Why We Added Primary Care: Treating the Whole Child, Not Just the Symptoms

January 20, 2026 Why We Added Primary Care: Treating the Whole Child, Not Just the Symptoms

At Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services (formerly Utah Behavior Services), we’ve always believed that kids and families deserve more than symptom-focused care. From behavioral therapy to mental health support, our integrated approach has helped thousands of children and young adults across Utah thrive. But over the years, one truth became increasingly clear:

To treat the whole child honestly, we had to include primary care.

Adding medical services wasn’t just a convenience; it was a strategic, family-centered decision to improve outcomes, reduce fragmentation, and make life simpler for our families. Now, from Taylorsville to St. George, Bridgeway offers medical, behavioral, and educational support all in one place.

Let’s explore what this means for you, your child, and the communities we serve.

What Is Integrated Healthcare and Why Does It Matter for Families?

Integrated healthcare combines services such as ABA therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and pediatric primary care under a single, coordinated system.

Why is this important?

Most families with children on the autism spectrum or struggling with behavioral challenges already juggle multiple specialists: therapists, pediatricians, school counselors, and more. Each provider may have their own schedule, treatment plan, or communication channel.

This can lead to:

  • Confusion over medications or diagnoses
  • Missed appointments
  • Delayed interventions
  • Burnout for caregivers

By integrating services, Bridgeway eliminates these barriers. Families have one care team, one location, and one shared plan. The result? Faster progress, better communication, and more support for both the child and the caregivers.

Why Primary Care? Addressing a Missing Link in Child Wellness

Adding primary care wasn’t about expanding for growth; it was about solving a persistent challenge for families.

Common Challenges Our Families Faced Before

Challenge

Result

Missed well-child checkups due to behavioral concerns

Delayed vaccines or screenings

Conflicting medical and behavioral advice

Increased confusion or anxiety

Children with complex needs are “falling through the cracks.”

Poor coordination of care

Difficulty finding pediatricians with autism expertise

Long wait times or unsatisfying care

At Bridgeway, primary care providers work hand in hand with behavioral therapists, BCBAs, and mental health clinicians. If a child needs a flu shot, a new medication, or support for a physical symptom that may be linked to a behavioral issue, the care team is already informed and ready to help.

What Our Primary Care Services Include

Bridgeway’s medical services go beyond a typical checkup. Our providers understand the behavioral and developmental context of each child we serve.

We currently offer:

  • Pediatric checkups and physical exams
  • Vaccinations and immunization tracking
  • Sick visits and urgent care (for minor illness)
  • Medication management
  • Developmental screenings
  • Coordination with mental health and ABA teams
  • Support with IEPs or school readiness forms

Families appreciate less driving, fewer appointments, and greater trust in a single, comprehensive team.

“One Roof” Support: A Closer Look at Integrated Care in Utah

Bridgeway now operates across nine regional locations, serving families throughout Utah. Here’s how our services are making a local impact:

Primary Care in Taylorsville, UT (Crossroads)

Our central location offers full behavioral health and medical services. Families seeking primary care for children in Taylorsville or ABA therapy near me can schedule all services in one place.

Contact our Taylorsville office.

Primary Care for Families in St. George, UT

St. George parents can access ABA, therapy, and now primary care in a single, familiar location. From well-visits to immunizations, we support growing children at every stage.

Explore services in St. George

Integrated Healthcare in Cedar City, UT

Families in Cedar City searching for autism support near me can now add routine pediatric care to their Bridgeway appointments.

Schedule in Cedar City

Brigham City, Roy, Lehi, Richfield, and Salt Lake City, UT

Across these locations, we are actively expanding our medical services while continuing to deliver ABA therapy and mental health support. If you’re looking for pediatric behavioral therapy, we’re here to help.

View all locations

Whole-Person Wellness: What It Looks Like in Practice

Let’s say your child is on the autism spectrum and currently receiving ABA therapy at Bridgeway. Here’s how our new model works:

Behavioral Progress Note

Your child’s behavior technician notices frequent fatigue and shares this with the team.

Medical Visit Scheduled

Instead of referring you elsewhere, the Bridgeway team schedules a same-week checkup with our in-house provider.

Coordinated Plan

It turns out your child is low in iron, a medical concern that impacts their energy and ability to engage during sessions. The care team adjusts both dietary support and behavioral goals to align with this discovery.

Follow-Up & Family Support

Your family receives a coordinated update from all specialists. You feel informed, supported, and empowered.

Designed for Families: One Team, One Plan

Bridgeway’s integrated model supports parents and caregivers every step of the way.

We offer:

  • Family-centered planning sessions
  • Insurance navigation and Medicaid support (including Medicaid ABA coverage in Utah)
  • Direct communication between medical, behavioral, and educational providers
  • Transparent pricing and in-network options for most major plans
  • Remote options for mental health counseling

Whether your child needs ABA therapy in Roy or primary care in Salt Lake City, you’re not alone in managing the process.

Serving More Than Autism: Expanding Mental Health Access for Young Adults

Primary care also supports a growing group of our clients: young adults (18–30) seeking mental health services.

Many struggle with anxiety, depression, or ADHD but haven’t had consistent access to medical professionals who understand their full context, adding primary care bridges that gap.

Our providers support:

  • Physical symptoms linked to mental health (fatigue, sleep issues, GI distress)
  • Medication evaluations and ongoing management
  • Routine labs and preventive screenings
  • Coordination with therapy and psychiatric teams

If you’re searching for mental health therapy or integrated medical support for young adults in Utah, Bridgeway can help.

A Word About Insurance & Access

We understand that affordability and access are crucial, especially for families managing long-term care needs.

  • Most major insurers are accepted
  • We offer Medicaid ABA coverage in Utah
  • Pricing is transparent and upfront
  • We assist with eligibility verification and benefits checks

You can check your coverage online or call us directly for help navigating your options.

Whole-Child, Whole-Family, Whole-Health

Adding primary care was never just about services; it was about serving you better.

At Bridgeway, we treat every child, young adult, and family as a whole. Whether it’s behavioral challenges, developmental milestones, or day-to-day health needs, we walk with you—every step of the way.

  • When care is integrated, your child doesn’t fall through the cracks.
  • When care is family-centered, you feel supported, not overwhelmed.
  • When care is comprehensive, outcomes improve for everyone.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Schedule a free consultation today. Let’s build your child’s care plan together, starting with a conversation.

Visit https://www.bridgewayihs.com. Find us in Taylorsville, St. George, Cedar City, Roy, Lehi, Riverdale, Richfield, Brigham City, and Salt Lake City.

Career Opportunities: Help Us Build the Future of Integrated Care

We’re growing, and we need passionate, skilled team members to join us.

If you’re searching for:

  • RBT careers in Utah
  • BCBAs hiring in Utah
  • Mental health professionals
  • Primary care providers or administrative staff

Bridgeway offers training, mentorship, and a mission-driven culture. Whether you’re based in Cedar City, Lehi, or St. George, we likely have an open role near you.

Explore Careers