Where to get ABA Therapy?

While this depends on geographic location, in most cases and particularly when an Autism diagnosis is involved, ABA therapy is provided through private organizations such as ABA agencies. In other cases, families may opt to work with private practitioners, school districts, or non-profit organizations to secure ABA services. At this time, most ABA services are provided by private ABA agencies. It is common for properly credentialed and reputable ABA agencies to be contracted with most major medical insurance carriers. Therefore, it is typical for members’ medical insurance carriers to offer lists of local ABA providers to their members after an Autism diagnosis is received. Similarly, many pediatric psychologists and psychiatrists will have a network of ABA agencies with whom they work with and they are typically always prepared to provide referrals. Therefore, it is encouraged for families to request a list of local ABA providers from their medical insurance carrier or diagnosing physician.

Depending on the ABA therapy program that is selected as well as the individual needs of the child, ABA services can be provided in the home, school, clinic, or community settings. Sometimes, and depending on clinical needs, a combination of these locations may be used. ABA agencies are responsible for employing individuals who are properly screened and credentialed (Behavior Technicians, Registered Behavior Technicians, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, etc.) Additionally, ABA agencies are responsible for hiring, training, and placing staff members on a child’s ABA team. Initial and ongoing assessment, modification of treatment goals, and the delivery of ABA services are the responsibility of the ABA agency. It is important for families that are seeking ABA services to have a discussion with the ABA agency they are interested in working with and develop a plan.

For your reference, the following are some questions to ask ABA providers which may help in choosing the agency that best matches your loved one’s needs. Please note this list is not exhaustive: “Are there Board Certified Behavior Analysts on staff and will we have access to one?”, “Does this agency provide ABA services in our area?”, “What can we expect from the initial assessment process?”, “Who will provide services to my child and what are the staff’s qualifications?”, “Are you in-network with my medical insurance carrier?”, “How does the scheduling of my child’s services work?”, “Can sessions take place during community outings or playdates?”, “Who Supervises the staff on my child’s ABA team and how often will we meet with the Supervisor?”, “Does your program include a parent training component?”

We hope this post has provided you with some useful information about where to get ABA therapy and some questions to ask potential ABA providers.