Thrive outlines merger of local behavioral health providers and CCBHC rollout

John Wilson, chief executive officer of the newly formed Thrive, told the Health and Human Services Committee that his organization formed from a merger of Kratos and Transitional Living Services to preserve local behavioral health capacity and strengthen financial stability. Wilson said the two organizations were previously each about $12 million and that the combined organization will approach $27 million in revenue. "We started a conversation... about what it may look like to come together as one entity," he said.

Wilson said Thrive will consolidate outpatient services under a single access point at 611 (Jefferson County) to simplify care for people with mental-health or substance-use diagnoses and to provide walk-in appointments and care management. He identified staffing and rising labor costs as a driver of the merger and said the organization currently employs about 300 people with a 12% vacancy rate.

Wilson also announced that Thrive was awarded a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) designation in October and plans to begin CCBHC operations July 1, 2025; he told the committee that the CCBHC model covers nine core services and improves reimbursement for comprehensive care. He said Thrive will occupy office space in a planned West Main housing project and expects that project to complete in February 2026, adding approximately 60 beds, of which roughly half will serve people with substance-use and mental-health diagnoses.

Legislator Peck congratulated the organization on the merger and praised the clinic site and services; committee members expressed appreciation.