Pediatric mental health startups like Brightline and InStride Health have emerged to address the increased demand for mental health services among children during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. While some startups have struggled, these two companies have expanded their services and adapted to the needs of families, particularly through telehealth. Challenges remain, including funding cuts and clinician shortages, but awareness around youth mental health is growing.

• Brightline and InStride Health have expanded and adapted since launching during Covid, largely by leaning into telehealth for kids' mental health care.
• Not all pediatric mental health startups survived—some have struggled or failed even as these two grew.
• Funding cuts and clinician shortages remain major obstacles to scaling these services.
• Rising awareness of youth mental health needs is helping sustain demand and interest in these companies.