FullBloom, a leading academic, behavioral, and mental health provider for schools, has recently made a significant acquisition in the school-based mental health space. The company has acquired CharacterStrong, a provider of multi-tier PreK-12 mental health services. This strategic move highlights FullBloom’s commitment to addressing the growing mental health challenges facing schools and communities.
CharacterStrong, based in Auburn, Washington, offers a range of mental health interventions, including anxiety, depression, and executive functioning support. The company also provides progress monitoring tools and educator training to support students’ mental well-being. With plans to launch trauma services in early 2025, CharacterStrong is poised to further expand its impact in the mental health space.
The acquisition of CharacterStrong is part of FullBloom’s broader strategy to enhance its mental health offerings. Jeffrey Cohen, CEO of FullBloom, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues in schools, stating that it is one of the most pressing challenges facing educators and students today. By integrating CharacterStrong’s services into its portfolio, FullBloom aims to provide a comprehensive set of mental health products and services tailored to the K-12 market.
FullBloom, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has established itself as a leader in applied behavior analysis, specialized education, intervention services, and professional development. The company’s partnership with schools has enabled it to reach over six million students since its inception in 2016. Following its acquisition by private equity firm American Securities in December 2021, FullBloom has continued to expand its presence in the mental health space.
This latest acquisition builds on FullBloom’s previous investments in mental health services. In recent years, the company acquired EmpowerU, a mental health coaching provider, and integrated its services into its offerings. Additionally, Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, acquired two Arizona facilities from Lexington Life Academy in 2024, further strengthening its commitment to supporting students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
The school-based mental health sector has seen a flurry of activity in recent months, with several notable acquisitions taking place. Companies like Kelly, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Autism Spectrum Interventions, and Proud Moments ABA have all made strategic moves to expand their presence in the autism therapy space. These acquisitions reflect the growing recognition of the importance of mental health support in schools and the increasing demand for specialized services to address students’ unique needs.
As FullBloom continues to grow its mental health offerings through the acquisition of CharacterStrong, the company is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of students across the country. By providing comprehensive mental health services tailored to the K-12 market, FullBloom is paving the way for a brighter future for students, educators, and communities alike.
