2025: Predictions in the Behavioral Health Business World

I'm a few days early or one day early depending on what part of the world you are in but non the less... Happy New Year! With the start of 2025, we’re standing at the threshold of incredible possibilities for the behavioral health field. This year promises growth, innovation, and, most importantly, an expanded reach of vital services to those who need them most. Here are my predictions for what we might see in the months ahead:

1. Growth in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Mergers and Acquisitions

Autism diagnoses are on the rise as testing becomes more accessible and societal acceptance improves. This creates a growing demand for ABA services, leading smaller companies to seek expansion opportunities to meet this need. However, growth requires investment. Investors in this space are beginning to prioritize sustainable and ethical strategies, ensuring long-term success. I’m excited to see how these changes will bring services to underserved areas and positively impact countless lives.

2. Increased Demand for Behavioral Health Housing

The need for housing tailored to behavioral health clients is growing. Major care providers often prefer to lease rather than own real estate, creating a niche market for residential real estate companies. These businesses are recognizing the opportunity to serve behavioral health providers by offering specialized leasing solutions—a win-win for everyone involved.

3. Value-Based Care (VBC) Gains Momentum

Value-Based Care is set to make strides in 2025. While I initially had reservations about how reimbursement rates were handled, I’ve come to see the potential. When implemented properly, VBC incentivizes providers to ensure clients achieve lasting recovery. However, accurate reporting will be critical to its success. The rollout still feels like the “Wild Wild West,” with insurers navigating how to apply VBC to behavioral health in different states. Even so, I’m optimistic about the improvements this model can bring to care quality.

4. Expanded Virtual Mental Health Services for Youth

The pandemic spotlighted the urgent need for accessible mental health services for children. Virtual counseling and therapy are now becoming mainstream, with schools increasingly partnering with providers to bring care directly to students. Some companies are even bypassing insurance hassles altogether by working directly with school systems. Telehealth technology improves every year, and this space remains a blue ocean for providers willing to act quickly. Accessible mental health services can significantly enhance the well-being and safety of children in schools.

What I’m Looking Forward To This Year

As someone deeply involved in group home care for children in foster care with autism and developmental delays, I’m passionate about ensuring these youth receive the services they need. This year, we’re exploring how to bring some of the outsourced services we rely on—like Targeted Case Management—directly in-house.

I’ve often spoken about having a gift for connecting with others, and I believe in using that talent to make a difference. Many vital services aren’t widely advertised, and while I understand the cost-saving rationale, I believe there’s room for more outreach to better serve our communities. My goal this year is to leverage my gift—and those of my colleagues—to extend our impact and serve even more individuals.

Let’s Connect!

I love hearing from others in the behavioral health field. If you’d like to discuss these predictions or collaborate, feel free to reach out! You can find me on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected].

Here’s to a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful change!