About Us

Our Story

Born From Personal Experience, Driven By Purpose

The American Institute of Mental Health was founded by a family that understands autism — not just professionally, but personally.

Our founders grew up in Latin America, where they witnessed firsthand the lack of resources and support for children with special needs. Their parents dedicated their lives to helping these children in their community — volunteering in schools, organizing support groups, and advocating for families who had nowhere else to turn.

When they came to the United States, they carried that same passion with them. Having a family history of autism within their own household, they understood the challenges families face: the long wait lists, the shortage of qualified providers, the overwhelming need for services that truly make a difference.

After years of working in the mental health and behavioral health fields — promoting awareness, advocating for better care, and building expertise in ABA therapy — they saw the critical need for quality ABA services in their area. Too many families were waiting months, even years, for access to the care their children deserved.

That's why they founded the American Institute of Mental Health: to close that gap and ensure every child with autism has access to the evidence-based treatment they need to thrive.

Children playing and learning together in an inclusive therapy environment

AI-Generated Image

The Science Behind ABA

What Is ABA Therapy & Why Does It Work?

A proven, research-backed approach with over 50 years of scientific evidence.

1960s

The Birth of ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis was pioneered by Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA in the 1960s. His groundbreaking research demonstrated that children with autism could make significant developmental progress through structured, intensive behavioral interventions. This was revolutionary at a time when autism was poorly understood and most children received no effective treatment.

1980s

Scientific Validation

Throughout the 1980s, rigorous clinical studies confirmed the effectiveness of ABA. Dr. Lovaas published landmark research in 1987 showing that nearly half of children who received intensive ABA therapy achieved normal intellectual and educational functioning — results that were unprecedented in the field of autism treatment.

1999

U.S. Surgeon General Endorsement

In 1999, the U.S. Surgeon General officially recognized ABA as the most effective evidence-based treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. This landmark endorsement established ABA as the gold standard of care and paved the way for insurance coverage and wider availability of services nationwide.

2000s

Insurance Mandates & Expansion

Beginning in the 2000s, states across the U.S. began passing autism insurance reform laws mandating coverage for ABA therapy. This made ABA accessible to millions of families who previously could not afford treatment. The field grew rapidly, with the establishment of the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) ensuring quality standards for practitioners.

Today

The Modern Standard of Care

Today, ABA is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Modern ABA is naturalistic, play-based, and highly individualized — designed to meet each person where they are and help them build the skills they need to live their fullest life.

📊

Data-Driven

Every session is tracked with measurable data. Progress is never guessed — it's proven through objective, quantifiable results that guide treatment decisions.

🎯

Individualized

No two individuals are the same. ABA treatment plans are 100% customized to each person's strengths, challenges, preferences, and goals.

🧠

Evidence-Based

Backed by over 50 years of peer-reviewed research and endorsed by every major medical and psychological organization in the United States.

👨‍👩‍👧

Family-Centered

Parents and caregivers are active partners in the therapy process. We provide training so skills learned in sessions carry over to everyday life at home and in the community.

Our Values

What Guides Us

Every decision we make is rooted in these core principles.

🤲

Compassion

Every interaction is guided by empathy, kindness, and a genuine commitment to improving lives.

🏆

Excellence

We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards in every service we deliver.

🌍

Inclusivity

Our programs are designed to serve individuals of every background, ability, and age.

🔒

Integrity

We operate with full transparency and compliance with all healthcare regulations and standards.