The year 2020 reshaped nearly every aspect of health care delivery, and behavioral health providers were no exception. Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, an Indianapolis-based provider specializing in autism care, began the year with ambitious expansion goals. However, like many organizations, it had to adapt quickly when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its plans. While the pandemic forced temporary closures and required scaling back on growth, it also opened new doors for innovation. Telehealth and home-based care became central to maintaining continuity of treatment. For Hopebridge, these adaptations were more than just short-term solutions—they were opportunities to strengthen the organization’s long-term capabilities. In the words of Hopebridge founder and Chief Clinical Officer Kim Strunk, these new services are like muscles that, once built, will continue to support the organization long after the pandemic ends.
Adapting Growth Plans During the Pandemic
At the start of 2020, Hopebridge announced plans to add 20 new centers across Colorado and Minnesota by mid-2021. Those expansion goals had to be revised as the coronavirus brought shutdowns, social distancing requirements, and other obstacles to opening new facilities. Despite the setbacks, Hopebridge managed to continue expanding, albeit on a smaller scale. New centers opened in Indiana and Arizona, and a launch in Colorado was set for late 2020. By the end of the year, Hopebridge expected to reach 54 centers nationwide, demonstrating resilience in the face of an unprecedented global health crisis.
The Challenges of Autism Therapy During COVID-19
Autism therapy depends heavily on routines, consistency, and in-person interaction. The sudden closure of Hopebridge centers in March 2020 disrupted these critical elements, creating challenges for both children and families. Social distancing rules complicated therapy delivery. Pretend play and gross motor areas, once essential for skill development, were restricted. Group interactions became limited, and the widespread use of masks posed unique barriers. For children on the spectrum, not being able to see facial expressions or lip movements made it more difficult to process social cues, imitate speech, and engage in communication exercises. Many children with autism also experience sensory sensitivities, making mask-wearing uncomfortable and difficult. These factors required Hopebridge to reimagine how therapy could be delivered safely without compromising developmental progress.
Telehealth and Home-Based Services as Lifelines
During the closure period from late March to the end of April 2020, Hopebridge quickly pivoted to telehealth. While it could not replicate the intensity of in-person services—some children had previously received up to 35 hours per week—telehealth provided a valuable bridge for families. Therapists delivered intensive parent training and consultation remotely, empowering caregivers to continue therapy practices at home. Speech and occupational therapy services were also adapted for virtual delivery, giving children the opportunity to maintain progress even outside the clinic. Although limited in scope, telehealth created an unexpected strength for Hopebridge. Families became more engaged in therapy, and providers developed new tools to deliver effective support virtually.
Reopening With Safety and Flexibility
By late April, Hopebridge began reopening its centers using a phased approach. Six to ten centers reopened each week until all were operational again. Reopening required extensive restructuring of physical spaces, deep sanitization, and new protocols to support social distancing. To reduce risk, capacity was limited in each center. Conference rooms and offices were converted into therapy spaces to allow for more physical distance. Block scheduling further minimized crowding in common areas. For children struggling with mask requirements, Hopebridge introduced clear masks and face shields to improve communication and allow children to see therapists’ mouths. Mask-wearing itself was incorporated into therapy as a learning opportunity.
Balancing Center-Based and Home-Based Models
Hopebridge has always been rooted in a center-based care model, where children receive intensive one-on-one therapy in specialized facilities. However, the pandemic highlighted the value of being able to meet families where they are. While in-person care remains central to Hopebridge’s mission, telehealth and home-based services now play an important supplementary role. In situations where centers reach physical capacity or families are not yet comfortable returning, therapists can provide care at home. This flexibility ensures no child is left without access to needed services. Strunk emphasized that while center-based therapy remains the foundation of Hopebridge, the new capabilities built during COVID-19 will remain as ongoing options. They add resilience and adaptability to the organization’s model, creating new ways to serve families when unexpected circumstances arise.
Supporting Families Through Uncertainty
One of the most significant challenges of the pandemic was the increased responsibility placed on families during closures. Parents suddenly found themselves acting as co-therapists, balancing virtual instruction with daily responsibilities. Hopebridge responded by offering more intensive parent training and coaching. These supports not only helped families through the shutdown but also provided skills that will benefit them long-term. Parents gained greater confidence in applying therapy strategies at home, strengthening the continuity of care for their children.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
The pandemic created financial strain for many autism therapy providers, particularly those without private equity backing. Hopebridge, supported by Arsenal Capital Partners, was in a stronger position to weather the uncertainty. While some in the industry considered acquisitions, Hopebridge remained focused on its de novo growth strategy, continuing to open new centers rather than pursuing buyouts. This strategy reflects Hopebridge’s commitment to organic expansion and maintaining consistent quality across its facilities. Even in challenging times, the organization stayed true to its long-term vision.
Long-Term Lessons and Opportunities
Strunk views the challenges of COVID-19 through the lens of growth and opportunity. The pandemic forced the organization to innovate quickly, but those innovations will pay dividends long into the future. Telehealth, once an emergency measure, is now a valuable complement to in-person therapy. Home-based services provide an additional layer of flexibility for families with unique needs. Expanded parent involvement has strengthened collaboration between caregivers and clinicians. Most importantly, Hopebridge has become more agile and responsive. By rethinking physical spaces, adjusting scheduling, and adopting new communication tools, the organization has built a stronger foundation for resilience.
Looking Ahead
The pandemic reshaped behavioral health care in countless ways. For Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, the disruption of 2020 was not the end of progress but the beginning of a stronger, more flexible future. With 54 centers and counting, Hopebridge continues to expand its reach while adapting to the evolving needs of families. Its experience during COVID-19 has created a model of care that combines the intensity of center-based therapy with the adaptability of telehealth and home-based support. In the long run, these flexibilities will ensure that Hopebridge is better equipped to deliver consistent, high-quality autism therapy no matter what challenges arise. Families can feel confident that their children will continue to receive the support they need, even in times of uncertainty.
