Sponsor Spotlight: Healing Haven

Celebrating Fifteen years serving the autism community

BY JOCELYN COOK

Healing Haven Behavioral Health and Autism Therapy Services Celebrates 15 Years with Family Fun Day Fifteen years in business is a milestone for most companies, but for one working in autism therapy, it’s especially meaningful.

Founded in 2010, Healing Haven Behavioral Health and Autism Therapy Services is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the organization will host a Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 12. More details follow, but first, here’s a look back at Healing Haven’s history and its impact over the past decade and a half.

The Early Years

Healing Haven was founded in 2010 by Jamie McGillivary, MS, LLP, BCBA, LBA, as a stress management program for parents of children with autism and other special needs. McGillivary’s work at a local hospital showed her firsthand how families struggled to find the support they needed. Healing Haven was created to address many of those unmet needs.

“Parents can be very effective agents of change,” McGillivary said. “It also shaped my passion for understanding the stress parents experience. I realized the importance of addressing the needs of the whole family.”

She often talks about “early intervention for parental coping skills,” believing that parents need more than techniques to reach their children — they also need tools to care for themselves so they can better care for their kids.

As insurance coverage expanded, Healing Haven began offering one-onone applied behavior analysis therapy in a small Berkley clinic. McGillivary says the challenges families faced during that time left a lasting impression on her. The program continues to emphasize parent involvement and stress management.

“I really trust our BCBA. She is the ally I’ve always needed. She understands what we are going through, makes me feel supported and less isolated,” said one Healing Haven parent.

Intentional Growth in Madison Heights

As demand grew, Healing Haven moved to a larger clinic in Madison Heights in 2016. In 2018, it opened a second clinic next door — the School & Community Readiness Clinic — serving older children and teens.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Healing Haven quickly adapted by offering telehealth applied behavior analysis parent training, as well as speech and occupational therapy, providing a lifeline for families. The clinics reopened for in-person services in June 2020.

In 2021, a new Early Intervention Clinic opened to serve the youngest clients. In March 2024, the Life Skills Clinic for teens and young adults opened on the Madison Heights campus.

The four clinics now form a unique autism therapy campus. Families come from across metro Detroit, prompting Healing Haven to expand beyond Madison Heights.

“We love Healing Haven. Our team is so amazing and supportive. We feel so lucky to have our children in a safe place to learn and grow. Thank you!” said another parent.

Looking Beyond Madison Heights

In September 2024, Healing Haven opened its first location outside Madison Heights in Farmington Hills. The clinic is designed for children up to age 8 and features multiple classrooms to help prepare kids for school.

A new clinic in Clinton Township, serving children up to age 12, is scheduled to open in fall 2025.

Not Just ABA Therapy

Healing Haven supports families beyond one-on-one ABA therapy. Its interdisciplinary approach includes speech and occupational therapy, reducing stress for parents by offering multiple services in one location and allowing providers to collaborate on personalized goals.

Stress management is integrated into all services, and a counseling team offers support to parents, siblings and individuals with autism. In 2019, Healing Haven added developmental testing and assessments to help families receive timely answers.

“It has been a difficult process getting my child diagnosed with autism, and our BCBA has been very understanding and helpful,” one parent said. “She always provides assistance and different strategies for my family. She has made a challenging situation a little more manageable.”

Reflecting on 15 years, Jamie and her team expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve so many families and said they look forward to the future.

15th Anniversary Family Fun Day

Healing Haven will celebrate its anniversary with a Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will feature a petting zoo, foam party, treats and more in an autismfriendly environment at the Madison Heights campus, 30701 Barrington St.

The event is free and open to families, but registration is requested. Scan the QR code to register.