STEPS Behavioral Health Unveils New Autism Care Clinic in Columbia, MD

On October 6, 2025, STEPS Behavioral Health marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its third autism care clinic, located at 8310 Guilford Road, Suite D, Columbia, MD 21046. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together local advocates, officials, and community leaders to applaud STEPS' dedication to enhancing autism care.

A Collaborative Effort for Community Support

During the opening ceremony, STEPS was honored with two Certificates of Recognition. The first was presented by Deb Poquette, representing County Executive Calvin Ball, and the second was given by Lori Kleppin and members of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. These acknowledgments highlight STEPS as a key partner in the county's efforts to support families in need.

Erin Stern, the Founder and President of STEPS Behavioral Health, expressed her excitement: "We are thrilled to officially join the Howard County community with the support of so many advocates and leaders who care deeply about expanding resources for children and families. This ribbon-cutting represents more than just a new clinic; it symbolizes opportunity, growth, and hope for children deserving compassionate care."

A Commitment to Quality Behavioral Health Services

Lori Kleppin of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce added, “We welcome STEPS Behavioral Health to Howard County with open arms. This clinic delivers important Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to our community, ensuring children and families have the resources they need to thrive.”

Unlike many other clinics, STEPS Behavioral Health stands out by having no waitlist for services. This approach aims to eliminate the long delays often seen in the field, allowing families immediate access to diagnostic and therapeutic support.

The new clinic will provide a range of specialized programs, including Early STEPS (Early Intervention Program), Summer STEPS, and Social STEPS, along with ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy in collaboration with The Therapy Spot. Its carefully designed environment features gyms, playrooms, sensory areas, and media rooms to encourage learning, play, and social growth.

Expanding Horizons

With existing clinics operating in Baltimore County and statewide in-home therapy services, the Columbia location extends STEPS’ mission to help autistic children excel in every facet of their lives. As part of this expansion, STEPS plans to extend its services to Georgia and multiple other states by 2026, demonstrating a commitment to enhance support for families dealing with autism across the nation.

For additional information on STEPS Behavioral Health and its comprehensive range of services, please visit www.stepsbh.com or contact them at 443-353-9547.