How to Find ABA Therapy Near You: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to find quality ABA therapy providers in your area. Tips for searching, evaluating options, and starting services for your child with autism.
Shamay Selim, M.Ed., BCBA
Clinical Director at Foundations Autism
Finding Quality ABA Therapy in Your Area
Finding the right ABA therapy provider for your child is a crucial step in their autism treatment journey. This guide walks you through the process of locating, evaluating, and choosing an ABA provider near you.
Where to Search for ABA Providers
Several resources can help you find ABA therapy providers in your area:
Online Directories
- Find ABA Therapy: Search by location, insurance, and service type
- Psychology Today: Includes ABA providers in their therapist directory
- BACB Registry: Find Board Certified Behavior Analysts by location
Insurance Resources
- Your insurance company's provider directory
- Call member services for a list of in-network ABA providers
- Ask about case management support for finding services
Professional Referrals
- Your child's pediatrician
- Developmental pediatrician or diagnosing provider
- School district special education department
- Early intervention program coordinators
Community Resources
- Local autism support groups
- Parent advocacy organizations
- Social media groups for local autism families
- University autism programs
What to Look For in a Provider
Essential Credentials
- BCBAs: Board Certified Behavior Analysts who design and supervise programs
- RBTs: Registered Behavior Technicians who deliver direct therapy
- State licensure: Many states require additional licensing
- Insurance credentialing: Properly contracted with your insurance
Quality Indicators
- Low staff turnover rates
- Ongoing training for therapists
- Reasonable BCBA supervision ratios
- Clear communication practices
- Parent training as part of services
- Data-driven treatment decisions
Practical Considerations
- Location and service area
- Available hours and scheduling flexibility
- Service settings offered (home, center, school)
- Current waitlist times
- Staff availability for your needed hours
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
When contacting providers, ask about:
- Do you accept my insurance? What are typical out-of-pocket costs?
- What is your current waitlist?
- What settings do you offer services in?
- What are your BCBA's qualifications and experience?
- What is your staff turnover rate?
- How do you match therapists with children?
- What does your assessment process involve?
- How do you measure and report progress?
- What parent training do you provide?
- How do you handle scheduling changes?
Navigating Waitlists
Long waitlists are common in ABA therapy. Strategies for managing the wait:
- Get on multiple lists: Contact several providers simultaneously
- Ask about cancellations: Request to be called if openings occur
- Consider interim services: Ask about parent training while waiting
- Explore all options: Different settings may have shorter waits
- Stay in touch: Periodically check your waitlist status
- Start other services: Speech therapy and OT can begin while waiting
Rural and Underserved Areas
If ABA providers are scarce in your area:
- Telehealth services: Many providers offer remote parent training
- Hybrid models: Combination of telehealth and periodic in-person visits
- Travel consideration: Some families commute to center-based programs
- Relocation: Some providers expand to underserved areas
- University programs: Training clinics may offer lower-cost services
- School-based: Work with your school district on services
Making Your Final Decision
After researching and meeting with providers, consider:
- How comfortable did you feel with the team?
- Did they answer your questions thoroughly?
- Does their approach align with your family's values?
- Is the location and schedule workable long-term?
- What did other families say about their experience?
- Does your child respond positively to them?
The best provider is one that combines quality credentials with a good relationship fit for your family.
Starting Services
Once you've chosen a provider:
- Complete intake paperwork promptly
- Provide all requested documentation (diagnosis, insurance, etc.)
- Schedule the initial assessment
- Prepare for insurance authorization wait
- Meet your assigned therapy team
- Begin therapy and stay engaged in the process
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this topic.
Use specialized directories like Find ABA Therapy to search by location and insurance. You can also ask your pediatrician or your child's diagnosing provider for referrals. Your insurance company maintains a list of in-network ABA providers.
If local options are limited, consider telehealth ABA services for parent training and consultation. Some providers offer hybrid models with occasional in-person visits. You may also explore providers willing to travel to your area or look at center-based options you could commute to.
Waitlist times vary significantly by location and provider. Waits of 3-12 months are common in many areas. Contact multiple providers to compare wait times, and ask if they offer any services while you wait, such as parent training or consultation.
In-network providers typically cost less out-of-pocket. However, if in-network options are limited or have long waits, out-of-network providers may be worth the additional cost. Check your out-of-network benefits—some plans offer substantial coverage.
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