Services and Supports
Equine-Assisted Behavioral Therapy for Adults
Our Program
Bloom Behavioral is proud to partner with Flying Changes of Virginia to offer Equine-Assisted Behavioral Therapeutic Consultation, a Medicaid-funded service under the Family and Individual Supports (FIS) and Community Living (CL) waivers. This research-based service is designed to support adults with autism and other developmental disabilities by providing specialized behavioral consultation in a natural, motivating environment.
This program integrates the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with the therapeutic presence of horses to address behavioral challenges, enhance emotional regulation, and promote meaningful skill development. Services are delivered by Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBAs) and are intended to assist caregivers, support staff, and interdisciplinary teams in implementing effective, individualized strategies as outlined in the person’s Individual Support Plan (ISP).
What is Behavioral Therapeutic Consultation?
Behavioral Therapeutic Consultation is a professional service that provides assessment, planning, and training to support individuals whose behavioral needs interfere with their ability to achieve desired outcomes. Under Virginia Medicaid guidelines, this service includes:
- Conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs).
- Developing behavioral support plans (BSPs).
- Training caregivers and direct support staff to implement strategies effectively.
- Monitoring and adjusting plans based on data and observed outcomes.
In our equine-assisted model, these services are enhanced through structured, goal-oriented interactions with horses—such as grooming, leading, and observing equine behavior—which serve as powerful tools for teaching communication, self-regulation, and social engagement.
Why Horses?
Horses are uniquely suited to therapeutic consultation due to their:
- Non-Judgmental Presence: Horses respond without bias, creating a safe space for authentic interaction.
- Sensitivity to Behavior: Their attunement to body language and emotional states provides immediate feedback that supports behavioral insight.
- Emotional Mirroring: Horses reflect the emotional energy of those around them, helping individuals recognize and regulate their own responses.
- Opportunities for Naturalistic Teaching: Horse-related activities provide real-world contexts for practicing behavioral strategies in a calm, engaging setting.
Benefits of Equine-Assisted Behavioral Consultation
Behavioral and Emotional Support
- Improved emotional regulation and coping strategies.
- Reduction in challenging behaviors through individualized interventions.
- Increased independence and confidence through skill mastery.
Communication and Social Development
- Enhanced verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Opportunities for practicing turn-taking, following directions, and building rapport.
- Strengthened relationships with caregivers and peers through shared experiences.
Physical Benefits
- Sensory Integration: Activities like grooming, feeding, and leading a horse provide rich tactile, olfactory, and proprioceptive input. These sensory experiences can support regulation and enhance spatial and body awareness.
- Motor Skills Development: Ground-based tasks such as brushing, carrying buckets, or leading a horse help improve fine and gross motor skills, coordination, core stability, and overall strength.
Caregiver and Team Support
- Training and coaching for families, direct support professionals, and other team members.
- Practical tools and strategies to implement behavior plans consistently across settings.
- Ongoing consultation to ensure fidelity and effectiveness of interventions.
Eligibility and Funding
This service is fully funded for eligible individuals through Virginia Medicaid’s FIS and CL Waivers. To qualify, there must be a documented need indicating that the individual’s ISP cannot be implemented effectively without specialized behavioral consultation
The Takeaway
Equine-Assisted Behavioral Therapeutic Consultation is more than a service—it’s a collaborative, person-centered approach to behavioral support. By combining clinical expertise with the healing presence of horses, we help individuals and their support teams build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive.