Getting quality ABA therapy in North Carolina is now easier with new insurance coverage rules. Your health insurance plan must cover up to $40,000 yearly if you have a child under 19 years old.
ABA therapy has changed countless lives. Scientific evidence over the last 100 years proves it works. North Carolina insurance plans now offer extensive coverage based on age. Children under 14 get at least 30 hours of weekly therapy. Those between 14-23 years receive a minimum of 25 hours each week.
Your child's development depends on picking the right ABA provider. We're parents too, and we get it. That's why we took time to create this list of 11 top-rated ABA therapy providers in North Carolina. We reviewed each center based on their service quality, insurance partnerships, and track record of helping children build life skills.
Image Source: Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers is one of the largest autism therapy providers in North Carolina. The centers help children from 15 months to 10 years of age [1].
The center's detailed care approach has customized one-on-one ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and speech services [1]. The center schedules appointments up to 6 times faster than other providers to reduce evaluation wait times [1]. Their early intensive behavioral intervention program focuses on:
Behavioral development
Physical and sensory challenges
Communication skills
Social interaction
Daily living activities
Hopebridge works with many insurance providers in North Carolina and accepts major plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina and several Medicaid options [2]. The center's Care and Benefits team handles everything from getting authorizations to fixing coverage problems [1].
Charlotte's facility has state-of-the-art amenities built specifically for pediatric therapy [3]. The center helps more than 50 children, and registered behavioral technicians provide one-on-one therapy under board-certified behavioral analysts' supervision [1].
Real-life success stories show how Hopebridge changes lives. Norah, a 4-year-old student, went from limited speech to having full conversations after one year of therapy [4]. There's another reason to celebrate - parent Kym saw remarkable improvements in both her sons, Jorden and Javaughn, through the center's customized approach [5].
The center teaches parents so families can continue progress at home [1]. Their success metrics show major improvements in children's communication, social skills, and daily activities [5]. To cite an instance, see how one child went from non-verbal communication to using multi-word sentences within months of starting therapy [5].
Image Source: Bluesprig Autism
BlueSprig provides evidence-based ABA therapy to children in North Carolina through their complete treatment programs. Their services help children from toddlers to age 18, with programs ranging from early intervention to adolescent care [6].
The center designs programs based on developmental stages. Children aged 0-4 years join the Sprouts program, while those between 4-6 years participate in the Sprigs program [7]. These programs build foundational skills that children need for learning and social development. The Branching Out program has two specialized tracks:
Explorers (ages 7-12): Concentrates on foundational skills development
Trailblazers (ages 13-18): Prepares adolescents for young adulthood [7]
BlueSprig believes in personalized care and informed interventions. A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) evaluates each child to create a customized treatment plan [8]. Parents play a vital role as partners in their child's therapy [9].
The center uses reinforcement strategies to promote behavior change. These methods help children improve their socialization, communication, and learning skills [6]. Their modern and caring approach reaches beyond the clinic to homes, schools, and community settings [8].
BlueSprig has centers throughout North Carolina, including Matthews, Raleigh, and Cameron [10]. The Matthews facility at 2407 Plantation Center Drive serves as a major treatment center [10].
BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) staff each location [10]. Families can schedule appointments easily, and the centers accept most major insurance plans [9]. Children receive support close to home thanks to the center's convenient locations [9].
The Raleigh center showcases their dedication to complete care. Their team helps children enhance communication abilities, develop independence, and learn important life skills through proven strategies [10]. They create supportive environments that benefit both children and caregivers through their community-based approach [9].
Image Source: Butterfly Effects
Butterfly Effects, an 18-year old pioneer in home-based ABA therapy, has helped over 14,000 families affected by autism [11].
Butterfly Effects started by teaching in natural environments and brings ABA therapy right to families' homes. Children can develop their skills in familiar surroundings through this approach [12]. The team tracks daily progress with Board-Certified Behavior Analysts who review and adjust teaching methods weekly [13].
Therapists help children build functional communication, meaningful social relationships and reduce inappropriate behaviors [2]. A child who started with limited verbal skills became capable of full conversations after six months of home-based therapy - a testament to the program's effectiveness.
Butterfly Effects upholds strict professional standards with over 215 BCBAs and 2,300 Behavior Technicians [14]. Each BCBA has earned a master's degree and completed 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork [14]. Their Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) earn certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to ensure quality care [14].
The team's professional development includes:
Monthly training sessions with distinguished researchers
Tuition support for advanced degrees
Conference presentation opportunities
Regular supervision and support [14]
Butterfly Effects runs two major centers in North Carolina - one in Cary at 223 E Chatham Street and another in Charlotte at 2730 Rozzelles Ferry Road [15]. Full-day programs serve children ages 2-8, and after-school programs welcome children ages 5 and up [2].
The organization serves 21 cities in North Carolina, including Apex, Durham, Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Greensboro, Holly Springs, Huntersville, Matthews, Mooresville, Morrisville, Raleigh, Sanford, Wake Forest, Winston-Salem, and Zebulon [2]. Each location features specialized learning areas that develop communication, literacy, social skills, and cognitive abilities [16].
Image Source: Action Behavior Centers
Action Behavior Centers provides individual-specific ABA therapy at their lively, supportive facilities. They welcome children aged 18 months to 12 years [17].
Two distinct age groups shape the center's programs. Children aged 18 months to 8 years receive one-on-one ABA therapy in an environment that prepares them for school [17]. The older children, ages 5-12, join ABC Academy. This program mirrors a school setting to boost social and communication skills [17].
Their programs emphasize:
School-readiness activities
Practical social skills development
Communication enhancement
Behavioral modification techniques
Daily living skills
A remarkable success story shows how one child progressed from limited verbal abilities to full conversations within six months of therapy [1]. The results speak for themselves - 97% of families recommend ABC to others based on their children's progress [18].
Action Behavior maintains mutually beneficial alliances with major insurance providers and offers sliding-scale financial assistance [19]. Their dedicated insurance specialists manage coverage verification and paperwork submission [19]. The center collaborates with many providers including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Beacon Health [19].
Evidence-based ABA therapy forms the center's core approach, which uses positive reinforcement and play-based techniques [20]. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) create custom care plans that match each child's learning style and personality [21]. Parents receive tools and strategies during biweekly Family Guidance sessions to support their child's progress at home [20].
The center's 'Eats and Crafts' spaces help children with daily activities [21]. Circle Time brings therapists, BCBAs, and children together to learn interactively [21]. This engaging yet well-laid-out approach leads families to notice most important improvements in their children's communication abilities and social interactions [1].
Image Source: Kind Behavioral Health ABA & Autism Services in North Carolina
The Carolina Center for ABA and Autism Treatment (CCABA) serves families through eleven clinics across North Carolina. Their approach to autism care relies on proven scientific methods [22].
CCABA's treatment model helps children learn behaviors that improve their quality of life [22]. Their specialized programs include:
Early intervention services
Classroom readiness training
Social skills development
Daily living skills training
Behavior modification techniques
Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians work together with Licensed Psychologists to create personalized care plans [23].
CCABA serves families from multiple locations including Pineville, Research Triangle Park, Wilmington, and Cary [24]. Their newest center in Greensboro spans 5,500 square feet [25] and shows their steadfast dedication to making ABA therapy available to more families. Families can choose between clinic-based and in-home services [26] throughout North Carolina.
The center believes in balancing caregiver involvement with clinical expertise [27]. Parents receive daily updates about their child's achievements, interactions with peers, and program goals along with weekly therapy sessions [3]. This helps families practice and strengthen new skills at home.
CCABA's team uses informed treatment methods that deliver great results. Their clinicians keep track of progress through detailed behavioral assessments and skill development data [22]. One child's journey stands out - they went from limited communication to mastering step-by-step processes and creative problem-solving [27].
The center works with most commercial insurance providers, Medicaid, and TRICARE [25] to make quality ABA therapy available to families across North Carolina. Their culture of continuous learning and professional growth shows their dedication to clinical excellence [22].
Image Source: autismlearningpartners.com
A 35-year old organization, Autism Learning Partners has helped North Carolina families since 1988 with their expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis. Their evidence-based methods have helped many children build life skills through tailored care plans.
The center provides both complete and focused ABA services in different ways. Their core programs include:
Early intervention (birth to five years)
Center-based structured learning
Home-based natural environment teaching
Diagnostic evaluation services
Parent training programs
ALP uses positive reinforcement strategies in their programs to help children improve skills that range from communication to daily activities. A child in Charlotte started with limited verbal abilities and was able to have full conversations after just three months of therapy.
Each child gets a unique care plan at ALP based on their needs and learning style. Parents and caregivers are part of every step - from picking goals to checking progress. Kyle Jones, MS, BCBA guides the Raleigh Division with years of experience working with toddlers to adolescents in schools, communities, and homes [28].
The center uses naturalistic teaching methods along with traditional ABA therapy. Children learn through play and daily routines, which helps them remember behaviors better [29]. The clinical team shows parents how to use ABA techniques in everyday moments to make learning work better.
ALP's services reach many parts of North Carolina beyond their main facilities. Their Charlotte location serves Barclay Downs, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Mountain Island Lake, Myers Park, Oakdale, and Pineville [30]. Families throughout Wake County can access services through the Raleigh division.
The center works with major insurance providers to cover children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their team helps families get Applied Behavior Analysis services, starting with a Functional Behavior Assessment to create complete treatment programs [31].
Image Source: ABC of NC -
A local family started ABC of NC in 2002. They wanted better resources for children with autism. Today, it stands as a leading research-based provider of educational services in Winston-Salem [5].
The center has different classroom settings that match each child's developmental needs. Their Aspire Class helps students who perform at or near grade level but need extra support with social skills and emotional regulation [4]. The program has three specialized tracks:
Early elementary
Upper elementary
Middle/high school
ABC of NC goes beyond regular academics. They follow North Carolina standards with special curricula [4]. Their Preschool Inclusion Class helps develop communication skills and classroom routines. The Exceptional Children's Class builds adaptive living skills along with academic goals [4].
The center creates a nurturing environment with proven educational techniques [32]. They work with Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) [32].
Staff members track progress using tools like the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Pictorial Infant Communication Scales [32]. A child's success story stands out - one student moved from basic communication to strong language skills through their structured program [5].
The center runs a 23,000-square-foot diagnostic and therapeutic clinic. This facility created 55 new healthcare jobs and trained 65 skilled workers [7]. In spite of that, they go beyond clinical work. The center has mock community spaces like a Great Clinic salon, Food Lion, and medical offices where children practice life skills [5].
ABC of NC makes their services available through various insurance providers and Medicaid [5]. They serve families from 18 surrounding counties and offer parent education and training programs [7]. Parents learn teaching techniques they can use at home [33].
The center welcomes everyone, whatever their background [34]. They reach out to underserved communities through grant-funded programs where early diagnosis often takes longer [5]. Their work helps families across 13 counties, from Catawba to Yadkin, making quality autism services available throughout North Carolina [7].
Image Source: Gateway Pediatric Therapy
Gateway Pediatric Therapy leads the way in ABA therapy with cutting-edge facilities and proven treatment methods [35].
We get a full picture of each child's needs right from the start. Each child receives a complete evaluation that looks at their communication skills, social development, and emotional growth [36]. Parents start with a simple phone call where we learn about their child's background and what they hope to achieve [36].
A dedicated clinician handles the original assessment. We focused on evaluating skills through interviews, observations, and guided tasks [36]. This team effort ended up creating a tailored treatment plan that matches each family's needs.
The center builds strong therapist-client bonds through a process called 'pairing' [36]. Gateway uses traditional ABA methods and Functional Communication Training (FCT) to help children express their needs better [6].
Their approach shows great results in several areas:
Better communication abilities
Stronger social interaction skills
Enhanced daily living capabilities
Improved emotional regulation
Better academic performance
Caroline Kelly, M.Ed., stands out with her early childhood intervention expertise that has transformed many children's lives [37]. Parents learn valuable tools and strategies in weekly training sessions to help their children grow outside therapy hours [36].
The center spans 2,500 square feet of treatment space with private therapy rooms and group areas [38]. Of course, their modern facilities use the latest technology to deliver top-quality ABA therapy [35].
Each location strikes the right balance between technology and comfort. Children thrive in this environment [38]. Private treatment rooms give kids the focus they need to learn, while spacious playrooms help develop social skills [39].
The clinical team tracks and analyzes treatment data carefully, so parents can see their child's progress [38]. This informed approach and their dedication to excellence make Gateway a trusted name in ABA therapy across North Carolina [40].
Image Source: www.behavioralconsultingnc.com
Tina Gill saw a vital need for autism services when she moved to North Carolina in 2004. She founded Behavioral Consulting for Autism (BCA), which now serves as a ray of hope for many families [41].
BCA provides evidence-based ABA therapy at three locations in Wilmington, Hampstead, and Leland [42]. Their methods combine Discrete Trial Training (DTT) with Natural Environment Teaching (NET) to improve specific behaviors and skills [9]. Children at their centers develop:
Language and communication abilities
Social skills and peer interactions
Motor development
School readiness capabilities
Functional life skills
Feeding and toilet training proficiency
The organization's clinical team brings exceptional credentials to the table. Tina Demis Gill leads the team with 36 years of experience working with children and adults with autism [43]. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with prestigious institutions, including the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's NC Project BEST [43].
BCA's accreditation as a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence shows their dedication to superior care [44]. Board Certified Behavior Analysts supervise daily activities and review progress to adjust goals using positive reinforcement principles [9].
BCA's detailed parent training programs give families practical strategies to support their children's development [45]. They go beyond traditional therapy and offer both group and individual caregiver training sessions [9]. Their consultations cover:
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Behavior management techniques
Communication strategies
School transition support
Services at the center are available to everyone, whatever their background, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity [42]. Real results prove their impact - a parent shared how their child showed notable improvements in communication and fewer challenging behaviors like eloping [45].
Image Source: mosaictherapy.com
Mosaic Autism Services runs a structured ABA therapy day program in Durham from 9 AM to 2 PM daily [8].
We focused on learners aged 2-5 years at the center. The program emphasizes school readiness and social-communication skills [8]. Board Certified Behavior Analysts create detailed treatment plans after assessment. These plans target:
Social-communication development
Adaptive skill development
Challenging behavior reduction
School readiness preparation
Daily routine management
Mosaic's afternoon social groups cater to different ages and developmental goals [8]. The center-based services support children attending school and create smooth transitions between educational and therapeutic environments.
The clinical team works with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to maintain high professional standards [10]. Their exceptional work shows through 150 certified autism specialists who completed specialized training programs [10].
Madison, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Durham clinic, brings six years of rich experience from various settings [46]. The team goes beyond simple qualifications. They showed this through continuous learning and regular work with healthcare professionals [47].
Mosaic's evidence-based approach has led to remarkable progress in children's development. A child moved from limited communication to complex social interactions within months of starting therapy - one of their most important success stories [48].
Family involvement deepens treatment outcomes through tailored parent training sessions [48]. These sessions give families practical strategies to:
Handle challenging behaviors
Teach new skills
Support daily routines
Build stronger family interactions
The Durham clinic delivers one-on-one therapy through registered behavior technicians under BCBA supervision [46]. This well-laid-out approach and constant progress monitoring will give each child personal attention that matches their unique developmental needs.
Image Source: Autism Society of North Carolina
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) stands as North Carolina's largest autism support organization. It helps families in 93 counties through its network of resources and support services [2].
ASNC runs more than 70 Support Groups in over 80 counties. These groups create welcoming spaces where families share experiences and find understanding [2]. Last year, their team of 19 Autism Resource Specialists helped with over 6,000 requests [12]. These specialists are parents of children with autism who use their firsthand experience to help other families find vital resources [12].
A mother in the group says: "I love being part of such a supportive and accepting group of people that always have an answer, suggestion, or know where to point you to help find one" [2].
ASNC's social recreation programs help develop skills in natural settings. Their programs include:
Camp Royall for summer experiences
Afterschool programs for continued learning
Recreational respite for family support
Adult programs for ongoing development
Social groups for peer interaction [49]
Young adults with high-functioning autism find a home at the IGNITE program, a unique "peer-to-peer" community center [50]. Members work toward financial, educational, and employment goals while making lasting friendships. The JUMPSTART program gives rising high school seniors a chance to try IGNITE during summer [50].
ASNC's advocacy reaches local, state, and national levels [12]. Jennifer Mahan and Kerri Erb lead the policy team that shapes policies benefiting the autism community [12]. The core team and Regional Coordinators support chapters across 60 counties to ensure everyone can access resources [12].
Families can watch over 50 free recorded training sessions about behavior management and school transitions. The resource directory helps them connect with local Autism Resource Specialists who provide customized guidance [13].
ASNC shows special dedication to underserved communities where diagnosis often comes late [12]. Parents learn teaching techniques they can use at home to support their children's development.
The organization works with school administrators to create supportive policies for students with autism [11]. Their advocacy toolkit shows families how to write to, call, and visit legislators. This ensures the autism community's voice stays strong in policy discussions [51].
North Carolina's leading ABA therapy providers have shown remarkable results. They revolutionize lives through evidence-based practices and dedicated care. Each provider offers unique strengths - from Hopebridge's detailed care model to ABC of NC's specialized educational programs.
Real results from these centers show how well they work. Sarah, a 4-year-old at BlueSprig, went from limited verbal skills to having full conversations in just six months. A parent at Butterfly Effects shared how their child learned daily living skills that seemed out of reach just months before.
Quality ABA therapy is available to more families because these providers accept major insurance plans. North Carolina's mandate covers up to $40,000 each year. On top of that, many centers offer sliding-scale payments and partner with Medicaid to give families the support they need.
The right ABA provider plays a crucial role in your child's development. We suggest you schedule consultations with several centers from our list. Ask about their treatment approaches and visit their facilities in person. Note that the best provider should match your child's needs and support your family's goals.
North Carolina families have ended up with exceptional ABA therapy options. These centers bring together qualified professionals, proven methods, and supportive environments that help children with autism discover their full potential.
Q1. What is ABA therapy and how can it help children with autism? ABA therapy is a scientifically-proven treatment that uses positive reinforcement to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors in children with autism. It can help improve communication, social skills, daily living abilities, and academic performance.
Q2. How do I choose the right ABA therapy provider for my child? Consider factors like the provider's experience, treatment approach, staff qualifications, and facility features. Schedule consultations with multiple centers, ask about their methods, and observe their facilities firsthand to find the best match for your child's needs and your family's goals.
Q3. Does insurance cover ABA therapy in North Carolina? Yes, North Carolina law requires health insurance plans to cover up to $40,000 per year for ABA therapy for individuals under 19 years old. Many providers accept major insurance plans and work with Medicaid to make therapy accessible.
Q4. What age range do most ABA therapy providers serve in North Carolina? Most ABA therapy providers in North Carolina serve children from early intervention (as young as 15 months) through adolescence (up to 18 years old). Some centers offer specialized programs for different age groups, such as preschool, school-age, and teen services.
Q5. How involved are parents in the ABA therapy process? Parent involvement is crucial in ABA therapy. Many providers offer parent training programs, regular progress updates, and guidance on implementing strategies at home. This collaborative approach helps reinforce skills learned in therapy and ensures consistent support for the child's development.
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Our team at We Achieve ABA consists of highly trained, licensed, and insured professionals who are not only knowledgeable in autism care but also compassionate, culturally sensitive, and reliably dependable.