On January 9, 2024, Ascend Capital Partners, a New York City-based private equity firm specializing in healthcare investments, announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Unison Therapy Services, a multi-specialty behavioral health provider based in Walnut Creek, California. Unison has long been recognized for its expertise in offering a range of services for youth and families, focusing on applied behavior analysis (ABA), a treatment method primarily used to address autism spectrum disorders and other developmental conditions. This move is expected to further elevate Unison’s position in the behavioral health market, as Ascend plans to leverage its clinical expertise, resources, and infrastructure to support the company’s growth trajectory.
The acquisition sees the transfer of ownership from Ridgemont Equity Partners, a private equity firm that had previously invested in Unison in 2019. While the financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, this transition marks a significant shift in Unison’s growth strategy. The partnership between Ascend and Unison will provide the company with additional support as it continues to provide much-needed behavioral health services for youth. Todd Ezrine, CEO of Unison Therapy Services, commented on the partnership: “This partnership is a pivotal milestone for Unison, positioning us to leverage Ascend’s clinical expertise, infrastructure, and support in our next phase of growth.”
Unison’s Impact on Behavioral Health for Youth and Families
Unison Therapy Services has been a trusted provider of youth and family behavioral health services since its founding in 1989. The company addresses a wide range of special education and therapeutic needs, with a particular emphasis on developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social and emotional challenges, and behavioral disorders. Unison has developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality care through its multiple service offerings, which include speech therapy, behavioral health services, psychology, as well as physical and occupational therapy.
The company operates through a variety of specialized brands, each focused on different aspects of care for children and families. These include ABRITE, Behavior Therapy Clinic, Comprehensive Autism Center, Family Support Center, and SPG Therapy & Education. Each brand offers unique services tailored to specific therapeutic needs, helping to create a comprehensive approach to behavioral health services for youth. Unison’s operations are currently spread across California and Colorado, with plans for further expansion as the company grows under Ascend’s stewardship. The services provided by Unison are designed to support families in addressing developmental, speech, and social-emotional challenges, with a focus on early intervention, personalized care, and evidence-based treatment. For families dealing with autism and other developmental disabilities, Unison is often a lifeline, offering the resources and expertise needed to improve their child’s quality of life.
Growth and Trends in the Autism and Behavioral Health Market
This acquisition comes at a time of increasing investment activity in the autism and behavioral health services for youth sector. In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in the number of mergers and acquisitions in the autism space, particularly as demand for services continues to grow. According to the M&A advisory firm, The Braff Group, autism deals saw a marked increase in 2023, and they project that 2024 will see around 35 deals in the autism services market, up from fewer than 25 in 2023. This growing interest from private equity firms reflects the increasing demand for specialized behavioral health services and the recognition of the long-term value these services bring to both individuals and communities.
Private equity investment plays a crucial role in the behavioral health services for youth industry, with firms like Ascend Capital Partners investing heavily in companies like Unison to help them expand and enhance the services they provide. In fact, private equity has been a driving force in the growth of the behavioral health market in recent years, accounting for around 60% of all behavioral health deals. When it comes to autism services specifically, private equity firms have been even more dominant, making up about 90% of the transactions. These firms provide not only capital but also strategic guidance, clinical expertise, and operational support that can help companies like Unison expand their reach and improve the quality of care they deliver.
The Future of Unison Therapy Services
The partnership between Ascend Capital Partners and Unison Therapy Services marks the beginning of a new phase for the company. With Ascend’s backing, Unison is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in the youth and family behavioral health sector and expand its service offerings. Ascend Capital Partners brings to the table a wealth of experience in healthcare investments, with a focus on growing companies in the behavioral health and autism services sectors. With Ascend’s clinical and operational expertise, Unison will be able to scale its services, increase accessibility, and continue to meet the evolving needs of families facing developmental and behavioral challenges.
The support from Ascend will allow Unison to enhance its infrastructure, adopt new technologies, and refine its clinical practices, all of which will contribute to better outcomes for the children and families they serve. As the demand for autism services continues to rise, the partnership will enable Unison to remain at the forefront of providing evidence-based, compassionate care to those in need.
In conclusion, the acquisition of a majority stake in Unison Therapy Services by Ascend Capital Partners is a significant milestone for both companies and for the broader behavioral health services for youth market. This partnership promises to drive growth, expand services, and improve access to specialized care for children and families facing developmental and behavioral challenges. As Unison enters this new chapter, its expanded capabilities and resources will allow it to continue its legacy of providing high-quality, individualized care to those who need it most.
