The provision of therapeutic services, particularly for individuals facing developmental and mental health challenges, demands a rare blend of specialized knowledge and astute business management. Success in this field requires more than good intentions; it necessitates clear vision, operational rigor, and decisive leadership. Dr. Mitze Burnett, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Burnett Therapeutic Services (BTS), demonstrates these qualities.
Over nearly a decade, she has systematically built BTS from a concept into a significant provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Mental Health Therapy across multiple California counties. The BTS story is instructive, offering insights into how principled leadership can foster both meaningful impact and sustainable organizational growth in a complex human services sector.
The Catalyst: Identifying Need, Founding the Enterprise
Effective leaders often emerge from direct experience within their field. Dr. Burnett’s journey began not in management theory, but in the practical application of behavioral science. Her work as a Behavior Consultant within an ABA agency provided firsthand insight into the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. She recognized both the potential of ABA and the concurrent need for integrated mental health support. This understanding, coupled with a clear drive to provide comprehensive care, directly led her to establish Burnett Therapeutic Services in 2015. The decision was not merely an expression of passion, but a calculated move to fill an identified gap in service provision, combining ABA expertise with broader mental health services under one operational roof.
The Operational Framework: Services, Structure, and Scope
Burnett Therapeutic Services operates with a defined mission: to provide evidence-based, effective care that empowers individuals and families. Headquartered in Napa, California, the organization delivers ABA and Mental Health Therapy services tailored to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), neurodevelopmental disabilities, and various mental health conditions.
The service portfolio is comprehensive. BTS provides individualized treatment plans for children, youth, adults, couples, and families. Key service components include communication training, adaptive skill-building, coping skills development, family support work, therapeutic counseling, and behavioral therapy. The organization emphasizes a family-centered approach, working collaboratively with clients and their support systems. BTS has steadily expanded its operational footprint beyond Napa County, now serving communities in Solano, Sonoma, Sacramento, Fresno, and Stanislaus counties.
This geographic expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to make specialized services accessible to underserved populations. Furthermore, BTS identified specific community needs and is strategically expanding its offerings to include Autism and ADHD evaluations, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy, broadening its capacity for comprehensive support.
Leadership Principles: Calculated Risk and Strategic Resource Allocation
Dr. Burnett approaches leadership with a clear decision-making framework, particularly regarding risk. She employs a straightforward assessment: How will a potential risk-benefit clients, and how will it benefit staff? If a careful evaluation determines that the potential advantages for current and future clients sufficiently outweigh the business risks, she proceeds, albeit with caution and continuous monitoring. This framework ensures that growth initiatives remain aligned with the core mission of service delivery.
Furthermore, Dr. Burnett views financial gains not as an end goal, but as a resource for reinvestment. Profits are strategically allocated back into the organization to enhance service quality and improve the work environment for employees. This reinvestment strategy supports infrastructure, training, and resources that directly benefit clients. Simultaneously, it fosters professional development opportunities for staff, particularly those aspiring to leadership roles within BTS. This dual focus – client benefit and staff support – underpins the organization’s operational philosophy and contributes to its stability and capacity for growth.
Maintaining Standards: Quality Assurance in an Expanding Organization
Rapid growth presents a significant challenge for any service organization: maintaining quality control. Dr. Burnett recognized this early. BTS addresses this challenge through robust internal structures and a commitment to continuous improvement. She established strong clinical leadership roles, entrusting key operational oversight to experienced professionals like VP of Clinical Operations, Amy Montanez, and Director of Client Services, Melissa Holbrook. Their expertise in Autism and ABA anchors the clinical departments, ensuring adherence to best practices and high standards of care even as the organization scales.
Beyond formal structure, Dr. Burnett cultivates a culture centered on professional growth and shared knowledge. BTS actively encourages team members to attend relevant industry conferences, share research findings, and build professional partnerships. This emphasis on continuous learning keeps the team informed about advancements in the field. Mentorship and teamwork are integral components of the organizational culture, creating an environment where staff can develop skills and learn collaboratively. This internal ecosystem supports the consistent delivery of high-quality care across all service areas.
Crisis Management: Navigating the Pandemic with Clarity and Care
The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented operational test for BTS, demanding immediate action to protect both clients and staff while ensuring the continuity of essential services. Dr. Burnett responded decisively. She quickly assembled a specialized advisory team comprising a physician, a nurse practitioner, an Autism consultant, and an attorney. This expert group developed comprehensive safety protocols grounded in public health guidance and tailored to the specific needs of BTS’s client population and service delivery models.
Critically, BTS offered families flexibility. Clients could choose their preferred method of service delivery – telehealth or in-person. For those opting for in-person services, BTS implemented strict safety measures. These included daily health checks and adherence to established protocols for both staff and families. Simultaneously, BTS accelerated its adoption of technology. The organization rapidly transitioned many functions to secure, HIPAA-compliant cloud-based applications. This swift technological adaptation enabled the effective delivery of telehealth services, overcoming logistical barriers like travel and scheduling, and ensuring clients could continue therapy with minimal disruption. Dr. Burnett’s leadership during this period demonstrated adaptability, clear communication, and an unwavering commitment to client and staff well-being.
Strategic Advancement: Innovation, Partnerships, and Industry Engagement
Dr. Burnett ensures BTS remains relevant and forward-thinking through active engagement with innovation and industry developments. The organization participates in pilot programs and forms strategic partnerships to explore new service models and address emerging needs within the communities it serves. A notable example is the 2022 collaboration with Catalight Care Services on the “Chat” pilot program. This initiative offered valuable support for Kaiser members focusing on developmental milestones and communication skills, providing a flexible option for families who might not require traditional ABA therapy but could benefit from targeted support. BTS’s involvement in multiple pilot programs demonstrates a proactive approach to service diversification.
Furthermore, BTS actively participates in the broader industry dialogue. For three consecutive years, the organization has sponsored the Autism Investor Summit. This involvement reflects a commitment not only to service delivery but also to shaping the future landscape of autism services and advocating for policies that benefit individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities. This strategic engagement positions BTS as a contributor to the field’s advancement.
Current Standing and Future Course
Today, Burnett Therapeutic Services employs a diverse team of professionals, ranging from Behavior Technicians delivering direct client services to Board Certified Behavior Analysts overseeing treatment plans. The organization successfully serves thousands across its multi-county service area. A significant milestone was the planned opening of a new clinic in Modesto, California; based on the original timeline of November 2024, this facility should now be operational [as of April 2025], further extending the organization’s reach. The overarching goal remains clear: to continue expanding accessible, high-quality mental health and Autism/ABA services to families throughout California.
Conclusion: Leadership as the Cornerstone of Therapeutic Success
The trajectory of Burnett Therapeutic Services under Dr. Mitze Burnett offers valuable instruction in leadership. Her success stems not from a single initiative, but from the consistent application of core principles: strategic vision rooted in field experience, disciplined operational management, calculated risk assessment focused on stakeholder benefit, proactive crisis management, and a commitment to quality through strong internal structures and continuous learning. Dr. Burnett has demonstrated that building a successful therapeutic service organization requires both clinical understanding and sound business practice. Her leadership provides a clear model for how to effectively manage growth while staying true to a mission centered on human well-being. The results achieved by BTS serve as compelling evidence of her effectiveness.
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