After a highly productive 2021, during which Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers opened numerous new facilities and made significant hires, the Indianapolis-based provider is setting ambitious goals for 2022. Known as one of the largest autism care providers in the country, Hopebridge has announced plans to open up to 40 new clinics nationwide this year, signaling a major Autism Therapy Center Expansion to meet the growing demand for autism therapy.
This growth is fueled in large part by Hopebridge’s recent acquisition of Autism In Motion Clinics (AIM), a Little Rock, Arkansas-based autism therapy provider. AIM currently operates clinics across several states including Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee — areas where Hopebridge intends to strengthen its presence through new clinic openings and a robust hiring push as part of its ongoing Autism Therapy Center Expansion.
Expanding Access To Critical Autism Services
Hopebridge specializes in providing a comprehensive range of therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as those facing various emotional and developmental challenges. Its services include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), widely regarded as the gold standard for autism treatment, alongside occupational therapy, speech therapy, and feeding therapy.
With over 100 locations spanning 12 states, Hopebridge is already a major player in the autism therapy space. But the rising prevalence of autism diagnoses has increased the need for more accessible, quality care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ASD, a figure that has steadily risen in recent years.
“In order to give these children the best possible care during their key developmental years, Hopebridge is bringing passionate, qualified behavioral health clinicians even closer to home for many of these families who require more support,” said Hopebridge CEO Dennis May in a recent press release. This statement underscores Hopebridge’s commitment not just to growth, but to the quality and accessibility of its services — the heart of its Autism Therapy Center Expansion efforts.
A Significant Hiring Effort To Support Growth
Hopebridge plans to bolster its workforce substantially as part of this Autism Therapy Center Expansion. The organization aims to hire up to 4,000 new employees in 2022 to meet the increasing demand for services. These hires include 400 board certified behavioral analysts (BCBAs), 3,500 registered behavior technicians (RBTs), and up to 100 clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other allied health professionals.
This ambitious hiring plan reflects Hopebridge’s recognition that highly trained, dedicated staff are vital to delivering effective therapy. The expansion will enable more families to receive consistent, high-quality care close to home, which is especially important for young children in their formative developmental stages.
Investing In Staff Development And Career Growth
Hopebridge goes beyond recruitment by offering employees ongoing professional development opportunities through partnerships with leading educational institutions such as Vanderbilt University, the Florida Institute of Technology, and Arizona State University. These collaborations allow Hopebridge’s clinicians to stay current with the latest research and evidence-based practices in autism therapy.
Additionally, Hopebridge partners with the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) to continually refine treatment outcomes and enhance the quality of care. This focus on measurement and improvement ensures that Hopebridge is not only expanding geographically but also raising standards across its network.
Hopebridge’s Chief Human Resource Officer, Leigh Crick, spoke to the company’s efforts to create a supportive and growth-oriented workplace, saying, “The ‘Great Resignation’ has influenced career paths for many, however Hopebridge has allowed our teammates the chance to create new, fulfilling careers. Our employees are able to advance along their career paths both vertically and laterally through on-the-job training, continuing education, and collaboration with other disciplines, in addition to new job opportunities that are unique to Hopebridge. We’re looking for passionate individuals that want to make a difference in a child’s life.”
This commitment to employee satisfaction and development is crucial in an industry where retaining qualified professionals is often a challenge.
Strategic Growth Through Acquisition And Organic Expansion
The acquisition of AIM is part of Hopebridge’s broader strategy to expand through both acquisitions and organic growth. AIM’s footprint in the South and Midwest complements Hopebridge’s existing presence, opening new markets for the provider’s comprehensive autism services.
Hopebridge Vice President of Business Development Chris Sutton emphasized the importance of accessible care for families affected by autism, stating, “Our mission is to continue to bring access for families impacted by autism across the country. This need is great and these families deserve quality care to be convenient for them. We will continue to look at the best opportunities to bring the highest quality of care to these families.”
States such as Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Arkansas — all part of AIM’s service area — are expected to see significant hiring as Hopebridge opens new clinics and scales up services. Meanwhile, Hopebridge will also expand its workforce in existing states, including Indiana, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio.
This continued focus on broadening reach and improving service availability is a core part of the ongoing Autism Therapy Center Expansion strategy.
Building On The Momentum Of 2021
The planned 2022 expansion builds on a highly successful 2021 for Hopebridge. Last year, the provider set out to open 20 new clinics and hire over 2,000 new employees. By the end of the year, Hopebridge exceeded those goals, creating more than 500 new jobs and hiring over 4,000 employees overall.
This momentum reflects Hopebridge’s strong position in the autism therapy market and its responsiveness to the urgent need for more providers who can deliver evidence-based care. With a deepening network of clinics and a growing team of trained professionals, Hopebridge is poised to continue making a significant impact on families navigating the challenges of autism through its comprehensive Autism Therapy Center Expansion.
Conclusion
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers’ plans to open up to 40 new clinics and hire thousands of new employees in 2022 signal a major step forward in expanding access to autism services nationwide. Through strategic acquisitions like AIM, investment in workforce development, and ongoing research partnerships, Hopebridge is committed to delivering high-quality, convenient care to children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.
As autism diagnoses continue to rise, providers like Hopebridge play a critical role in ensuring that children receive the therapies they need during their crucial developmental years. With this ambitious Autism Therapy Center Expansion, Hopebridge is well-positioned to meet growing demand and help more families across the country.
