Northwood Children's Services

What Northwood Children's Services does

Northwood Children's Services is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt agency headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, founded in 1883 as the Ladies Relief Society and rebranded to its current name in 1956. It operates as the oldest and largest organization of its kind in Minnesota, delivering a comprehensive continuum of care for children ages 3-17 (and through outpatient services, ages 0-21) with severe emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. The service portfolio spans residential treatment (QRTP and PRTF), intensive day treatment (Merritt Creek Academy and Rockridge Academy), school-based IDT in four Duluth public schools, a 35-day Diagnostic and Assessment Center, Crisis Stabilization Shelter, Corporate Foster Care group homes, Little Learner's Enrichment Center early intervention, and outpatient services including telehealth.

The organization is licensed by both the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health, holds three expedited COA accreditations, and maintains CTSS program designation from the state of Minnesota, which is required for billing Minnesota Medical Assistance. Its go-to-market relies on institutional referrals from mental health professionals, school districts, county social workers, hospitals, and childcare providers, augmented by community fundraising events such as the Northwood Night Out gala and annual golf tournaments. Revenue derives primarily from state Medicaid and private health insurance reimbursement for clinical services, supplemented by donations, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships.

Northwood is governed by a Board of Directors (chaired by Eric Berg) with a separate Foundation Board supporting fundraising. The leadership team includes CEO Larry Pajari, CFO Zach Steinhoff, Clinical Director Jacqueline Ingrouille, Director of Nursing Theresa Pajari, and program-specific Directors and Supervisors. With 251-500 employees and a service footprint touching nearly 500 children annually, the organization occupies a structurally concentrated regional position in northeastern Minnesota, with no disclosed expansion beyond the Duluth market.

Name

Northwood Children's Services

Legal name

Northwood Children's Services

Website

https://northwoodchildren.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1883

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Northwood Children's Services is a nonprofit agency in Duluth, Minnesota, founded in 1883, providing residential, day treatment, outpatient, crisis, and foster care services for children ages 0-21 with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities across two campuses and multiple partner schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Behavioral Health and Mental Health Treatment Services

NAICS

Child Care Services (62441), Child and Youth Services (62411), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (623210), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

School Counseling Services (Individual & Group) (EDAKAMAB), Preschool Programs within Childcare Centers (EDACABAL), Behavioral Support & Positive Behavior Intervention Childcare (HSAAAIAF), Pediatric Rehabilitation & Developmental Therapy Centers (PT/OT/SLP) (HLAFAJAL)

Keywords

• Children's mental health services
• Residential behavioral treatment
• Outpatient therapy programs
• Crisis stabilization services
• Foster care group homes

Headquarters

HQ city

Duluth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Healthcare Funding: Northwood is designated as a Children's Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) program by the state of Minnesota. Services are funded through Minnesota Medical Assistance and most private health insurance companies for mental health services.
2. Donations and Charitable Support: Annual donations from donor family support programs and services including cash, securities, retirement savings, real estate, cars, stock, life insurance, donated goods, and services. Monthly giving programs and planned giving/estate planning options are available.
3. Program Services Revenue: Revenue generated from comprehensive mental health treatment programs including residential treatment, intensive day treatment, outpatient services, and corporate foster care services billed to government programs and insurance.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Northwood Children's Services operates a comprehensive continuum of care, education, and treatment programs for children and youth ages 0-21 with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. Services include outpatient therapy, intensive day treatment, residential treatment, psychiatric residential treatment, diagnostic assessment, crisis stabilization, corporate foster care, school-based programming, special education, and recreation programs, delivered across two residential campuses and multiple partner-school sites in the Duluth, Minnesota region.

Product overview

Northwood Children's Services is a private, nonprofit mental health and child welfare organization offering a comprehensive continuum of care programs for children with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. The organization operates as a multi-service provider with distinct programs including: Northwood Outpatient Services (CTSS program for ages 0-21), Intensive Day Treatment Programs at Merritt Creek Academy and Rockridge Academy, School-Based Intensive Day Treatment in four Duluth public schools, Little Learner's Enrichment Center (early intervention for ages 3-5), Diagnostic and Assessment Center (35-day live-in evaluation), Residential Treatment QRTP (24-hour campus care), Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF at West Campus), Crisis Stabilization Shelter, Corporate Foster Care (5 group homes), and Recreation Programs. The portfolio includes Merritt Creek Academy for on-campus education, and all programs provide therapy services (individual, family, group) delivered by licensed mental health professionals certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Founded in 1883, Northwood is the oldest and largest organization of its kind in Minnesota.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Northwood Outpatient Services A community-based mental health program designated as a Children's Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) program by the state of Minnesota, providing flexible mental health services for children ages 0-21. Services include diagnostic testing, individual, family, and group therapy, skills training, and virtual/telehealth appointments, funded through Minnesota Medical Assistance and most private health insurance companies.
• Intensive Day Treatment Programs Day treatment serving youth with behavioral, emotional, or learning problems who need more intense services than public schools provide. Students receive special education, counseling, behavior management, and family services while returning home each day. Programs operate at Merritt Creek Academy and Rockridge Academy.
• School-Based Intensive Day Treatment Mental health treatment programs embedded directly within four Duluth public schools — Piedmont Elementary, Laura MacArthur Elementary, Myers-Wilkins Elementary, and Lincoln Park Middle School — serving children who can stay in their home school but require more intensive mental health services.
• Little Learner's Enrichment Center Early intervention program for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-5) at risk due to emotional, behavioral, or learning problems. Follows an early childhood education model emphasizing social, physical, and academic skills acquisition.
• Diagnostic and Assessment Center A live-in 35-day evaluation program for children ages 5-17 in which a multidisciplinary team conducts full psychological, psychiatric, family, behavioral, educational, and medical evaluations in a therapeutic environment. The facility has 8 beds, with 2 of those beds designated for emergency crisis stabilization for up to 30 days each.
• Residential Treatment QRTP 24-hour residential care at the Main Campus where children are grouped in teams of 10-11 students according to treatment needs, gender, diagnosis, and age. Program includes group living, individual and group therapy, family counseling, creative arts, and health services.
• Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) A highly structured, non-hospital-based treatment setting at the West Campus led by a child/adolescent psychiatrist, with a 1-staff to 3-student ratio. Includes individual therapy twice per week, group therapy weekly, and twice monthly family therapy sessions with weekly family contact.
• Crisis Stabilization Shelter Short-term placement and crisis stabilization program for youth ages 5-17 experiencing mental health crisis, operated in collaboration with St. Louis County and located at the Diagnostic and Assessment Center. Up to 2 of the center's 8 beds are designated for emergency crisis stabilization for up to 30 days per youth.
• Corporate Foster Care Five group homes in Duluth for children ages 10-21 with emotional and mental health disabilities, with each home serving up to four students. Funded under the federally funded Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver, and licensed under Family Foster Care by Minnesota DHS Rule 245D.
• Merritt Creek Academy On-campus school providing special education services for students enrolled in day treatment and residential programs, including the Northwood Experience components of art, music, health services, and spirituality programs.
• Recreation Programs Extensive recreational program including ropes course, gardening, swimming, camping, canoeing, fishing, archery, skiing, soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, and lake cabin experiences on Island Lake, supporting the therapeutic milieu.
• Family Success Program Home-based family services provided to ensure family preservation and support for families involved in children's treatment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 500 children served annually
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• MidCoast CateringminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 March 2026MidCoast Catering provided catering services for Northwood Night Out 2026 event at St. Louis County Depot Great Hall.
• North Shore BankminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025North Shore Bank served as Premiere Sponsor for Northwood Night Out 2025 event.
• National Bank of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025National Bank of Commerce served as Copper Sponsor for Northwood Night Out 2025 event.
• Story North ProductionsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025Story North Productions served as Video Sponsor for Northwood Night Out 2025 event.
• mauricesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 October 202250 associates from maurices spent the day at Main and West campus locations, donating over $10,000 and many helping hands to makeover an art room and other spaces.
• National Association for Children's Behavioral Health (NACBH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 July 2022Northwood's President and CEO Richard Wolleat was elected as President of NACBH, demonstrating leadership in the children's behavioral health industry.
• Essentia HealthminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 April 2021Essentia Health Community Grants provided funding for a creative movement dance class at both Northwood Campuses for residential students to enjoy on weekends.
• St. Louis CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with St. Louis County for the Crisis Stabilization Program providing short-term placement and crisis stabilization for youth experiencing mental health crises. The program is located at Northwood's Diagnostic and Assessment Center.
• Minnesota Department of Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll Northwood programs and services are fully licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
• Minnesota Department of HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll Northwood programs and services are fully licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health.
• AspireMNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with AspireMN, the state association for mental health providers.
• National Association of Children's Behavioral HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with NACBH, national association for children's behavioral health organizations.
• Association of Children's Residential CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with ACRC, association for children's residential treatment centers.
• Ridgeview Country ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for annual Northwood Children's Services Golf Tournaments (22nd-26th annual events).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS): Large Minnesota-based nonprofit providing social services including youth and family services, foster care, and behavioral health — directly comparable in operating model and geography to Northwood.
• Wilder Foundation: St. Paul-based nonprofit providing children's mental health, early childhood, and family services in Minnesota — comparable scope and mission across youth behavioral health and social services.
• KVC Health Systems: Multi-state nonprofit providing residential treatment, foster care, and in-home family services for at-risk youth — comparable residential QRTP/PRTF and foster care service lines, but operating at broader geographic scale.
• Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin: Regional arm of national nonprofit providing youth residential, foster care, and behavioral health services — comparable services portfolio and child welfare focus in the upper Midwest.

Direct peers

• Fraser: Minnesota-based nonprofit providing mental health, autism, and disability services to children and families — directly comparable population (children with emotional/developmental disabilities) and funding model (Medicaid/MnCU).
• Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch: North Dakota-based nonprofit offering residential treatment, clinical services, and educational programming for at-risk youth — directly comparable residential treatment and therapeutic model for children with emotional/behavioral challenges.
• Canvas Health: Minnesota-based nonprofit mental health and substance use provider serving children, adults, and families — comparable CTSS-equivalent services, outpatient therapy, and crisis response for youth.
• PrairieCare: Minnesota-based psychiatric and mental health provider for children and adolescents, including residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient programs — directly comparable pediatric behavioral health service model.

Emerging players

• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation: Minnesota-based nonprofit specializing in addiction and behavioral health, including adolescent services — adjacent with overlapping youth residential treatment and clinical model, but focused more on substance use.
• Merrick, Inc. Minnesota-based nonprofit providing residential, clinical, and educational services for children and youth with emotional and behavioral disturbances — comparable residential treatment and special education focus in regional Minnesota market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Northwood Children's Services