What Is Action Behavior Centers?

Transforming Autism Care Across the U.S.

June 27, 2025

Introduction to Action Behavior Centers

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) stands as a pivotal organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Since its founding in 2016, ABC has expanded its reach across multiple states, offering personalized, evidence-based treatments aimed at fostering growth, independence, and improved quality of life for children on the spectrum.

Understanding the Purpose and Mission of ABC

Empowering Children with Autism to Reach Their Full Potential

What is the purpose of Action Behavior Centers?

The main goal of Action Behavior Centers (ABC) is to improve the lives of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They do this by providing personalized, high-quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for autism.

Founded in 2016 in Austin, Texas, ABC has grown into the largest provider of ABA therapy in the country. The center-based therapies focus on reducing disruptive behaviors such as self-harm and aggression while enhancing critical skills like communication, social interaction, and daily living.

Through tailored therapy programs, ABC aims to help children aged 2 to 14 reach their full potential. Their approach emphasizes building strengths and supporting development in areas like receptive and expressive language, social skills, and adaptive living. Such interventions help children lead more independent and satisfying lives.

What is the mission and background of Action Behavior Centers?

ABC’s mission is to empower children with autism spectrum disorder to achieve their best possible outcomes. This mission underpins their comprehensive approach to autism treatment, emphasizing individualized care and continuous improvement.

Since its founding, ABC has expanded across multiple states, including Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, and Minnesota. They operate over 200 centers, with a team of more than 1,000 board-certified behavior analysts, psychologists, and thousands of para-professionals.

Beyond pediatric care, ABC has also partnered with organizations like 29 Acres to create employment opportunities for adults with autism, promoting independence and supporting community integration.

Furthermore, ABC supports ongoing research through the Action Institute for Outcomes Research (AIR), striving to enhance behavioral health results through innovation.

With initiatives focused on both therapy quality and workforce development, ABC’s broader goal is to support holistic growth for individuals with autism, fostering hope and opportunity at every stage of life.

Scope of Services and Treatment Programs

Discover Personalized ABA Therapy Programs Tailored for Your Child

What services are offered by Action Behavior Centers?

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) provides specialized services centered around Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a widely recognized and effective treatment for children on the autism spectrum. Their offerings include comprehensive ABA therapy programs tailored individually to meet each child's unique needs. These programs focus on developing skills such as communication, social interaction, and adaptive living skills while reducing challenging behaviors like self-harm and aggression.

In addition to direct therapy, ABC offers diagnostic tools to help identify autism spectrum disorder early and accurately. These assessments support early intervention and personalized treatment planning for children. Support services for families are also part of their mission, helping caregivers understand autism better and support their children’s development effectively.

Founded in 2016 and based in Austin, TX, ABC is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care to optimize each child's progress and help them reach their full potential.

Overview of ABC's programs and operations

Action Behavior Centers operates more than 200 centers across states including Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, and Minnesota. Their programs are designed for children aged 2-14 and include both clinic-based and home or school services.

The organization employs over 1,100 graduate-level clinicians, including nearly 1,200 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), registered behavior technicians (RBTs), and other clinical staff. They maintain low child-to-clinician ratios—usually about one BCBA supervising around nine RBTs, who work directly with approximately eight children—ensuring individualized attention.

Besides therapy, ABC emphasizes staff training, professional growth, and career development, offering pathways for promotion, bonuses, and free certification training. They also utilize diagnostic assessments like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CAST), and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) to facilitate early diagnosis.

Operating out of their Austin headquarters, ABC strives to provide the highest quality ABA services, supporting children with autism and their families through a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.

Operational Reach and Organizational Growth

Over 200 Centers Across Multiple States – Committed to Expanding Access

How extensive is ABC's operational reach?

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) has established itself as the largest provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in the United States. The organization operates more than 200 centers across six states, including Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, and Minnesota.

In addition to its clinic locations, ABC manages over 250 programs that serve children both at clinics, at home, and in school environments. The organization employs a workforce of about 1,100 graduate-level clinicians, among them more than 1,200 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), clinical psychologists, and over 8,000 para-professionals, such as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and behavior therapists.

This wide-reaching network demonstrates ABC's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality services to children with autism across multiple states, addressing a broad geographical area with tailored, center-based ABA treatment programs.

Who owns Action Behavior Centers?

Action Behavior Centers is currently owned by Charlesbank Capital Partners, which acquired the organization in September 2022. This investment supports ABC’s ongoing expansion efforts. Before this, the company was owned by NexPhase Capital LP, which invested in ABC in 2018.

Charlesbank’s ownership signifies active support for the growing organization. Their investment was part of a larger financial backing, including a significant debt financing round completed on June 1, 2023. This influx of resources empowers ABC to expand its services and outreach.

What funding supports Action Behavior Centers?

Funding for ABC primarily comes from private equity investment and debt financing. The notable acquisition by Charlesbank Capital Partners in August 2022 for $840 million provided substantial backing for expansion. The latest financing round on June 1, 2023, further emphasizes the company’s financial strength.

While specific details about all funding sources haven’t been publicly detailed, this combination of equity investment and debt financing has been critical in enabling ABC’s rapid growth across multiple states. The company’s financial strategy aligns with its mission to empower children with autism through expanding access to high-quality ABA therapy.

Aspect	Details	Additional Notes
States Covered	Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, Minnesota	Over 200 centers nationwide
Workforce	1,100 clinicians, 1,200+ BCBAs, thousands of para-pros	Focused on high standards in ABA therapy
Ownership	Owned by Charlesbank Capital Partners since 2022	Previously owned by NexPhase Capital in 2018
Primary Funding	Debt financing (June 2023), private equity investment (2022)	Supports ongoing expansion and service delivery
Service Reach	Over 250 programs across clinics, home, and schools	Focused on improving lives of children with ASD

This strategic combination of ownership, funding, and extensive operational networks underscores ABC’s notable growth and strong position in the field of autism therapy.

Supporting the Workforce and Community Impact

Building a Skilled Workforce and Fostering Community Engagement

What employment opportunities and benefits does ABC offer?

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) is committed to fostering a motivated and well-supported workforce. It offers various career development opportunities, including structured promotion plans and incentive bonuses tied to performance metrics. Employees also benefit from a comprehensive package that includes competitive health insurance, paid time off, telehealth options, and access to mental health counseling.

In addition, ABC places a strong emphasis on ongoing professional growth by providing free training programs. These include certification courses for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) and supervision hours for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). Through these initiatives, ABC ensures its staff remains highly skilled and capable of delivering exceptional care to children with autism.

Does ABC contribute to community or social initiatives?

Beyond clinical services, ABC actively promotes social engagement and community involvement. The organization hosts team-building activities like happy hours, kickball games, appreciation events, and leadership summits to strengthen organizational cohesion.

Furthermore, ABC’s partnership with 29 Acres exemplifies its dedication to community impact. This collaboration aims to create employment and independence opportunities for adults with autism, showcasing ABC’s commitment to broadening its support beyond children. These efforts advocate for autism awareness and inclusion, emphasizing ABC’s role as a leader in community engagement.

Aspect	Details	Additional Information
Employment Opportunities	Promotion plans, bonus incentives based on KPIs	Focused on career growth and motivation
Employee Benefits	Health insurance, PTO, telehealth, mental health counseling, pet insurance, Free Lunch Fridays	Supports wellbeing and job satisfaction
Training & Development	RBT certification, BCBA supervision hours, free training programs	Ensures high-quality service delivery
Community Initiatives	Team activities, partnership with 29 Acres	Promotes social connection and community impact

Empowering Autism Care Through Innovation and Compassion

Action Behavior Centers has established itself as a leader in delivering evidence-based ABA therapy across the United States. With a strong mission to empower children with autism and a comprehensive range of services, ABC’s expansive network, dedicated staff, and innovative research initiatives underscore its commitment to improving outcomes. As the organization continues to grow and innovate, its model of personalized, high-quality care remains at the forefront of autism treatment, making a lasting impact on countless families and communities nationwide.