National applied behavior analysis (ABA) platform company ACES announced Thursday that it acquired Phoenix multispecialty autism therapy provider Ally Pediatric Therapy.
Following the acquisition, ACES will end Ally Pediatric Therapy’s multidisciplinary health services, including its in-house speech, occupational therapy and feeding services, and replace them with external care coordination services.
“We are confident that ACES is the right partner for Ally given our shared purpose, aligned clinical model, and collaborative cultures,” Jamie Catlett, CEO of Ally Pediatric Therapy, said in a news release. “We look forward to staying true to our founding principles as we serve more people together with the additional resources, enhanced clinical tools and support for teams and families that this partnership represents.”
The move brings Ally Pediatric Therapy assets into line with ACES’ ABA-centric care model, “consistent with ACES process across all existing locations,” the release states.
“Families currently receiving physical health services will receive personalized transition support to ensure continuity of care,” Ally Pediatric Therapy states in a message to patient families on its website. “After the wind-down, ACES will continue to coordinate and support access to physical health services through trusted community providers across Phoenix for families who may benefit from additional specialties.”
The move also deepens San Diego-based ACES’ footprint in Arizona. Before the deal, it operated six in The Grand Canyon State and 83 all told. Ally Pediatric Therapy adds nine more locations. Ally was founded in 2015.
ACES, founded in 1996, also operates in California, Colorado, Hawaii, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas.
SBJ Capital, Ally Pediatric Therapy’s previous financial backer, invested in Ally in 2022. General Atlantic acquired ACES, officially known as Comprehensive Education Services, in 2020.
The Inc. 5000 list recognized Ally Pediatric Therapy as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. in 2024. It posted 182% three-year revenue growth ending in 2023.
“With Ally now a part of ACES, we will expand access to services while preserving the local relationships and high quality of care Phoenix families rely on,” Lisa Dawe, CEO of ACES, said in the release.
The release also states that all clinical and operational leaders at Ally will remain in place; ACES plans to add more Arizona clinics and invest in additional tools and training for clinicians.
The deal was enabled by Berkery Noyes and O’Melveny & Myers on the Ally Pediatric Therapy side and by Bass Berry & Sims on the ACES side.
Behavioral Health Business has requested additional insights from ACES. This story may be updated.
