What is an ABA clinic?

An ABA clinic is a facility that provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders. These clinics offer structured and nurturing environments where children receive individualized therapy to improve their behavior, communication, and social skills and make lasting progress.

Where can my child receive ABA services?

Our clinics can be found in North Carolina, Nebraska, Georgia, and Oklahoma. We also provide in‑home ABA therapy in these states along with Virginia, Utah, and Indiana, and are continuously expanding.

At what age can my child receive in‑center ABA therapy?

At Above and Beyond ABA clinics, we treat children with autism between the ages of 2 and 18.

What if my child does not respond to the therapy provided?

We work with your child to determine what works best for them. Our goal is to help your child succeed and thrive, so their progress is constantly monitored and adjusted accordingly. If they aren’t responding as expected, we tailor the treatment plan to ensure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved.

How can I make sure that center‑based ABA therapy is not too overwhelming for my child?

We keep group sessions small to ensure that every child feels safe and comfortable – and not overwhelmed. This allows the therapist to focus their attention on each child while still building their social interaction skills.

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We accept Medicaid & most insurances. View list

Email us: info@abtaba.com

How to Start ABA Therapy

What happens after your child gets an autism diagnosis?

Many families reach out to Above and Beyond Therapy after a recent autism diagnosis, a doctor’s recommendation for ABA therapy, or concerns that their child may need more support.

Some families are also switching providers after a difficult experience or service disruption. Wherever you are in the process, you do not need to know exactly what to ask for before you call. Our team will walk you through the next steps and help determine whether ABA therapy is the right fit for your child.

At Above and Beyond Therapy, we guide families through every step, from the initial consultation to the first therapy session and beyond. This page will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to access the services your child needs to thrive.

Gift my child tools for success

Early Intervention (Ages 1–5)

Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, where early identification and intervention can significantly impact long-term outcomes. Our Early Intervention program uses evidence-based, individualized ABA therapy to support young children in developing communication, social, and adaptive skills during this key developmental window.

Individualized, data-driven treatment plans

Focus on communication, social, and adaptive skills

Naturalistic, child-centered learning approach

Get started on early intervention

Getting Started with ABA Therapy at ABT

Starting ABA therapy begins with a simple phone call. During this first conversation, our intake team will learn more about your child, your family’s needs, your location, and what led you to reach out. This may include a recent autism diagnosis, a doctor’s recommendation, specific behaviors, school concerns, or the need to switch from another ABA provider. We work with families across multiple states, offering in-home ABA therapy, center-based services, and school-based support.

We accept Medicaid and most major insurance plans. Our intake team will use your insurance information to confirm your child’s individual benefits, explain what may be covered, and help you understand any paperwork, authorization requirements, or expected out-of-pocket costs.

Ready to get started? Contact us today or visit our locations page to find a center near you.

Get Started on ABA Therapy

What to Do After an Autism Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions such as relief, uncertainty, and a desire to take action. Early intervention is one of the most important steps you can take to support your child's development. Research shows that starting ABA therapy as early as possible leads to better long-term outcomes in communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior.

Here's what to do after your child's diagnosis:

Consult with your pediatrician or diagnosing clinician: Ask for recommendations and referrals to ABA therapy providers.

Research ABA providers in your area: Look for agencies with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and a strong track record of family-centered care.

Contact your insurance provider: Verify your coverage for ABA therapy and understand any pre-authorization requirements.

Reach out to ABA providers: Schedule consultations to learn about their approach, availability, and services.

Learn about early intervention strategies: Explore resources like our guide on early intervention autism strategies to understand how you can support your child at home.

At Above and Beyond Therapy, we understand the challenges families face after an autism diagnosis. Our team is here to provide guidance, support, and evidence-based care every step of the way.

Stimulate my child’s development

The process of starting ABA therapy is straightforward and designed to ensure your child receives personalized, effective care. Here's what to expect:

Step-by-Step: How to Start ABA Therapy

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with an initial phone call or consultation. During this conversation, our intake team will learn about your child’s strengths, challenges, diagnosis, current services, school setting, and what your family is hoping to address. You can share as much as you know, and if you are not sure what questions to ask yet, our team will guide the conversation.

This is also an opportunity for you to share any concerns, ask about therapy schedules, and learn more about our ABA therapy services. There's no obligation, just a chance to explore whether ABA is the right fit for your child.

What Information Will I Need to Provide?

If your family is ready to move forward, our intake team will open a file for your child and collect basic information such as your child’s name, age, address, school setting, current services, and care needs. Families will also receive an email confirmation, intake packet, and DocuSign forms to complete.

You may be asked to provide photos of the front and back of your insurance card, your child’s insurance ID number, and a copy of the original autism evaluation or diagnostic report. If you do not have the diagnostic report available, we may be able to contact the diagnosing provider directly to request it.

Insurance Verification

Once you decide to move forward, our intake team will verify your insurance coverage. We work with Medicaid and most major private insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna. You can view our full list of accepted plans on our insurances page.

Many insurance plans cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis, though coverage details vary by state, plan, network, and authorization requirements. Our intake team will verify your child’s benefits, explain what your plan covers, and help you understand any deductibles, co-pays, session limits, or pre-authorization requirements before therapy begins.

Our team will handle the insurance verification process, explain your benefits, and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs. We'll also assist with pre-authorization if your plan requires it.

ABA Assessment

Before therapy begins, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will complete an initial assessment with your child. Depending on your child’s needs, this may take place in your home or another natural environment. The BCBA will sit down with you and your child, observe your child’s current skills, listen to your concerns, and identify where support may be most helpful.

‍The assessment may look at areas such as:
- Behavior, communication and emotional regulation
- Daily living skills and routines
- School readiness or school-related challenges
- Parent concerns, priorities, and goals
- Medical, developmental, and diagnostic history

Learn more about what to expect in our article on ABA assessment.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on the assessment results, your child’s BCBA will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines specific, measurable goals tailored to your child’s needs, which may include behavior support, communication, social skills, daily tasks, self-care, school readiness, and independence in everyday routines.

The treatment plan also specifies the recommended number of therapy hours per week. Intensive ABA programs typically involve 26–40 hours per week, while focused programs may range from 10–25 hours. The BCBA will consider your child's baseline skill levels, the intensity of interfering behaviors, and your family's priorities when recommending therapy hours.

Goals are developed collaboratively with caregivers and are evidence-based. Many targets are designed as building blocks to decrease challenging behavior, teach new skills, and encourage positive behaviors in natural environments.

Therapy Start & Scheduling

Once the treatment plan is approved and insurance authorization is in place, therapy can begin. Our scheduling team will work with you to coordinate therapy sessions based on your child’s recommended hours, your family’s availability, therapist availability, and the approved service setting. We offer in-home therapy, center-based services, and school-based support where available.

During therapy sessions, a trained Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) works one-on-one with your child under the supervision of a BCBA. The BCBA oversees your child’s treatment plan, monitors progress, and provides ongoing guidance, while the RBT supports your child during day-to-day therapy sessions.

Parents are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions and receive training on how to support their child's progress at home. This collaboration ensures consistency and helps your child generalize skills across different environments.

Empower my child

Who Will Support My Family During ABA Therapy?

Several team members may support your family throughout the ABA therapy process:

Intake team: Often the first point of contact for families. They answer initial questions, collect basic information, help gather documentation, verify insurance, and schedule the initial assessment.

BCBA: The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is the clinical supervisor who completes the assessment, creates the treatment plan, monitors progress, and provides parent training. Families typically meet with the BCBA regularly throughout care.

RBT: The Registered Behavior Technician is the one-on-one therapist who works directly with your child during therapy sessions under BCBA supervision.

Scheduling coordinator: After onboarding, the scheduling team helps coordinate therapy arrangements, therapist availability, and ongoing session logistics.

Empower my child with center-based ABA therapy

What Is the ABA Intake Process?

The ABA intake process is the series of steps that take place before therapy begins. It ensures that your child receives the right level of care and that all necessary documentation and authorizations are in place.

Here's a breakdown of the intake process:

Initial inquiry: You contact Above and Beyond Therapy to learn about our services and schedule a consultation.

Consultation: Our team meets with you to discuss your child's needs, answer questions, and explain the ABA therapy process.

Insurance verification: We verify your insurance coverage and explain your benefits, including any pre-authorization requirements.

Assessment scheduling: We schedule a comprehensive assessment with a BCBA to evaluate your child's skills and needs.

Treatment plan development: The BCBA creates a personalized treatment plan based on assessment results and family input.

Authorization submission: We submit the treatment plan to your insurance provider for authorization and approval.

Therapy start: Once authorization is approved, we schedule therapy sessions and begin services.Our intake team will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience from start to finish.

Our intake team will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience from start to finish.

Why Families Choose Above and Beyond Therapy

At Above and Beyond Therapy, we're committed to providing high-quality, family-centered ABA services that help children with autism reach their full potential.

Here's why families trust us:

Experienced, compassionate team: Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are highly trained and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Individualized treatment plans: We tailor every therapy plan to your child's unique strengths, challenges, and goals and don’t rely on one-size-fits-all approaches.

Evidence-based methods: We use the latest ABA techniques and research-backed strategies to ensure effective, meaningful outcomes.

Flexible service options: We offer in-home, clinic-based, and school-based ABA therapy where available, based on your child’s needs, treatment plan, and location.

Insurance support: We accept Medicaid and most major insurance plans, and our team handles all authorization and billing processes.

Family collaboration: We believe parents are essential partners in their child's progress. We provide training, support, and ongoing communication to ensure consistency across all environments.

Proven results: Our clients make measurable progress in communication, social skills, daily living skills, and behavior management.

We serve families across multiple states, including Virginia, Utah, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado, and Maryland. Visit our locations page to find a center near you.

How Long Does It Take to Start ABA Therapy?

The timeline for starting ABA therapy varies depending on several factors, including insurance authorization, provider availability, and the complexity of your child's needs. In general, families can expect the process to take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks from the initial consultation to the first therapy session.Here's a typical timeline:

Week 1: Initial consultation and insurance verification

Weeks 2–3: Comprehensive assessment conducted by a BCBA

Week 4: Treatment plan development and submission for insurance authorization

Weeks 5–6: Insurance review and approval (timelines vary by provider)

Weeks 7–8: Scheduling and therapy start

Some insurance plans require pre-authorization before therapy can begin, which may extend the timeline. Our team works diligently to expedite the process and keep you informed every step of the way.

If you're concerned about wait times or need services urgently, contact us to discuss your situation. We'll do everything we can to accommodate your family's needs.

How Often Is ABA Therapy?

The frequency and intensity of ABA therapy depend on your child’s individual needs, treatment goals, school schedule, family availability, and insurance authorization. Many children receive ABA therapy several times per week, and some treatment plans may recommend a larger weekly time commitment.

Here are the most common therapy schedules:

Intensive ABA (26–40 hours per week): Recommended for children who need comprehensive support across multiple skill areas. This level of therapy is often used in early intervention programs and for children with more significant developmental delays or challenging behaviors.

Focused ABA (10–25 hours per week): Appropriate for children who have made progress in intensive therapy or who need targeted support in specific areas, such as communication or social skills.

Maintenance ABA (5–10 hours per week): Used to maintain skills and prevent regression after a child has achieved their primary therapy goals.

Skills Development:
‍Our goal is to empower your child to succeed in every environment. Therefore, a crucial component of our program is the emphasis on the development of prerequisite skills needed to transition into mainstream environments and succeed academically.

For many families, one of the biggest adjustments is the time commitment. ABA therapy may be recommended alongside school, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other services. Your BCBA and scheduling team can help discuss what is clinically recommended, what is realistic for your family, and how therapy hours may be structured across different days or settings.

The right number of hours varies for each child. Your BCBA will make a recommendation based on your child’s assessment, treatment goals, support needs, and progress over time.

Let my child soar!

In-Home ABA Therapy VS Center-Based: What to Expect

In-home ABA therapy brings individualized support directly to your child’s natural environment. This setting allows the BCBA and therapy team to understand your child’s routines, family dynamics, behaviors, communication needs, social goals, and daily living skills in the place where many of those skills are used most.

Here's what to expect for each:

Home-Based ABA Therapy

Center-Based ABA Therapy

Family Environment: Having therapy in the familiar setting of your home can be less stressful for the child because they’re in their comfort zone.

Structured Environment: Our ABA therapy centers provide a consistent and structured environment to promote learning.

Family Involvement: For progress to last, consistency is key. Parents and caregivers can actively participate in the sessions and continue implementing the strategies taught outside of the sessions.

Social Interactions: Children can engage with peers in group activities, helping them build social and communication skills in real-life settings.

Flexibility: Therapy sessions can be scheduled for times that are convenient for the family, ensuring that regular life can continue around sessions.

Access to Resources: Every child has the opportunity to benefit from the specialized toys, tools and materials to enhance therapy that our ABA treatment centers are equipped with.

Individualized Attention: One-on-one therapy sessions focus on the child's specific needs and goals.

Professional Supervision: Therapists have access to ongoing support and supervision from experienced BCBAs, ensuring that every child is well cared for.

Daily Skills: During therapy, the child will learn independent living skills that can be applied directly to their unique daily routine and activities at home.

Comprehensive Program: Our center-based programs offer the best of both worlds for your child - a blend of one-on-one and group therapy for well-rounded development.

Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy?

Many insurance plans cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis, but coverage depends on your specific plan, state, network, and authorization requirements. Above and Beyond Therapy accepts Medicaid and most major private insurance plans, and our intake team will verify your child’s individual benefits before therapy begins.

Our intake team will verify your child’s benefits, explain what your plan covers, and help you understand any deductibles, co-pays, session limits, or pre-authorization requirements before therapy begins.

Insurance coverage for ABA therapy typically includes:

- Comprehensive assessments conducted by a BCBA
- One-on-one therapy sessions with a trained RBT
- Parent training and caregiver coaching
- Progress monitoring and treatment plan updates
- Coverage details such as deductibles, co-pays, session limits, in-network requirements, and pre-authorization rules vary by plan.

Our team will review your child’s benefits, explain what may be covered, and help you understand any expected out-of-pocket costs. Financial assistance options or payment plans may also be available depending on eligibility and circumstances.

For more information, visit our insurances page or read our complete guide to ABA therapy insurance coverage.

Start my child’s journey to success!

Start ABA Therapy Today

If you are ready to take the next step, or if you are not sure what to ask yet, we are here to help. Starting ABA therapy can feel overwhelming, especially after a recent diagnosis or doctor recommendation, but our intake team will guide you through the process one step at a time.

You can also visit our ABA therapy services page to learn more about how we can support your child.We believe in every child's potential and we're here to help them reach it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in ABA therapy?

Enrolling in ABA therapy begins by contacting Above and Beyond Therapy and speaking with our intake team. During the first call, we will learn more about your child, open a file if your family is ready to move forward, collect basic information, verify your insurance benefits, and explain what documents may be needed. After the intake steps are complete, a BCBA assessment is scheduled, a treatment plan is created, and therapy can begin once authorization and scheduling are in place.

How much does ABA therapy cost with insurance?

The cost of ABA therapy with insurance depends on your child’s specific plan benefits, coverage rules, deductible, co-pays, coinsurance, and authorization requirements. Our intake team will verify your insurance benefits before therapy begins and explain any expected out-of-pocket costs. Financial assistance options or payment plans may also be available depending on eligibility and circumstances.

What happens during the first session?

During the first ABA therapy session, your child's therapist will focus on building rapport and creating a positive, comfortable environment. The therapist will introduce activities, observe your child's responses, and begin working on initial goals from the treatment plan. Parents are encouraged to participate and ask questions. The first session is an opportunity for your child to get to know their therapist and for you to see how ABA therapy works in practice.

Do I need a diagnosis to start?

Yes, most insurance plans require a formal autism diagnosis for ABA therapy to be covered. If your child does not have a diagnosis, you'll need to seek an evaluation from a healthcare professional who specializes in autism spectrum disorder, such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or neurologist. Your primary care doctor or pediatrician can provide referrals for diagnostic testing. For more information, read our article on challenges in autism diagnosis.

How many hours per week will my child need?

The number of therapy hours your child needs depends on their individual assessment, treatment goals, support needs, school schedule, and family availability. Some children may need a more intensive weekly schedule, while others may need focused support in specific areas. Your child’s BCBA will recommend the appropriate number of hours and may adjust the schedule over time as your child makes progress.

Can ABA therapy hours be split across different days or settings?

Yes. Your child’s recommended therapy hours can often be scheduled across multiple days and, when appropriate, across settings such as home, school, or clinic-based care. The exact schedule depends on your child’s treatment plan, clinical recommendations, family availability, therapist availability, and insurance authorization.

Where do ABA therapy services take place?

ABA therapy may take place in the home, in school or community settings, or in one of our clinic-based programs, depending on your child’s needs, location, availability, and treatment plan. In-home therapy allows children to work on skills in their natural environment, while clinic-based services may provide a more structured setting for younger children or children who benefit from a consistent daily routine.

Enroll in Our ABA Autism Therapy Programs

ABA behavior centers provide many advantages to children with autism. In addition to a comprehensive program and structured environment, our experienced staff are dedicated to helping children with autism improve and develop foundational skills for life. Contact us today to enroll your child in an ABA center at Above and Beyond ABA Therapy and get ready to watch them soar!