Beginning the journey with ABA therapy can feel overwhelming for families navigating an autism diagnosis for the first time. At VBA California, we’re committed to making this process as smooth, transparent, and supportive as possible. Understanding each step of the intake and evaluation process can help you feel confident in the path forward. Here’s what to expect when getting started with ABA therapy services at VBA California.
Step 1: Initial Contact
The first step toward ABA therapy starts with a simple conversation. Whether you reach out by phone, email, or through our contact page, our dedicated intake team will guide you through the initial questions and help determine the best next steps for your child. During this initial contact, we gather general information such as:
- Your child’s age and current diagnosis
- Behavioral concerns and areas of need
- Insurance information and coverage
- Your preferred location for therapy (home, school, clinic)
We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and we are here to answer all your questions during this first touchpoint.
Step 2: Insurance Verification and Authorization
Once we’ve gathered your insurance details, our experienced administrative team will verify your benefits to determine coverage for ABA services. This step includes checking:
- Plan eligibility and network status
- Co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums
- Authorization requirements and referral processes
After confirming your benefits, we work on obtaining the necessary authorizations from your insurance provider. Our goal is to ensure minimal delays so your child can begin services as soon as possible.
Step 3: Scheduling the Initial Assessment
Once insurance is verified and authorization is in place, the next step is to schedule a comprehensive assessment with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This assessment is essential for creating a customized treatment plan and includes:
- Direct interaction and observation of your child
- Parent and caregiver interviews
- Behavioral history review
- Skill assessments (language, social, adaptive skills)
Our assessments are conducted in a familiar setting—whether at home, in school, or in our clinic—based on what works best for your child and family.
Step 4: Development of the Individualized Treatment Plan
Following the assessment, the BCBA will use their findings to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s strengths and areas of need. The plan outlines:
- Specific, measurable goals
- Strategies and interventions
- Therapy schedule and frequency
- Parent training and involvement
This treatment plan is then submitted to your insurance provider for approval before therapy services can officially begin. Our team handles all of the coordination and paperwork so you can focus on your family.
Step 5: Team Matching and Onboarding
After the treatment plan is approved, we begin the process of matching your child with a highly trained ABA therapy team. This includes:
- A supervising BCBA
- Behavior Technicians or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
We carefully select team members who align with your child’s personality, learning style, and therapy goals. Our onboarding process includes introductions, orientation sessions, and caregiver education to ensure everyone is comfortable and prepared for the journey ahead.
Step 6: Therapy Begins
With the team in place and all approvals secured, therapy sessions begin! ABA therapy is delivered in structured, yet flexible formats that evolve with your child’s progress. Our team uses data-driven techniques and regular progress monitoring to ensure that goals are being met and adjusted as needed.
Ongoing communication with caregivers is a core part of our process. We provide regular updates, involve families in goal planning, and offer continuous support to create a collaborative therapy experience.
What to Expect Throughout the Process
Families often ask how long it takes to get started. While timelines can vary based on insurance response times and scheduling availability, most families can expect the process—from first contact to the start of therapy—to take between 4 to 6 weeks. VBA California is committed to keeping families informed every step of the way and expediting services wherever possible.
Why Choose VBA California?
At VBA California, we believe that every child deserves individualized care delivered with compassion and professionalism. Our team is made up of experienced clinicians and administrators who specialize in making the intake and evaluation process simple and stress-free. We are here to advocate for your family, from insurance navigation to personalized care planning.
When you work with VBA California, you’re not just starting therapy—you’re starting a partnership built on trust, transparency, and results.
Contact Us to Begin the Intake Process
Ready to take the first step toward ABA therapy? Contact us today to begin the intake and evaluation process. Our team is here to support you from the first phone call through every milestone in your child’s development.