EdTheory, a prominent special education and K-12 mental health services provider, is making a significant expansion by entering the center-based ABA therapy space. This move represents a new chapter in the company’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental challenges.
Building on a Strong Foundation in ABA Therapy
EdTheory has long been known for its flexible and accessible ABA therapy offerings delivered in schools, homes, and through telehealth platforms. This multi-modal approach has allowed the company to meet families and children where they are, providing tailored therapy in environments that best support individual needs.
Now, EdTheory is deepening its footprint in ABA services by launching a new affiliate company—Proficio Therapy Services (PTS). This new venture is the result of aligning two of EdTheory’s affiliates, Proficio Speech Therapy Group and AGES Learning Solutions, to create a holistic center-based ABA therapy provider. Headquartered in Fairfield, California, PTS will offer an integrated suite of services for children diagnosed with ASD or related disorders. These services include not only center-based ABA therapy but also speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological services—all delivered within dedicated clinic settings.
Leadership That Inspires Confidence
Marvel Philip, founder and CEO of the EdTheory Group, expressed enthusiasm for PTS and its leadership. “PTS, with its inspiring leadership team, amazing talent and most importantly, the right attitude, robust work ethos and work culture, is a natural and organic fit into the EdTheory family,” Philip said. His statement reflects the company’s belief that the people driving PTS forward will be critical to its success.
Heading PTS is Pradeesh Thomas, an investor in EdTheory and member of its executive board, who will serve as the new company’s CEO. Thomas brings a wealth of experience from his prior role as managing partner at Harmony Ventures, a venture capital firm based in India. His expertise in scaling businesses and driving strategic growth is expected to propel PTS’s expansion plans in California and beyond.
On LinkedIn, Thomas shared his excitement about the launch and expansion into comprehensive autism clinics, highlighting the company’s presence across the San Francisco Bay Area and Salt Lake City, Utah. The current footprint includes five centers, with plans underway to open two more centers in California, signaling strong confidence in market demand.
Why Center-Based ABA Therapy Matters
While EdTheory’s existing ABA services delivered in schools, homes, and via telehealth have been successful, the addition of center-based ABA therapy represents a strategic diversification. Center-based ABA therapy provides unique advantages for both providers and families:
- Cost efficiency: In-center ABA therapy often proves to be a more affordable option compared to intensive one-on-one home care, benefiting families and insurers alike.
- Community and collaboration: Therapy centers create an environment where clinicians can collaborate closely, share best practices, and support each other. This team dynamic not only enhances care quality but also helps reduce staff burnout and turnover—a critical factor in the therapy workforce.
- Tailored treatment options: Having multiple modalities under one roof allows therapists to adjust interventions based on what works best for each child. It also streamlines care coordination across specialties such as speech and occupational therapy.
- Patient retention and revenue stability: By offering comprehensive services in one setting, PTS reduces the likelihood that families will seek additional providers elsewhere. This integrated model supports consistent revenue streams and strengthens provider-patient relationships over time.
EdTheory’s Broader Role in Education and Therapy
EdTheory is a Certified Non-Public Agency (NPA) based in Pleasanton, California. Since its founding in 2018, the company has partnered with more than 300 school districts nationwide to provide contract therapy and special education teaching services. Its broad portfolio includes special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral health, and nursing, making it a trusted partner for schools aiming to support students with diverse needs.
With the launch of Proficio Therapy Services, EdTheory demonstrates a clear commitment to expanding beyond school-based services to meet the growing demand for autism and developmental disorder therapies in clinical settings.
The Market Outlook: ABA Therapy and M&A Activity
Industry analysts project that ABA providers will be hot targets for mergers and acquisitions in 2024. After a period of sky-high valuations driven by high demand and limited supply, market prices have now stabilized, making ABA companies attractive investment opportunities.
School-based ABA programs, in particular, are appealing acquisition targets due to their built-in customer base and relatively lower customer acquisition costs. Partnerships with school districts also provide predictable, manageable workloads for clinicians, improving staff retention and service quality.
EdTheory’s existing experience working closely with schools, combined with its new clinical centers offering center-based ABA therapy, positions it well to capitalize on this evolving landscape. The company’s multi-modal service approach gives it flexibility and resilience in a competitive market, ensuring it can meet diverse patient needs while maximizing operational efficiencies.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Impact
Proficio Therapy Services plans to continue expanding its physical presence in California and Utah, aiming to establish itself as a leading provider of center-based ABA therapy and allied therapies in the region. Through its comprehensive, evidence-based treatment model, PTS will offer families a trusted option for quality care designed to help children with autism and related disorders reach their full potential.
EdTheory’s strategic expansion reflects an ongoing dedication to innovation and meeting the needs of children and families in new and impactful ways. By combining therapy delivery in schools, homes, telehealth, and now specialized centers offering center-based ABA therapy, EdTheory is setting a new standard for accessible, holistic care.
