While financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the acquisition signals a strategic push by Stepping Stones to broaden its footprint in the autism services market and strengthen its multidisciplinary approach to care.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado, The Stepping Stones Group offers therapeutic and behavioral health services to children, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The company currently serves more than 500 clients and reaches over 115,000 students across 30 states through school and community-based partnerships.
Its acquisition of STAR of CA follows its September purchase of New England ABA, marking just the second autism-focused addition to its growing portfolio. These deals underscore the company’s intention to become a leader in comprehensive autism care on a national scale.
Who Is STAR of CA?
Founded in California, STAR of CA has built a strong reputation for delivering evidence-based services to children and families. The organization provides a range of therapeutic interventions, including home, school, and community-based ABA therapy. It also offers a suite of mental health services designed to support children with behavioral or developmental needs.
STAR of CA is particularly known for:
- High-quality ABA therapy grounded in research
- Integrated mental health support
- Culturally competent and family-centered care
With a robust presence across the state of California, STAR of CA brings both geographical reach and clinical depth to the Stepping Stones Group.
A Multidisciplinary Model for Autism Care
Nancy Weisling, managing director of behavioral health at The Braff Group, the M&A advisory firm that originated and advised the transaction, emphasized the deal’s significance in her announcement.
“The future of autism services is a multidisciplinary model,” Weisling said. “STAR of CA and The Stepping Stones Group is the perfect marriage that will bring ABA and related services under one roof, ensuring the highest quality of care for the individuals and ease of coordination for the families.”
Bringing STAR of CA under the Stepping Stones umbrella allows for a more unified and seamless care delivery system. This model enhances the experience for families navigating multiple service needs while promoting better outcomes through coordination.
Leadership and Continuity
As part of the acquisition, STAR of CA will be integrated into Stepping Stones’ newly established Autism Division. Doug Moes, cofounder, president, and CEO of STAR of CA, will take the helm of this division, helping to maintain continuity and leadership expertise.
Having Moes in charge signals an intent to preserve the clinical integrity and organizational culture that made STAR of CA a strong regional provider while expanding its services nationally.
A Broader Trend in Behavioral Health
The acquisition of STAR of CA reflects a larger trend in the behavioral health industry: increasing interest from private equity investors and national providers looking to establish stronghold positions in niche markets such as autism care.
Autism services, while a smaller segment within behavioral health, are among the most sought-after due to high demand, ongoing shortages of qualified providers, and favorable insurance reimbursement dynamics. As these services become more integrated and outcome-focused, investors are prioritizing multidisciplinary models that include diagnostics, therapy, psychiatry, and family support under one roof.
Summit BHC Enters Colorado with Peak View Acquisition
In a separate but equally notable move, Summit BHC — a national behavioral health and addiction treatment provider based in Franklin, Tennessee — has announced the acquisition of Peak View Behavioral Health in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The deal marks Summit’s entry into the Colorado market and expands its network to 19 freestanding treatment centers in 14 states.
Peak View is a 112-bed acute psychiatric and behavioral health hospital, offering comprehensive inpatient services to individuals experiencing serious mental health or substance use challenges.
“This is an exciting time for Peak View as we look to grow our services and reach a larger population of people who are in need of care,” said Ty Meredith, CEO of Peak View. “Partnering with Summit allows us to do just that.”
Summit’s acquisition strategy aims to scale high-quality care nationally while preserving local relationships and clinical excellence.
Investment in Mental Health Infrastructure in California
Meanwhile, San Diego County has approved $17.4 million to fund a new psychiatric facility on the Tri-City Medical Center campus in Oceanside, California. The 16-bed inpatient psychiatric center is expected to open within 12 to 18 months, pending a smooth permitting process.
This investment represents a significant turnaround, as Tri-City previously shuttered its outdated behavioral health unit in 2018 due to safety concerns and unsustainable reimbursement rates.
The new facility, once complete, will offer critical services to patients in crisis and reduce the burden on emergency departments and jails, which often become de facto mental health providers in underserved areas.
Conclusion: Consolidation and Expansion Shape the Future
The acquisition of STAR of CA by The Stepping Stones Group, Summit BHC’s move into Colorado, and the public investment in San Diego County all reflect a shared theme: behavioral health is expanding, both in scope and sophistication.
Private equity’s role continues to grow, with firms like Five Arrows Capital Partners backing strategic consolidations that prioritize integrated care models. For families navigating autism and mental health services, these shifts could translate to better access, coordinated care, and improved outcomes.
As Stepping Stones deepens its reach and infrastructure, particularly through its Autism Division led by Doug Moes, it positions itself as a national leader in child behavioral health. Providers that embrace integration, scalability, and evidence-based care are likely to lead the next wave of transformation in this rapidly evolving space.
