to the announcement.
The startup, founded in 2017, provides both virtual and in-person psychotherapy for adults with a wide range of mental health issues across the acuity spectrum.
The company seeks to make it easier for patients to find therapists. The stigma associated with mental health care is fading away culturally — but people often struggle to find a mental healthcare provider once they recognize they need one, pointed out Two Chairs Founder and CEO Alex Katz.
“Finding a therapist shouldn’t be hard, yet too many people struggle with long waitlists, mismatched therapists or care that isn’t covered by their insurance. Two Chairs was built to change that. We combine human expertise with technology to match patients with the right therapist from the start, leading to better engagement and outcomes,” he explained.
Two Chairs makes sure that accessing care is simple, with appointments typically available within a couple days, Katz noted.
Patients start with a virtual consultation with a licensed clinician who helps understand their needs. They’re then matched with a therapist who fits their preferences, clinical needs and communication style. After that, they begin therapy — either in-person, virtually or a combination of both.
Throughout their care journey, Two Chairs users receive personalized, measurement-based feedback to track their progress and ensure they’re getting better, Katz added.
He also noted that the company is seeking to make high-quality therapy accessible and affordable by being in-network with major health plans. It also offers self-pay options for those without in-network coverage.
Katz believes Two Chairs gives patients the flexibility to choose how they engage with mental health care.
“Our hybrid care model combines the convenience of virtual therapy with the depth of in-person sessions in select locations. Some patients prefer all-virtual care, while others opt for in-person therapy or a hybrid mix when available. Offering these options ensures patients have the flexibility to choose what best fits their needs and preferences,” he explained.
Two Chairs employs more than 600 licensed therapists using a W2 employment model. It has raised $130 million in capital, with its most recent funding round being a $72 million round from about a year ago.
“Since our founding in 2017, we’ve taken an intentional approach to growth — first establishing a strong foundation in California, then expanding into Florida and Washington before scaling nationally. This next phase of expansion, launching in 19 new states and reaching 22 by June, is a major milestone,” Katz declared.
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