SEBASTIAN — Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education has opened a new center in Sebastian, expanding access to applied behavior analysis therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder.
The facility at 1424 U.S. Highway 1, Suite C, began accepting referrals this month, offering center-based services alongside the company’s existing in-home and community-based options in Vero Beach, Indian River County and Brevard County.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on building communication, social and daily living skills through positive reinforcement and data-driven goals. The approach aims to reduce behaviors that hinder learning, with individualized plans tailored to each child.
Teddie Smink, clinical manager of the Sebastian center and a board-certified behavior analyst, said the expansion builds on years of serving local families.
“We feel so lucky to have spent the past several years serving families across Indian River and Brevard County through in-home, school and community-based ABA care,” Smink said. “We’re excited to be opening our Sebastian clinic to expand our reach and bring high-quality, compassionate ABA care to even more members of our amazing community.”
The center includes therapy rooms designed for various skills, staffed by board-certified behavior analysts, registered behavior technicians and support personnel. Programs include family involvement and coordination with schools and health care providers to ensure skills transfer to everyday settings.
Mike Foulk, chief operating officer of Cultivate, highlighted the therapy’s impact.
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact that compassionate, individualized ABA therapy can have on a child’s life,” Foulk said. “By opening our Sebastian center, we’re deepening our roots in the community and strengthening our ability to walk alongside families every step of the way.”
The opening reflects Cultivate’s growth in Florida, with services now extending to St. Lucie County. The company, founded in 2015, operates in 11 states including Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
Cultivate holds accreditation from the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and is a member of the Council of Autism Service Providers.
Families can contact the center at (855) 444-5664 or visit Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education in Sebastian for more information.
