Top ABA Matrix Alternatives

More than 25 years ago, one of our founders, serving as the IT Director for a prominent behavioral health and residential services organization in New York, recognized the urgent need for improved tracking and reporting of their services, leading him to create a case management system tailored for his agency. As time passed, two additional agencies collaborated in enhancing the software, allowing it to cater to the diverse needs of almost any human services organization across the nation. Currently, Foothold’s dedicated team and innovative software support hundreds of agencies not only throughout the United States but also in Guam and Puerto Rico. By leveraging our technology expertise combined with a deep understanding of human services, we remain committed to empowering agencies to concentrate on their core missions while providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Moreover, we strive to continually innovate and adapt our solutions to meet the ever-changing landscape of human services.

Opus is a comprehensive platform that integrates EHR, CRM, and RCM functionalities, designed specifically to enhance the operational efficiency of treatment centers focused on behavioral health, including clinics for addiction, mental health, and substance use disorders. This platform provides a range of cohesive features that streamline patient management, billing, appointment scheduling, and telehealth services. By implementing intelligent lead routing, insurance verification, and automating routine tasks, Opus significantly enhances operational workflows, while also offering customizable forms tailored to diverse requirements. Moreover, it includes advanced reporting tools, AI-assisted progress note generation, and seamless laboratory integrations. With a strong focus on flexibility and scalability, Opus is an ideal solution for organizations of all sizes, from small practices to expansive multi-center facilities in the behavioral health field. As a result, Opus not only adapts to the ever-changing needs of the industry but also prioritizes delivering exceptional care to patients, establishing itself as a leading choice among providers. Its commitment to innovation ensures that organizations can thrive while maintaining high standards of service and support.

Comprehensive applied behavior analysis solutions and behavioral healthcare software are designed to enhance outcomes in autistic care. By automating various operational tasks, you can improve cash flow while ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations through a fully integrated electronic medical record (EMR) system, intelligent scheduling tools, and an efficient ABA billing framework. This approach not only optimizes back-office functions but also minimizes inefficiencies, ultimately enhancing the client experience. A versatile range of electronic ABA data collection methods enables the delivery of exceptional care and better client results. You can also create and adjust ABA programming digitally, modify target behaviors, and gather data across various developmental areas. To maximize claims reimbursements by as much as 96%, it’s essential to enhance your billing and revenue cycle processes. Partnering with a specialized ABA billing team can help eliminate unnecessary expenses and significantly boost your cash flow, leading to a more sustainable practice. Furthermore, the integration of these tools positions your organization for future growth and adaptability in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Theralytics was created to enhance ABA practices by delivering a user-friendly and secure platform for managing operations. With the backing of experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts and healthcare technology experts, Theralytics effectively addresses the operational challenges faced by ABA providers while prioritizing ease of use. This innovative platform offers a wide array of features designed specifically for ABA professionals, including tools for seamless scheduling, efficient billing, comprehensive data collection, and real-time analytics. Such capabilities not only help streamline various operational processes but also empower practices to make well-informed, data-driven choices. Additionally, Theralytics stands out as an economical choice for ABA providers of any scale, offering a robust and cost-effective management solution that meets diverse needs. Ultimately, it supports the continuous improvement of service delivery in the ABA field.

Concentrate your efforts on delivering outstanding, data-informed care using Valant, the comprehensive EHR and practice management solution specifically crafted for behavioral health practices, regardless of their size. Valant is designed to enable you to minimize the time spent on administrative duties, allowing for more focus on providing high-quality care to both individuals and groups. Streamline your workflow by: - Alleviating documentation burdens with a system that automatically creates clinical narratives, nearly finishing your notes for you. - Scheduling over 80 integrated, reportable outcome measures to be sent to patients automatically via the MYIO Patient Portal prior to their appointments. - Allowing the system to generate a coded charge when you document appointments. - Automating the patient onboarding experience so intake packets are readily available for patients to sign within their portal. - Receiving service requests directly through your EHR, effectively managing new patient inquiries, and obtaining a data-driven match score for prospective patients, thereby enhancing your practice's efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Noteable provides an all-encompassing, cloud-based platform tailored for various behavioral service providers. Its speed, reliability, and user-friendly interface are complemented by a distinctive partnership service and support system, which guarantees prompt responses and resolutions to any inquiries. For Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) service providers, Noteable features an ABA Data Suite that includes a mobile app for easy in-session data collection, which integrates effortlessly with the Noteable cloud for detailed analysis and reporting via sophisticated tools. This platform is particularly advantageous for organizations operating multiple locations and programs, as it allows for the customization of each program with specific billing protocols, report formats, and other configurations to meet diverse agency needs and state regulations. Noteworthy features encompass customizable notes and reports, automated claims processing, scheduling capabilities, telehealth options, electronic faxing, business intelligence analytics, client-focused navigation, and contextual reminders, enhancing efficiency and service delivery. Additionally, the platform's flexibility ensures that it can adapt to evolving industry standards and client requirements.

Ensora ABA Therapy simplifies your daily operations, making practice management a breeze. Optimize schedules based on staff credentials and insurance limits, send automated reminders to reduce no-shows, and process claims faster with integrated documentation. The Ensora ABA Suite is designed to optimize practice management and data collection for ABA therapy clinics. It simplifies administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, and claims processing while providing enhanced data collection tools to track client progress. The platform helps improve efficiency with automated reminders, customizable scheduling, and real-time data capture for better analysis. Ensora is built by BCBAs to meet the specific needs of ABA therapy, ensuring that therapists can focus more on client care and less on administrative work.

Introducing MedEZ, the comprehensive paperless solution that has been streamlining clinical notes and practice management since 1995. With a focus on enhancing daily operations in behavioral health and substance abuse facilities, MedEZ covers crucial areas such as administration, patient management, and billing efficiently. This innovative platform provides tailored EHR products designed to improve various performance metrics, including financial, operational, and clinical outcomes for healthcare providers. MedEZ also simplifies the process of developing personalized programs and treatment plans for behavioral health centers, ensuring that all necessary documentation and reporting are handled with ease. Furthermore, it prioritizes HIPAA compliance by implementing user-defined checkpoints based on specific permissions, thus promoting a secure environment for patient data. Overall, MedEZ stands out as an essential tool for healthcare professionals aiming to optimize their practice management capabilities.

Your ABA practice necessitates a customized Practice Management Solution that caters to its specific requirements for billing, scheduling, and compliance. AccuPoint, powered by Therapy Brands, delivers two specialized solutions designed to fulfill all your administrative and billing needs. Whether you are a startup, a mid-sized, or a larger practice, AccuPoint provides state-of-the-art ABA software crafted to fit your requirements. It includes permission-based scheduling and calendaring functionalities ideal for emerging ABA practices, along with sophisticated tools for managing complex client and staff schedules efficiently. Furthermore, it facilitates insurance billing with features such as authorization tracking, detailed reporting, and a variety of billing options. Basic insurance billing tools with authorization tracking are also available to assist in the billing process. With comprehensive support from AccuPoint’s experienced team during the implementation phase, you will receive the guidance necessary for success. Additionally, services like managed billing, data collection through Catalyst, a Telehealth Portal, and credit card processing are also provided to streamline your practice operations. This all-encompassing solution guarantees that your practice will flourish in an ever-changing environment, allowing you to focus more on your clients and less on administrative burdens. Ultimately, choosing AccuPoint means investing in the future success and efficiency of your ABA practice.

Rethink TotalTherapy provides a comprehensive solution tailored for various therapeutic disciplines, including Speech and Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA, and additional Behavioral Health therapies. This all-inclusive system features integrated components such as Practice Management, Data Collection, Billing Options, and a Patient Portal, ensuring a seamless user experience. The TotalTherapy Software functions as a singular solution that is entirely cohesive, allowing you to incorporate new features as your multidisciplinary practice expands. Our Practice Management Module is designed to enhance staff organization and optimize payroll along with scheduling tasks. Say goodbye to redundant data entry for demographics, clinical details, and insurance records. You can efficiently schedule, monitor, and adjust appointments to ensure peak productivity. Additionally, our Data Collection and Reporting module empowers you to track various data points, evaluate feedback through graphs, observe behaviors, document progress towards mastery, outline treatment plans, and perform assessments, all while easily linking important documents to student files for a holistic approach to therapy management. This ensures that all necessary information is readily accessible and organized, further enhancing the quality of care provided.

Therabill is a cloud-based software solution tailored for professionals in the fields of nutrition, mental health, and behavioral health. It combines therapy billing, scheduling, and documentation into a single, intuitive interface, allowing users to efficiently manage claims submission, calendar oversight, treatment note entry, and patient information tracking. Besides these essential features, Therabill offers a range of additional tools, including customizable client statements and invoices, automated appointment scheduling with reminders, and specialized portals for providers, all of which significantly enhance practice management. Moreover, its robust suite of tools is designed to optimize workflows, providing a crucial advantage for health specialists in their daily operations. This makes Therabill not just a software tool, but a comprehensive solution that supports the growth and efficiency of health practices.

ClinicSource offers a comprehensive online EMR and practice management solution tailored for therapy practices, regardless of their size. By utilizing ClinicSource, healthcare providers can focus more on patient care instead of administrative tasks. The intuitive web-based software is utilized by thousands of therapists across the country, allowing them to efficiently manage scheduling, documentation, and billing in a seamless manner. Furthermore, ClinicSource adheres to HIPAA regulations and holds ONC-ACB certification, ensuring that patient information remains secure and compliant. As a result, providers can enhance their practice’s efficiency while maintaining high standards of confidentiality.

A software solution designed specifically for clinical practices, this tool aims to optimize and organize operations within therapy environments by providing systematic resources for managing client records, appointment scheduling, billing, staff oversight, and a range of clinical responsibilities across fields such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health services. S Cubed significantly boosts the productivity of multidisciplinary therapy providers by establishing a cohesive digital environment that merges clinical and administrative functions into one platform. Tailored to support organizations in overseeing therapy programs, facilitating staff collaboration, and adhering to secure data management practices, it ensures that all operations run efficiently and seamlessly. In addition, the software accommodates a diverse set of professional roles, including clinical directors, BCBAs, billing staff, and HR personnel, which not only enhances teamwork but also elevates the quality of service provided to clients, ultimately leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.

TherapyCRM manages pediatric therapy practice records from appointments through documentation and invoicing. ABA staff can record trial data for prepared sessions during interrupted connectivity, then sync when the connection returns. Treatment plans and SOAP-style progress notes sit alongside client records. Branch and clinician calendars support scheduling across locations, while funding records track approved, used and remaining hours or amounts. Invited families can view upcoming visits, messages, forms and invoices through a separate portal and Family app. The Kiosk iPad app supports front-desk check-in. Built by Data Inn Inc., TherapyCRM serves ABA, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy practices in Canada outside Quebec, in English. It does not submit insurance or OAP claims or offer telehealth.

TherapyPM is a powerful, all-encompassing practice management software built specifically for therapists and clinics across ABA, speech, occupational, physical, and mental health disciplines. The platform simplifies appointment scheduling through an intuitive calendar with automated client reminders, helping reduce no-shows and increase practice efficiency. It streamlines insurance authorization with real-time tracking and automated notifications, preventing costly delays in claim approvals. TherapyPM automates the entire billing cycle by facilitating electronic insurance claim submissions and tracking payments, enhancing cash flow management. The software’s HIPAA-compliant telehealth solution enables seamless, secure video therapy sessions and integrates scheduling for both in-person and virtual care. TherapyPM supports practices of all sizes and specialties, trusted by hundreds of clinics and thousands of therapists throughout North America. It boasts robust integrations with leading data collection, payroll, clearinghouse, and continuing education partners to support a smooth workflow. The platform adheres strictly to SOC-2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance standards, ensuring maximum data security and privacy. Comprehensive resources such as blogs and guides keep users informed about industry best practices and revenue cycle management. TherapyPM empowers therapy professionals to focus more on patient care by reducing administrative burdens and streamlining practice management.

As the first software tailored specifically for managing ABA practices, NPAWorks has had the chance to develop distinctive features that differentiate it from competitors in the industry. By offering comprehensive administrative support, NPAWorks streamlines the management of your ABA practice. Our services encompass everything from contracting and credentialing to verifying eligibility and benefits, handling client intake, and scheduling, all aimed at fulfilling your requirements. Our goal is to empower your practice for success. With a team of experts specializing in ABA billing, we guarantee that every claim you submit is complete and accurate, ensuring you have confidence that your payments will be timely and precise. We believe that CodeMetro can help you achieve the aspirations you have for your ABA practice, and we encourage you to read testimonials from our happy clients. Initiating your journey with NPAWorks is a hassle-free experience! We offer customized support and assign a dedicated Implementation Specialist to walk you through every phase of the onboarding process, facilitating a seamless transition and optimal utilization of our platform. Beyond initial setup, our commitment to your ongoing success means we remain readily available to address your inquiries and provide continuous support, fostering a long-term partnership that prioritizes your growth.

Are you in search of resources that will enhance customer satisfaction while simplifying your tasks? Rethink provides an effective solution designed to propel your business forward. With comprehensive behavioral healthcare solutions, Rethink equips your organization with essential tools. Our RBT training, ABA data collection system, and practice management resources are all user-friendly and beneficial. Each tool is effective on its own, but their combined use amplifies their impact. Rethink's Clinical Tools grant professionals immediate access to an extensive library of best practice videos, fostering deeper engagement with clients. These tools also ensure that parents and team members remain aligned, offering parents critical insights to encourage positive behaviors at home. Moreover, Rethink's RBT Training module delivers a robust training experience for staff, facilitating continuous professional growth. By utilizing Rethink's training, staff members gain a competitive advantage and develop a profound understanding of their roles, which ultimately leads to improved outcomes. This holistic approach not only enhances individual skills but also contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of your organization.

Effectively manage Private Health Information (PHI) while ensuring HIPAA compliance regardless of your location! Organize your notes and track client progress towards their objectives seamlessly. The visually appealing charts within Embark enable you to capture every detail efficiently! Appointments can be coordinated with four automated reminders sent via text and email, significantly reducing the likelihood of missed appointments. The cutting-edge technology behind Embark ensures stringent security, peak performance, and strict adherence to compliance regulations, protecting your patients' sensitive information. Eliminate data silos and make well-informed choices with immediate access to analytics concerning your practice's performance. Supervise your team's credentials, onboarding activities, and certifications to bolster preparedness for audits. By meticulously evaluating every cost associated with the development of Embark, we have crafted a specialized tool that provides exceptional value at an unmatched price. With the economical pricing of Embark EMR, you can move away from paper records and save substantial sums annually! Moreover, our platform is crafted to expand alongside your practice, adjusting to your changing requirements while upholding the highest data protection standards. In doing so, we ensure that your practice remains efficient and compliant as you grow.

Ease Health is a cutting-edge healthcare platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to serve as a holistic operating system tailored for behavioral health practices, seamlessly integrating patient intake, clinical management, documentation, and billing into a unified cloud-based solution. By adopting crucial healthcare technologies, including customer relationship management (CRM), electronic health records, and revenue cycle management, it streamlines the full range of behavioral health operations, facilitating everything from patient registration to treatment and payment. Instead of relying on a collection of fragmented systems for scheduling, clinical notes, and billing functions, Ease Health merges these vital tasks into a single interface, which allows providers to effectively manage referrals, admissions, care delivery, and claims processing. Furthermore, the platform harnesses AI to improve efficiency by automating administrative duties such as clinical documentation, enabling healthcare professionals to swiftly log visit details and generate organized notes automatically. This integration not only increases productivity but also significantly enhances the experience for both providers and patients alike, fostering a more cohesive healthcare environment. Such advancements in technology are crucial as they pave the way for improved communication and collaboration in behavioral health settings.

CR Essentials, previously known as Behaviorsoft, is a comprehensive and secure software solution designed for small independent ABA providers, streamlining everyday operations like billing, scheduling, and human resource management. Additionally, it supports the collection of medical data and payroll processing, enabling clinical staff to document daily progress notes and leverage eSign functionality to minimize paperwork while keeping track of authorizations associated with various bill codes. Furthermore, smart alerts are available to inform contractors about any expired certifications, enhancing compliance and operational efficiency. In managing HR functions, CR Essentials provides tools for tracking credentials, assigning pay rates, and generating payroll reports, among other tasks. The integrated calendar feature aids in effective client scheduling, and it incorporates measures to prevent scheduling conflicts. Moreover, CR Essentials alleviates the challenges of patient billing by offering optional services delivered by HIPAA-compliant medical billing professionals, ensuring both accuracy and confidentiality in financial transactions. This innovative software is designed to empower ABA providers to focus more on client care while efficiently handling administrative duties.

Hi Rasmus is a cutting-edge clinical software tailored for applied behavior analysis (ABA) and diverse behavioral health practices, equipping professionals with vital tools to improve therapy delivery and drive positive outcomes. The software includes flexible, clinician-centric data collection techniques that facilitate real-time insights and personalized workflows, empowering users to track skill growth, identify behavioral trends, and assess overall clinical advancements without disrupting patient interaction. Furthermore, it encompasses features like session note creation, detailed outcomes reporting dashboards, scheduling tools, and communication capabilities for teams and families, in addition to integrated curriculum libraries that support clinicians in devising and implementing impactful treatment plans. By promoting effortless teamwork among BCBAs, RBTs, educators, caregivers, and administrative personnel, Hi Rasmus ensures compatibility with other practice management systems, ultimately striving to elevate the standard of care provided to clients. This collaborative approach not only enhances the therapeutic experience but also fosters an environment that benefits all participants in the treatment process, leading to more effective interventions and improved client satisfaction.

A digital solution designed for healthcare professionals and practitioners addressing autism and various developmental disabilities. BPAUS provides an extensive array of digital resources that facilitate the creation, monitoring, and documentation of treatment protocols across educational settings, including schools, kindergartens, and private facilities. Additionally, a parent portal enables collaboration between parents and professionals by allowing the creation of a treatment diary and showcasing treatment progress. The user-friendly interface is straightforward, ensuring that existing workflows and methodologies remain unchanged. This design fosters seamless integration into daily practices, enhancing communication and efficiency among all parties involved.

AlphaMed Solutions offers a range of services including electronic health records, tailored solutions, and innovative healthcare and business applications designed to gather and analyze critical patient data in real time. These solutions are compliant with HIPAA regulations and leverage advanced medical protocols, merging the skills of award-winning Alpha Software engineers with the insights of practicing doctors. The applications are capable of rapidly accessing and collecting medical information, functioning effectively with or without cellular connectivity, and seamlessly integrating with nearly any healthcare infrastructure. One notable application, the AlphaMED Workplace Wellness app, assists employees in navigating the conclusion of a COVID-19 quarantine or illness by systematically collecting daily temperature readings and current symptoms. By utilizing established guidelines, test outcomes, and the typical progression of illness, the app identifies when significant milestones have been achieved and notifies employees when they are cleared to return to work, ensuring a safe transition back to the workplace. Additionally, this app empowers users to take charge of their health while providing organizations with essential data to make informed decisions regarding employee safety.

AlohaABA is a specialized management software tailored for Autism Clinics, developed by a California organization. This innovative platform assists these clinics in effectively managing crucial operations, such as supervising therapists, scheduling sessions, handling insurance billing, processing payroll, and creating detailed reports and dashboards. Since its launch in 2019, AlohaABA has been aimed at addressing common obstacles faced in the field of ABA therapy. As a Software as a Service (SaaS) offering, it comes with numerous benefits, including a free six-month trial, no fees for cancellation, a flexible monthly subscription plan, and the ease of being entirely web-based with no installation necessary. When placed alongside other practice management solutions for ABA therapy, AlohaABA distinguishes itself through its competitive pricing options, which feature three tiers: Essential, Premium, and Elite. Additionally, we prioritize client success by providing comprehensive training via product demonstrations and consistent support, ensuring users can fully leverage the software's capabilities. Our dedication to enhancing customer satisfaction drives us to equip Autism Clinics with the essential resources they require to thrive in their mission.

Counselors, social workers, psychologists, and therapists now have the opportunity to eliminate administrative hassles and cultivate a thriving private practice. By employing practice management software designed specifically by experts in behavioral health, you can streamline patient scheduling, billing, and documentation processes. We understand that your main goal in pursuing a private practice is to help others, but we also recognize that navigating the complexities of running a business can be overwhelming; our dedicated support team is here to assist you every step of the way. If you have tried different systems before but struggled to adapt or lost your drive, you are not alone. You might feel reluctant to part with your conventional day planner or intimidated by new technology. That’s exactly where we come in to help. We have successfully empowered thousands of clinicians to effectively manage their practices with our cutting-edge tools, and our unwavering commitment is to support your success. Furthermore, by offering patients a customized portal that showcases your brand, you can elevate your professional image. With our innovative solutions, you can concentrate on what truly matters: delivering outstanding care to your clients while we handle the administrative details. In this way, you can achieve a perfect balance between your passion for helping others and the demands of running a successful practice.

Catalyst ABA Data Collection is a versatile tool designed for the collection and management of diverse data types. This system can be customized to fit your unique requirements and preferences. It allows for the documentation of diagnostic information, including antecedents, consequences, locations, and times. Additionally, it captures topographical behavior data, focusing on aspects such as frequency, severity, and duration, ensuring comprehensive tracking of behavioral patterns. By utilizing Catalyst, you can enhance your data management capabilities and improve overall analysis.

TherapyMate is an intuitive online practice management system tailored specifically for mental and behavioral health practitioners, including counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. This versatile platform not only prioritizes user-friendliness but also emphasizes scalability and security, making it a reliable choice for professionals in the field. With a wide array of features, TherapyMate supports essential functions like appointment scheduling, calendar management, and detailed therapy notes, while also providing appointment reminders and facilitating credit card payments. Additionally, it includes comprehensive billing options, income and expense tracking, as well as insurance billing capabilities, ensuring that users can manage their practice effectively and efficiently. By streamlining these processes, TherapyMate allows practitioners to focus more on providing quality care to their clients.

Ritaja Practice is a holistic management platform designed specifically for mental health professionals such as therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. This all-inclusive solution combines essential features like appointment scheduling, AI-driven clinical note-taking, secure telehealth options, billing and insurance management, payroll oversight, and a client portal, all while adhering to HIPAA compliance standards. With the aid of AI, clinicians can efficiently generate session notes, track treatment outcomes through integrated psychometric tools like PHQ-9 and GAD-7, and manage both individual practices and larger clinics seamlessly, eliminating the need for multiple disparate systems. Additionally, the platform offers a straightforward client portal that enables patients to schedule appointments, complete intake forms, communicate with their providers, and engage in telehealth sessions effortlessly. Ritaja Practice stands out by providing a free trial period and transparent pricing based on the number of clinicians, making it a viable choice for practices of varying sizes. This approach allows mental health professionals to prioritize patient care, reducing the strain of administrative tasks and enhancing overall efficiency in their practices. As a result, providers can devote more time to their patients and improve the quality of care offered.

ReadySetConnect is a comprehensive practice management software tailored for clinicians and educators, enabling them to carry out their responsibilities with efficiency and reliability. It consolidates all patient information in a single, easily accessible location. Users can monitor and assess goal progress, analyze data, collaborate with peers, and make prompt, informed decisions that contribute to their success. This user-friendly software solution also adheres to HIPAA regulations, ensuring confidentiality and security for all users. Key features include: 1. Therapy Notes that provide legally defensible documentation to monitor performance and track goal progress. 2. Appointment Reminders delivered via text and email to enhance attendance consistency. 3. Signature Verification, allowing clients to confirm their participation and clinicians to finalize records. 4. Secure Live Telepractice that supports real-time video sessions coupled with screen sharing, annotation, and whiteboard capabilities. 5. Electronic Health Records that are securely stored in the cloud, making them easily retrievable whenever needed. This innovative software not only streamlines administrative tasks but also enhances the overall quality of care provided to patients.

The Behave Health solution combines top-tier electronic medical records software with comprehensive revenue cycle management systems. By streamlining your operations, we enable you to focus on delivering exceptional patient care. We extend our support across the entire behavioral health spectrum, which encompasses outpatient, residential, and inpatient services. Our assistance is tailored for facility providers working with patients dealing with substance abuse issues or mental health disorders. Whether you are establishing a new facility or seeking a reliable software partner for an existing one, our solution is designed to meet your needs. To ensure your satisfaction, we are pleased to offer a free trial account, allowing you to experience the benefits of our software firsthand!