In a significant development for the ABA therapy sector, private equity-backed ABA Connect has successfully acquired ABA Therapy of Houston, marking an important step in the company’s ABA therapy expansion strategy. This acquisition brings ABA Connect’s network to 12 facilities across Texas and Colorado, strengthening its presence in key regions and further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. The addition of ABA Therapy of Houston bolsters the company’s footprint in the greater Houston area, complementing its already established facility in Katy, Texas, and enabling ABA Connect to offer services to an even wider population of children and families in the region.
The acquisition was heralded as a “natural addition” by ABA Connect CEO, Jessie Smedley, who emphasized the alignment between both organizations’ missions and values. This strategic move is a significant step in ABA therapy expansion, not just increasing the company’s reach but also enhancing its ability to provide top-quality care to children in need of early intervention services. Smedley’s vision for ABA Connect has always centered on providing therapy in naturalistic, playful environments, a core principle of its approach to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. The partnership with ABA Therapy of Houston allows the company to expand its commitment to this model in the Houston market, ensuring more children and families benefit from the evidence-based therapy the company is known for.
“We are committed to providing therapy in naturalistic, playful environments to the children we serve,” Smedley said. “Partnering with ABA Therapy of Houston aligns perfectly with our mission, vision, and values, enhancing the care we provide and maximizing the benefits for the children and families in the Houston area.”
ABA Connect: A Proven Model of Success in ABA Therapy
Founded in 2013, ABA Connect has quickly risen to prominence in the ABA therapy space. The company has earned a reputation for its innovative, play-based approach to therapy, particularly in early intervention services, which is a critical area of focus for ABA Connect. The company’s therapy services are not confined to its centers; ABA Connect also provides therapy in schools, homes, and community settings, making its approach versatile and adaptable to the needs of the children and families it serves. This flexibility is one of the reasons ABA Connect is so well-regarded in the industry.
A distinctive feature of ABA Connect’s model is the inclusion of parents and caregivers in the therapy process. By empowering families to actively participate in their child’s treatment, ABA Connect fosters a collaborative environment that enhances the overall effectiveness of therapy. The company’s approach is rooted in evidence-based practices that are designed to address a variety of developmental and behavioral challenges commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders.
In terms of insurance, ABA Connect is committed to making its services as accessible as possible. The company accepts most major commercial insurance plans, as well as multiple Medicaid insurance plans, ensuring that more families can take advantage of its services. This commitment to accessibility is central to ABA Connect’s mission to provide high-quality therapy to children, regardless of their financial situation.
In 2022, ABA Connect was acquired by MBF Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm based in Coral Gables, Florida. The acquisition by MBF Healthcare Partners is seen as a strategic move that will further fuel the company’s growth and expansion. MBF Healthcare Partners is no stranger to the ABA therapy sector; the firm previously founded and sold Acorn Health, which operates over 70 facilities. This track record of success, combined with ABA Connect’s strong foundation, positions the company for continued growth and success.
As part of its growth strategy, ABA Connect expanded into the Colorado market in August 2023 through the acquisition of Bright Behavior, another well-respected ABA therapy provider. This move into Colorado highlights the company’s commitment to expanding its geographical footprint and offering its high-quality services to more families in need. The ABA therapy expansion in both Texas and Colorado demonstrates ABA Connect’s ability to scale its services to meet the increasing demand for early intervention therapy.
A New Era for ABA Therapy of Houston
The acquisition of ABA Therapy of Houston brings not only expanded services but also leadership changes that will contribute to the overall success of the integration. Camille Adams, the former owner and CEO of ABA Therapy of Houston, will now serve as the director of payor contracting and credentialing at ABA Connect. Adams, who founded ABA Therapy of Houston, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, where she will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success and growth of the combined organization.
In a statement, Adams expressed her excitement about the opportunities the acquisition will bring, particularly in terms of employee career growth and the resources that ABA Connect offers. She emphasized the importance of upholding the values of compassionate, high-quality care, which has always been the hallmark of ABA Therapy of Houston. With ABA Connect’s robust back-office support, Adams believes the company will be able to elevate its standards of care and meet the needs of an even greater number of families in the Houston market and beyond.
“This acquisition allows us to meet the needs of more families while continuing to provide high-quality care,” Adams said. “I’m excited about the opportunities for employee career growth and the ability to leverage ABA Connect’s resources to further elevate our standards of care. Together, we will continue to provide the best services possible for the children and families we serve.”
ABA Therapy of Houston is known for providing a comprehensive range of services, including ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for children ages 2 to 8. The provider has built a solid reputation for its commitment to delivering compassionate and high-quality care, which made it an ideal partner for ABA Connect. Additionally, ABA Therapy of Houston is in-network with most major commercial insurance plans, making its services accessible to a broad base of families.
ABA Connect’s Rebranding and Continued Expansion
As part of the ongoing evolution of the company, ABA Connect will soon undergo a rebranding. A banner at the top of the company’s website announces that the organization will be unveiling a new name in the near future. The rebranding aims to bring a fresh identity to the company while maintaining the same passion and commitment to providing high-quality care to the children and families it serves.
The rebranding is just one piece of ABA Connect’s broader growth strategy. The company plans to continue seeking out new partnerships and acquisitions in both existing and new markets. ABA Connect’s leadership team is focused on scaling the business in a way that maintains the high standards of care that the company has become known for. The goal is to meet the increasing demand for autism-related therapies and early intervention services, all while ensuring that the needs of children and families are at the forefront of every decision.
This ABA therapy expansion represents a larger trend in the sector, as the demand for quality services continues to rise. With the support of its private equity partners, ABA Connect is well-positioned to continue driving this growth and providing the necessary resources to support the development of children with autism and other developmental challenges.
Market Trends and Future Outlook for ABA Therapy Providers
The autism sector has seen some fluctuations in recent years, particularly in terms of mergers and acquisitions. According to a report from M&A advisory firm The Braff Group, the number of autism-related deals decreased from 41 in 2022 to just 22 in 2023. Despite this decline in deals, ABA Connect’s acquisition of ABA Therapy of Houston signals a continued confidence in the sector and the future of ABA therapy as a critical service for children with autism and related developmental disorders.
ABA Connect’s commitment to growth, coupled with its solid financial backing from MBF Healthcare Partners, positions the company to continue thriving in an evolving market. As the need for high-quality ABA therapy services continues to rise, ABA Connect is well-positioned to meet that demand, delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to more families and communities across Texas, Colorado, and potentially beyond.
In conclusion, ABA Connect’s acquisition of ABA Therapy of Houston represents a significant milestone in the company’s ABA therapy expansion journey. With expanded resources, an enhanced geographic footprint, and a continued focus on delivering top-quality therapy, ABA Connect is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of children and families across its service areas. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of providing the best care possible for those who need it most.
