Zionsville mom’s search for services leads to startup
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA Zionsville mom’s journey to find the right therapists for her daughter has grown into a business that helps connect other families with providers.
Therapprove founder and CEO Tiffney Vivo’s daughter, Avanelle, has Down syndrome. She tried to find a quick and easy way to search for therapists, but ran into issues.
“We were both quite surprised when she was born with Down syndrome that she would need so much therapy,” Vivo said. “I first looked for myself like, ‘Hey, is there something out there where I can find therapists very quickly?’ But it’s very archaic. It’s pick up the phone, leave a message, hope you answer the phone when they call back, or try to do emails and explain your story.”
The family spent months trying to find the right fit for Avanelle.
“She already has a delay, and the last thing you want are more delays…the average right now is about six weeks waiting time to get services for your child, whether that’s developmental or mental health therapy services,” Vivo said. “When we found the right therapist, it was like, ‘Wow, this is fantastic, but there’s got to be an easier way.'”
Vivo founded Therapprove in 2022 to try to save other families the struggle she experienced. Families upload their information and select which therapies they’re looking for. When an opening becomes available, the provider reaches out to the family directly.
“You don’t have to fill out multiple evaluations or send your insurance and diagnosis to multiple places. It’s a one-stop shop for families and for providers,” Vivo said. “
The service is free for families. Providers pay to use the platform, which serves as a network of referrals. The business is focused on central Indiana for now, but some therapists cover other areas of the state.
Last year, Therapprove received a $10,000 investment from Flywheel Fund after winning the Spring 2024 Crossroads Pitch Competition. The competition was supported by The Mill, Bloomington’s nonprofit center for entrepreneurship. Vivo says the company is looking for investors.
“What keeps me going is knowing that there’s such a need out there, and the providers are so overwhelmed, and I can go out there and help them,” she said. “To be a part of transforming the lives of children; I can’t think of a better job.”