San Mateo, California-based autism therapy provider Opya Care has announced its acquisition of the Center for Autism Spectrum Therapy, Inc. (CAST), a Culver City, California-based organization. This Autism Therapy Provider California Acquisition is a major step forward, allowing Opya Care to enter the center-based care space while expanding its presence in Southern California. The acquisition enhances its existing in-home and telehealth service offerings.
Until now, Opya Care specialized primarily in in-home applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy for young children aged 18 months to six years. The acquisition of CAST allows the company to diversify its care delivery model by adding center-based programs to its portfolio. This addition broadens access to autism therapy for families seeking different care environments or more comprehensive service options.
Expanding Care Settings and Service Offerings
The Center for Autism Spectrum Therapy offers a wide range of services that include ABA, speech, physical and occupational therapy, and counseling. These services are delivered in multiple settings — including center-based locations, homes, and schools — providing flexible, tailored care for children and their families. With this acquisition, Opya Care now gains the capability to deliver these services across various environments, ensuring children receive consistent and high-quality care regardless of their setting.
In addition to the in-person services, Opya Care continues to offer speech and occupational therapy via telehealth, a vital service option especially in more remote areas or for families seeking convenience. The company’s in-home services currently cover a broad geographic footprint throughout California, including Alameda, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Sacramento, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Stanislaus, Solano, and Yolo counties.
This strategic autism therapy provider California acquisition not only strengthens Opya Care’s service offerings but also increases accessibility for families across multiple counties in the state.
Financial Backing and Leadership Strengthen Growth
Opya Care’s growth is supported by strong venture capital backing. In 2021, the company secured a $15.4 million Series A funding round, which brought in new investors such as Panoramic Ventures, SoftBank Opportunity Fund, Disability Opportunity Fund, and Raven One Ventures. Existing investors Divergent Investments and Altitude Ventures also participated, underscoring confidence in Opya Care’s mission and market potential.
Adding further leadership expertise, Dr. Clive Fields — co-founder and chief medical officer of VillageMD — recently joined Opya Care’s board of directors. Dr. Fields’ experience in healthcare innovation and clinical care strategy is expected to provide valuable guidance as the company scales its operations and navigates the complexities of integrated healthcare delivery.
This combination of financial strength and expert leadership supports the company’s ambitious growth following this significant autism therapy provider California acquisition.
Industry Context: Slowing Deal Activity Amid Market Shifts
While Opya Care’s acquisition signals continued consolidation in the autism therapy sector, overall dealmaking in behavioral health has slowed in 2024. This slowdown follows the peak of merger and acquisition activity seen in 2021, a period characterized by large-scale private equity investments and rapid expansion.
Despite this lull, smaller deals remain active in the sector. For instance, Floreo, an autism technology provider, recently acquired assets from and received investment from the Cleveland Clinic. Similarly, Fletch Equity, a private equity firm, acquired Autism Spectrum Interventions, demonstrating ongoing interest in autism-related services from investors.
However, many providers are now focusing more on organic, de novo growth rather than acquisitions. For example, ABS Kids nearly doubled its center footprint in 2023 through internal expansion rather than buying existing centers, showing that building from within remains a strong growth strategy.
Opya Care’s move, however, illustrates that autism therapy provider California acquisition remains a key strategy for companies looking to quickly expand both geographically and in terms of service models.
Regulatory Environment Adds Complexity to Investment Landscape
The autism therapy sector and broader behavioral health industry are also facing increasing scrutiny from the Biden administration regarding private investment in healthcare. Earlier in 2024, regulatory agencies began investigating the relationships between private equity firms and healthcare providers, with autism therapy explicitly mentioned as part of these inquiries.
This heightened regulatory environment creates additional challenges for companies seeking investment or planning acquisitions. Providers and investors alike are navigating a more complex legal and compliance landscape, requiring careful due diligence and transparent business practices to align with evolving policy expectations.
This regulatory focus adds a layer of complexity to any autism therapy provider California acquisition, making strategic and compliant growth more important than ever.
The Future for Opya Care and Autism Therapy Providers
Opya Care’s acquisition of CAST represents a strategic effort to diversify service delivery options and expand regional coverage across California. By integrating center-based care alongside its in-home and telehealth programs, Opya Care can better meet the varying needs of families seeking autism therapy services.
As the autism therapy market continues to evolve amid fluctuating investment activity and regulatory scrutiny, companies like Opya Care that demonstrate flexibility, clinical expertise, and strong financial backing are well-positioned to grow sustainably. The combination of diverse service settings, a broad geographic footprint, and strategic leadership bolsters Opya Care’s potential to deliver impactful care for children with autism spectrum disorder across California.
This acquisition stands as a significant milestone and example of autism therapy provider California acquisition success in a competitive and complex market.
