Heartleaf ABA, a subsidiary of Vivant Behavioral Health, is bringing center-based Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy to Northeast Maine this Spring. Their new center, located in Bangor, will be the first program of its kind in the region.
Bangor, ME, March 11, 2022
Heartleaf ABA is wrapping up construction on Northeastern Maine’s first Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) center. Widely referred to as the “gold standard” treatment option for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ABA utilizes positive reinforcement to help kids reach development milestones. Heartleaf is Vivant’s first step in transitioning all their ABA services to a center-based model of care. “There is a lot of emerging evidence indicating that center-based care could be even more effective than home-based Autism services,” says Katie Arnold, BCBA, MS, National Director for Clinical ABA at Vivant.
The center also allows Heartleaf to offer added services, like speech/language therapy, that previously required trips to many different offices. “Our mission is to help families, it’s what each of our team members lives and breathes,” Brian Steinberg, VP of Operations says, “A lot of our staff, from direct care to our leadership team, have very personal experiences with Autism/ABA. They are passionate about helping families navigate this process because they’ve been there.”
By developing a full-day ABA therapy program, Heartleaf hopes to ease some of the stress on parents and caregivers. The center, which spans over 5,000 square feet, includes:
- Individual therapy rooms for 1-to-1 learning
- Group indoor/outdoor spaces to help children develop play skills naturally
- Classrooms to prepare school-aged kids for transitioning into a traditional school environment
When asked why Bangor was chosen for their first center in New England, Brian cites Autism rates which, in Maine, are approximately double the national average. He also noted that many of Maine’s Autism services are located farther down the coast. “We want to make sure the entire state has access to quality care,” Brian says, “Rural communities often have fewer resources, and Autism doesn’t discriminate based on geography. I mentioned this before, but I’ll say it again, our mission is to serve families. We can’t fulfill that mission without reaching areas like Bangor.”
Heartleaf ABA is located near the Bangor airport at 396 Griffin Road, Suite 106. They are now enrolling children ages 2-6 with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or Optum, insurances with more coverage options on the way. Families or healthcare providers interested in learning more about Heartleaf can call (207) 745-0750 or visit heartleafaba.com to submit an information request.
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About Heartleaf ABA
Heartleaf is a New England-based subsidiary of Vivant Behavioral Health. Founded in 2021, Heartleaf offers center-based ABA therapy for children ages 2-6 with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their mission is to provide exceptional ABA therapy as well as support services to children, caretakers, and families affected by Autism.
