Growing the Field: Presenting at CASP
In this podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, hosted by Utah Behavior Services, we sat down with five of our team members who gave presentations at this year’s Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) Conference.
Nicole and Shay, both licensed marriage and family therapists as well as board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA), reflect on their experience presenting at CASP and discuss the innovative approach Utah Behavior Services takes to bridge the gap between mental health and applied behavior analysis (ABA).
The conversation focuses on their “Bridging the Gap” curriculum, a program they developed to integrate behavioral and mental health care, providing a seamless, comprehensive treatment model for children and families. Traditionally, families might have to seek separate mental health and ABA services, which can lead to confusion, conflicting advice, and incomplete care.
By creating a unified approach, the discussion emphasizes the importance of meeting families where they are, helping them receive cohesive care that addresses both behavioral and emotional needs. However, the challenge of implementing this integrated care model in the broader field of ABA is that many providers struggle with understanding or offering mental health services.
Utah Behavior Services has cultivated a clinical team that not only respects but collaborates across disciplines to provide the best possible outcomes for families. We emphasize the importance of communication between providers and the need for flexibility to adapt care based on individual client needs, making sure that both the client and their family benefit from a well-rounded treatment approach.
Utah Behavior Services is committed to providing high-quality, ethical care, both for their clients and their staff. The discussion touches on the importance of maintaining clinical and professional excellence, offering support and training to employees, and continuing to grow and innovate in ways that directly benefit the community. With this integrated model, UTBS ensures that children and families receive consistent, effective services, making a meaningful impact in their lives while setting a new standard for ABA and mental health care in Utah.
