Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, one of the largest autism treatment providers in the United States, is continuing to expand its reach with an aggressive growth strategy and innovative staffing model. The Indianapolis-based organization provides applied behavior analysis (ABA), diagnostics, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in a center-based model. It serves children as young as 18 months and up to 12 years old, with a strong focus on early intervention.
Hopebridge, backed by New York private equity firm Arsenal Capital Partners, recently announced plans to add more than 20 new locations across two new states, Colorado and Minnesota, over the next 12 to 18 months. This expansion reflects a broader pattern of rapid growth: in just three years, Hopebridge has more than tripled the number of centers it operates. The provider now has a presence in six states, with no signs of slowing down.
An Algorithm for Expansion
Founder and Chief Clinical Officer Kim Strunk explains that Hopebridge’s growth is not random. Instead, the company uses what she calls an “algorithm” to determine where to expand next. In the early days, location decisions were less structured. Today, a dedicated team evaluates new markets based on several factors, including demand, state-specific funding, Medicaid administration, demographics, and staffing feasibility.
According to Strunk, demand is never the problem. In every state she has encountered, the need for autism services far outweighs the number of available providers. However, each state’s Medicaid policies and insurance systems differ, making it crucial for Hopebridge to understand how to navigate those frameworks before opening new clinics.
Staffing is another key factor in the expansion algorithm. While Hopebridge can build clinics anywhere, Strunk notes that they must be able to recruit and retain enough staff to provide care. In rural areas especially, hiring can be difficult, which directly impacts the ability to serve families effectively.
The Staffing Challenge
Like much of the behavioral health industry, Hopebridge faces challenges in staffing, particularly for board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), who are in high demand nationwide. To address this, the company has created an environment designed to attract and retain employees.
Hopebridge offers development opportunities, mentorship, continuing education, and strong support structures for its clinical teams. Beyond that, the organization has pioneered a “grow-your-own” staffing model. Through its Behavior Analyst Fellowship Program, Hopebridge provides students pursuing master’s degrees in behavior analysis with hands-on training, mentorship, and experience hours required for certification.
Currently, over 150 employees are working toward their master’s degrees within this program, ensuring a pipeline of future BCBAs who are already aligned with Hopebridge’s culture and mission. This investment has helped keep turnover rates lower than the industry average, particularly among BCBAs, while also building long-term workforce sustainability.
The Role of Private Equity
Hopebridge’s growth has also been fueled by private equity investment. Strunk recalls that the initial backing in 2011 came at a pivotal time. Autism prevalence rates were beginning to rise, and Indiana had just mandated insurance coverage for autism services. This combination created a surge in demand, and the capital from private equity allowed Hopebridge to expand its capacity to meet it.
Since then, autism prevalence has continued to increase, and families still struggle to access early intervention services. Strunk emphasizes that private equity has given Hopebridge the resources necessary to expand aggressively, open multiple clinics in new states at once, and avoid situations where families call for help but cannot be served due to capacity limits.
A Community-Focused Growth Plan
Hopebridge’s growth plan is rooted in meeting the needs of communities rather than simply scaling for profit. When entering a new state, the company typically opens several clinics at once—sometimes eight, nine, or ten—rather than a single center. Each center is large, often 10,000 to 15,000 square feet, and capable of serving up to 60 children. But even that capacity is just a fraction of the demand, which is why Hopebridge aims for multiple locations per state.
This strategy allows the company to become a real partner within a community, rather than a limited solution. Strunk highlights that there is nothing more discouraging as a provider than having to turn away families due to lack of capacity. The expansion model is designed to minimize that scenario.
Selecting the Right PE Partner
Private equity interest in ABA providers has grown significantly in recent years, with many firms reaching out to companies like Hopebridge. Strunk advises autism treatment providers to be selective when choosing a private equity partner. Alignment on vision and values is essential, she says, as is finding a partner focused on increasing access for families rather than short-term financial gains.
Hopebridge’s decision to partner with Arsenal Capital Partners was based on shared values and a mutual commitment to expanding services for underserved families. That alignment has been critical to Hopebridge’s ability to grow while staying true to its mission.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Underlying Hopebridge’s growth and expansion strategy is its belief in the importance of early intervention. Research shows that identifying autism early and beginning therapy can make a significant difference in a child’s developmental trajectory and long-term outcomes. Hopebridge’s services are designed to help children transition successfully into school environments with as much independence as possible.
The urgency of this mission drives the company’s aggressive expansion. Strunk emphasizes that the goal is not just to build more clinics, but to ensure that families have access to life-changing services when they need them most.
Looking Ahead
With over 50 centers and plans to add many more, Hopebridge’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing. The company continues to refine its expansion algorithm, invest in its workforce through the grow-your-own model, and build partnerships that align with its mission.
In an industry marked by staffing shortages and uneven access to care, Hopebridge’s approach offers a blueprint for sustainable, mission-driven growth. By combining private equity resources, a focus on workforce development, and a commitment to meeting community needs, Hopebridge is positioning itself as a long-term leader in autism therapy.
As Strunk notes, the demand for autism services will only continue to rise, and families deserve timely access to care. Hopebridge’s strategy ensures that expansion is not just about growth for growth’s sake but about making sure that no family has to hear the words “we don’t have room for you” when they seek help.
