Biz ‘Bite:’ 360 Behavioral Health cuts ribbon for first Idaho location

360 Behavioral Health cut the ribbon for its new location in Meridian and first facility in Idaho on Thursday during a grand-opening celebration open to community members. Guests were able to tour the facility, at 2549 North Stokesberry Place, that will provide treatment services based on applied behavior analysis to support children and teens with autism. Programs are designed to increase functional language and communication, improve skills related to attention and focus and decrease problem behaviors, as described by the company.

“There is a huge need for autism treatment services in the Treasure Valley area,” Devin Berger, director of clinical services at the new Meridian location, said about the grand opening. “Other facilities in the area right now have long wait times for assessments and treatments. It is important to get these kids treated early in their learning development to help build a foundation for them to grow on.”

Currently, approximately 8,000 children in Idaho are believed to be affected by autism, according to the announcement, which cited statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“This statistic reflects only those cases that have been diagnosed,” 360 Behavioral Health stated in its announcement. “Many other cases likely go undiagnosed. Given these metrics, it is clear that the prevalence of autism in Idaho is cause for concern.”

Recently, Idaho became the 47th state to require insurance coverage for the treatment and intervention for individuals with autism, meaning that if a child is diagnosed with autism and has health care insurance through a health plan in Idaho, the insurance provider is mandated to help cover the costs for appropriate and necessary treatment, according to the announcement. 360 Behavioral Health was established more than 20 years ago with its first locations in California and is touted as one of the original autism therapy providers in the state.