Blue Stars Therapy

What Blue Stars Therapy does

Blue Stars Therapy, LLC is a privately held, women-owned early intervention therapy practice founded in 2016 and headquartered in University City (St. Louis, Missouri). The firm delivers occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to children ages 0-5 with autism and other developmental delays, using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) curriculum delivered through a transdisciplinary model in which therapists target multiple developmental domains simultaneously. Its service portfolio spans in-home, clinic-based, school, and community delivery through Home & Community-Based Therapy Services and The Blue School preschool readiness program; the Super Stars inclusive group program and seasonal summer camp; the tiered Parent Empowerment Program (Starter, Enhanced, Premier); the Teach Me to Play Program with Play Kit Rentals; and remote video-based coaching and Treatment Coordination.

The firm's underlying technology stack consists of the open-source ESDM framework (licensed via the UC Davis MIND Institute) layered with a proprietary 446-objective curriculum tracker, a remote data tracking system with weekly parent access, Play Cards, and the CentralReach practice management platform. Five branded programs (Blue Stars Therapy, The Blue School, Parent Empowerment Program, Super Stars Program, Teach Me to Play Program) are registered trademarks. The business model combines professional services fee-for-service and subscription revenue: direct therapy billed through insurance (United Healthcare and Cigna in-network for ABA, plus Missouri First Steps and out-of-network superbills for others); coaching programs priced at $1,800-$2,500+; 1:1 coaching at $75 per 30-60 minute session; and a $65/month Play Kit subscription. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer through website inquiries, parent and provider referrals, social media (Facebook, Instagram), and earned local media (theSTL, radio), targeting parents of newly diagnosed and at-risk children in the St. Louis metro with remote delivery extending nationally and globally for coaching products. The practice is led by co-founders Bridget Hormberg (CEO, ESDM-certified OT) and Amanda Wingertsahn (COO, ESDM-certified SLP) and operates with approximately 24 early intervention specialists.

Name

Blue Stars Therapy

Legal name

Blue Stars Therapy, LLC

Website

https://bluestarstherapy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Blue Stars Therapy is a privately held, women-owned St. Louis practice delivering ESDM-informed occupational, speech, and ABA therapy for children ages 0-5 with autism and developmental delays across home, clinic, group, and remote channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pediatric Autism Early Intervention Therapy Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism & Neurodevelopmental Early Intervention Programs (EDACAFAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pediatric Rehabilitation & Developmental Therapy Centers (PT/OT/SLP) (HLAFAJAL), Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Developmental Therapy / Early Childhood Special Instruction (EDACAFAG)

Keywords

• Early intervention therapy
• Pediatric occupational therapy
• Speech language pathology
• Applied behavior analysis
• Autism therapy services

Headquarters

HQ city

St Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Therapy Services: In-home, clinic, school, and community-based occupational therapy, speech language therapy, and ABA/behavioral therapy services for children with autism aged 0-5
2. The Blue School Program: Preschool readiness program using Group ESDM (G-ESDM) with individual support, operating Monday-Friday mornings (8:30am-12:30pm) plus 2 hours weekly home/community sessions
3. Super Stars Program: Inclusive group program for children 3-6 years with and without therapeutic needs, operating Monday-Friday 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
4. Parent Coaching Programs: Starter Program ($1,800), Enhanced Program ($2,500), and Premier Program for parent empowerment through ESDM-informed coaching with video submissions and live consultations
5. 1:1 Coaching Sessions: 30-minute to 1-hour individual coaching sessions with ESDM-certified therapists starting at $75 per session
6. Play Kit Rentals: Monthly subscription service ($65/month) for developmentally appropriate toy kits with Play Cards for home therapy support
7. Summer Camp: Seasonal camp program for children ages 3-6 with therapeutic and neurodiverse needs, offered in 3 sessions
8. Insurance Reimbursement: Out-of-network provider with superbill invoices for insurance reimbursement; contracted with United Healthcare and Cigna for ABA services; Missouri First Steps provider

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Blue Stars Therapy provides ESDM-informed Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children ages 0-5 with autism and other developmental delays, delivered in home, school, clinic, community, and remote settings. Its offering includes the Parent Empowerment Program, The Blue School preschool-readiness program, Super Stars inclusive group program, Teach Me to Play with Play Kit Rentals, and 1:1 coaching. Services are paid via direct fees, in-network insurance (United Healthcare, Cigna), out-of-network superbills, and Missouri First Steps, with parent coaching and Play Kits sold on subscription.

Product overview

Blue Stars Therapy offers a comprehensive suite of early intervention therapy services for young children with autism and developmental delays, centered on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). The core portfolio includes Home & Community-Based Therapy Services, The Blue School™ Program, Super Stars Program™ (with year-round and summer camp options), and the Parent Empowerment Program™ with multiple tiers (Starter, Enhanced, Premier). Supporting offerings include Remote Parent Coaching via video platform, Teach Me to Play™ Program with Play Kit Rentals at developmental levels from 12-48 months, 1:1 Coaching sessions, ESDM/ABA Evaluations, and specialized Speech Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy services. The company operates as a single-service practice rather than a software platform, providing direct therapeutic intervention rather than technology products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Blue School: A preschool readiness program utilizing the Group Early Start Denver Model (G-ESDM) principles while providing 1:1 support in a group setting for children.
• Parent Empowerment Program
• Super Stars Program
• Teach Me to Play Program

Products and services

• Home & Community-Based Therapy Services ESDM-based occupational, speech, and ABA therapy delivered in the child's natural environment (home, community, school) by trained therapists, incorporating daily routines as learning opportunities and enabling caregiver participation. Targeted at families of children ages 0-5 with autism and developmental delays.
• The Blue School Program Preschool readiness program utilizing Group Early Start Denver Model (G-ESDM) with individual 1:1 support in a group setting, combining individual ESDM instruction, routines-based intervention, and interdisciplinary team therapy at the University City clinic. Targeted at preschool-age children preparing for mainstream school.
• Super Stars Program Inclusive group program for children ages 3-6 with and without therapeutic needs, focused on social, communication, and adaptive behavior skills using G-ESDM and routines-based intervention. Operates Monday-Friday 9am-12pm or 1-4pm at the University City clinic.
• Super Stars Summer Camp Summer session program for children ages 3-6 with and without therapeutic needs, offered in three sessions at the University City location, with optional add-ons for 1:1 OT, ST, and ABA therapy.
• Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) Collaborative parent coaching program informed by the Early Start Denver Model that equips parents and caregivers with strategies to improve their child's communication, social skills, and behavior management within daily routines. Available in Starter ($1,800, 12-week asynchronous), Enhanced ($2,500, adds bi-monthly live consultations), and Premier tiers with video submissions and live consultations.
• Remote Parent Coaching Online coaching and consultative services including Treatment Coordination, the Parent Empowerment Program, and 1:1 live coaching delivered via video platform, enabling families outside the St. Louis travel zone to access Blue Stars Therapy services.
• Teach Me to Play Program Parent education program teaching purposeful play, including Play Kit Rentals at four developmental levels (12-18 months through 24-48 months), Play Cards with instructional guidance, and Playroom Design Consultation services. Targeted at parents of children across developmental levels.
• Play Kit Rental Subscription Monthly subscription service providing developmentally appropriate toy kits (Levels 1a through 3/4f) curated by early interventionists, including Play Cards with step-by-step guidance on embedding learning in play. Sold at $65/month with unlimited Play Kit bookings and exchanges; eligible for Freddie Ford Foundation scholarships.
• 1:1 Coaching Flexible video consultation sessions (30 min to 1 hour) with ESDM Certified Therapists for immediate concerns, strategy discussion, or determining next steps for the child and family. Starting from $75 per session, billed pay-as-you-go.
• ESDM/ABA Evaluations Comprehensive evaluation using the Early Start Denver Model Curriculum Checklist to identify child strengths and areas of focus, including direct testing, parent report, and a written assessment with treatment plan and goals. Targeted at families initiating early intervention services.
• Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Speech and language therapy helping children learn to talk, gesture, communicate socially, and follow directions; targets reducing tantrums, augmenting listening skills, and instructing sound production. Delivered by ESDM-certified, Missouri- and Illinois-licensed SLPs.
• Occupational Therapy (OT) Pediatric occupational therapy addressing developmental milestones, fine motor skills, coordination, daily living activities, behavior management, and peer-to-peer social skills. Delivered by ESDM-certified, NBCOT-certified occupational therapists.
• Consultation Services Consultative services including communication with parents and teachers, team meeting attendance, administrative tasks (reports, funding applications, visual materials), and virtual playroom design and organization guidance for families and educators.
• Treatment Coordination Parent-mediated intervention facilitation service providing coaching, data tracking access, progress monitoring, and consultation with external therapy providers and educators. Targeted at families coordinating multi-provider care plans.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Behavioral therapy (ABA) service delivered by ESDM-trained BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians across home, clinic, school, and community settings. In-network with United Healthcare and Cigna, out-of-network for all other insurers with superbill invoices, and Missouri First Steps provider for children under 3.
• Gift Card Gift cards available in denominations of $25, $50, $100, $150, $200, or custom amounts, redeemable for Blue Stars Therapy services or parent coaching programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 350-550% gain in ESDM Learning Objectives within 2-4 months of therapy
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United HealthcarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContracted commercial insurance provider for ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) services, allowing in-network coverage for families with United Healthcare plans
• CignacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContracted commercial insurance provider for ABA services, enabling in-network therapy access for Cigna members
• Missouri First StepscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly intervention program for children under 3; majority of Blue Stars Therapy providers enrolled as First Steps providers to serve children with IFSPs
• Freddie Ford FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScholarship partnership providing up to 3 months at 50% off Play Kit Rental Program for families experiencing financial hardship
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)minorOthersAmanda Wingertsahn holds nationally certified member status; credential verification and professional development association
• National Board for Certified Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)minorOthersBridget Hormberg certified through NBCOT; professional credentialing and certification body for occupational therapists
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)minorOthersProfessional membership association for occupational therapists; Bridget Hormberg is a member
• UC Davis MIND InstitutecoreTechnology or IntegrationESDM (Early Start Denver Model) certification provider; Bridget Hormberg received P-ESDM Parent Coaching training; trainers listed on UC Davis certified therapists list

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Soar Autism Center: Integrated autism services provider offering ABA, OT, SLP, and diagnostic services in clinic-based settings. Comparable as a multi-disciplinary early-intervention peer with similar transdisciplinary positioning.
• Hopebridge: Multi-state autism therapy provider offering ABA, OT, SLP, and diagnostic services for children with autism. Comparable as a scaled competitor pursuing similar early-intervention populations across multiple geographies.
• Cortica: National provider of integrated ABA, OT, SLP, and developmental services for children with autism. Comparable because it offers a transdisciplinary, multi-therapy model under one roof for young children with autism, directly overlapping Blue Stars Therapy's core offering.
• ACES ABA: Multi-state ABA provider offering center-based and home-based autism services. Comparable as a direct competitor in the early-intervention ABA market with comparable service delivery modes.
• Behavioral Innovations: Multi-state ABA and autism services provider for children with autism and developmental delays. Comparable as a direct ABA/early-intervention peer targeting similar families and payers.
• Centria Autism: National ABA therapy provider serving children with autism and their families. Comparable as a scaled ABA peer competing for similar insurance contracts and family referrals.
• Kadiant: ABA and autism therapy provider focused on early intervention for young children. Comparable for its early-intervention focus and overlap with the St. Louis-area Medicaid/commercial payer market.
• Caravel Autism Health: Multi-state provider of ABA therapy and diagnostic services for children with autism. Comparable as a direct ABA peer with a similar client base and insurance-driven reimbursement model.

Others

• Missouri First Steps: State-administered early intervention program for children under 3 with developmental delays. Comparable as a referral and funding channel that sources a portion of Blue Stars Therapy's intake.
• UC Davis MIND Institute: Academic and research institution that developed the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and certifies ESDM providers. Comparable as the methodology licensor and training authority behind Blue Stars Therapy's core clinical approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bluestarstherapy
• Instagraminstagram.com/bluestarstherapy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bluestarstherapy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Blue Stars Therapy