About Afia Health MN

Our Story:

Afia Health MN was founded with a single purpose: to ensure that no child is left behind when it comes to behavioral and developmental support. Our name, Afia, means "health" and symbolizes our commitment to holistic, inclusive care. What began as a small vision to support underserved families has grown into a thriving, statewide organization rooted in empathy, equity, and excellence. From the very beginning, we have focused on blending scientific best practices with deep cultural awareness to meet each child and family where they are.

Our services are especially vital in Minnesota’s growing and diverse communities, where disparities in access to behavioral health and autism care are still far too common. Many families face long waitlists, language barriers, and cultural misunderstandings when seeking support for their children. Afia Health MN was created to bridge these gaps — to offer not just services, but hope, trust, and a welcoming space for healing. We believe that equitable access to care isn't just a goal, it's a responsibility we proudly uphold every day.

Trusted by families

Community focused

Our Mission

At Afia Health MN, our mission is to be a place where families feel secure, respected, and supported as they navigate the challenges of autism and behavioral health care. We recognize the emotional and practical struggles many families face when seeking appropriate services for their loved ones — from long waitlists and stigma to lack of culturally responsive care. That’s why we are committed to creating meaningful, lasting change through personalized, evidence-based interventions tailored to each child’s unique needs. We aim to not only address challenges but to build a foundation for growth, empowerment, and lifelong learning. By fostering a safe, collaborative environment, we help families feel confident that their child is seen, supported, and capable of reaching their full potential.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build a future where every child in Minnesota — regardless of background or ability — can thrive in a supportive, understanding, and inclusive community. We strive to break down systemic barriers in access to care and reimagine what family-centered support can look like through an equity-driven, whole-child approach. We believe that every family deserves a space where they feel safe, heard, and connected. Through innovation, cultural responsiveness, and a dedication to long-term growth, Afia Health MN seeks to transform not just individual outcomes, but entire communities. Our vision is rooted in the belief that true progress happens when families are equipped with the tools they need, professionals are unified in purpose, and communities come together to nurture the full potential of every child.

We understand that every family is unique. That’s why our team is trained in cultural responsiveness, language access, and trauma-informed care. We actively work to create a safe, affirming environment where families of all races, religions, cultures, and identities feel respected and supported. We treat every individual with dignity, compassion, and understanding — because we believe that everyone, regardless of background or ability, deserves access to care without judgment or prejudice.

Our commitment to diversity means we don’t just acknowledge differences — we celebrate them. We recognize the value in every voice, the richness in every story, and the importance of building a team and a community that reflects the people we serve. At Afia Health MN, we strive to ensure that no one ever feels like an outsider. Everyone is welcome, everyone is equal, and everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. We uphold these values by embedding equity and inclusion into every aspect of our services, partnerships, and organizational culture.”

Commitment to Diversity

Compassionate Care

Empowering children with autism through tailored behavioral health services.

red apple fruit on four pyle books
red apple fruit on four pyle books
Children are seated around a table engaged in a painting activity. Each child holds a paintbrush, focusing on their artwork. A variety of colors and art supplies are scattered on the table, creating a lively and creative atmosphere.
Children are seated around a table engaged in a painting activity. Each child holds a paintbrush, focusing on their artwork. A variety of colors and art supplies are scattered on the table, creating a lively and creative atmosphere.
A child sits at a table filled with arts and crafts materials, including colored paper, markers, and a bunny-shaped object. The child is focused on shaping a blue dough-like material with their hands. The table is cluttered with various colorful items, including educational papers and a water bottle.
A child sits at a table filled with arts and crafts materials, including colored paper, markers, and a bunny-shaped object. The child is focused on shaping a blue dough-like material with their hands. The table is cluttered with various colorful items, including educational papers and a water bottle.