COLUMBIA, June 16, 2025 – STEPS Behavioral Health is expanding its services with a new clinic in Columbia.
New Clinic Opens Doors
STEPS Behavioral Health announced the opening of its newest clinic in Columbia.
- STEPS Behavioral Health has opened a new clinic in Columbia.
- The clinic, located at 8310 Guilford Road, Suite D, will offer ABA therapy programming.
- The new location aims to support children with developmental needs in Howard County.
STEPS Behavioral Health, a company specializing in applied behavioral analysis services, announced on June 16th the opening of its latest clinic, bringing crucial resources to Columbia. This new facility will focus on providing ABA therapy programming to support children with various developmental needs.
The new clinic is located at 8310 Guilford Road, Suite D. This expansion allows STEPS to extend its mission of offering child-centered ABA services to the residents of Howard County. STEPS already operates clinics in Towson and Pikesville and provides in-home therapy throughout the state for families with autistic children.
Did you know?-ABA therapy is widely recognized as an effective treatment for autism spectrum disorder, focusing on improving specific behaviors, such as dialog, social skills, reading, and academics.
“We’re thrilled to join the Howard County community and offer families a trusted resource for developmental and behavioral support,” said Erin Stern, Founder and President of STEPS Behavioral Health. “our team is passionate about creating a fun,nurturing space where autistic children can learn,grow,and thrive. We want our families to feel cared for by our team and know we will be there to support them through their journey.”
The clinic will feature Early STEPS, Summer STEPS, and Social STEPS programs. These programs focus on early intervention and school readiness, offering an interactive summer program for youth campers, and building crucial social skills. the building is equipped with two gyms, a media room filled with books and games, playrooms designed for natural surroundings teaching, and designated areas for individual learning and quiet sensory breaks.
Reader question:-What specific types of social skills will the Social STEPS program focus on developing in children?
The staff includes board-certified behavior analysts and registered behavior technicians. They will collaborate to provide personalized, evidence-based care tailored to each child’s unique needs, according to the company’s release.
STEPS Columbia plans to offer speech and occupational therapy services in partnership with The Therapy Spot. A grand opening is planned for the Columbia location soon.
Expanding Access to Applied Behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy
As STEPS Behavioral Health opens its new clinic in Columbia, the focus on providing ABA therapy programming highlights the critical need for accessible and effective interventions for children with developmental needs. This expansion represents more than just a new location; it signifies a commitment to supporting families in Howard county and beyond.
ABA therapy, a scientifically-backed approach, centers on understanding and modifying behaviors to enhance a child’s overall progress.The new clinic’s early STEPS, Summer STEPS, and Social STEPS programs reflect a comprehensive strategy, addressing early intervention, school readiness, and social skill development. The incorporation of dedicated spaces for learning,play,and sensory breaks demonstrates a thoughtful approach to creating an optimal therapeutic habitat. The collaboration with The Therapy Spot to offer speech and occupational therapy further enriches the clinic’s capabilities, addressing a broader range of needs.
The Role of ABA Therapy
The core of STEPS Behavioral Health’s mission is providing evidence-based ABA therapy.ABA, rooted in the principles of behavior analysis, takes a data-driven approach to improving socially important behaviors. Therapists break down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps, then use positive reinforcement to encourage progress. Regular data collection and analysis allow therapists to continually refine treatment plans, ensuring the most effective interventions.
ABA therapy is a powerful tool for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays. ABA therapy helps improve a variety of skills, including communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. This approach, when implemented by qualified professionals-such as the board-certified behavior analysts and registered behavior technicians at the STEPS Columbia clinic- can considerably impact a child’s ability to navigate daily life, learn, and interact with others.
Key Areas Targeted by ABA Therapy
The effectiveness of ABA therapy lies in its ability to address specific areas. The Social STEPS program, such as, likely targets skills such as:
- Communication: Developing verbal and nonverbal communication skills, including understanding and expressing needs and desires.
- Social Interaction: Improving interactions with peers, turn-taking, and understanding social cues.
- Play Skills: Enhancing the ability to engage in imaginative play and interact with others during play.
- Daily Living Skills: teaching self-care tasks like dressing, eating, and toileting.
Beyond these specific skills, ABA also focuses on reducing challenging behaviors that may interfere with learning and social participation. This is achieved through strategies like identifying the function of the behavior, teaching replacement behaviors, and modifying the environment to better meet the child’s needs.
The upcoming grand opening of STEPS Columbia promises a vital resource – a welcoming, supportive environment where children can thrive. This clinic aims to support children with unique needs, ultimately enabling them to reach their full potential.
ABA therapy involves individualized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and strengths. Treatment plans are regularly assessed and updated based on the child’s progress.
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