Getting Started

Getting Started With ABA Services

We know starting ABA therapy often comes with a lot of questions and emotions. Our team at Gateway is here to guide and support your family through every step, making the process feel simple, supportive, and stress-free. Our intake process is designed to make getting started as smooth as possible for your family.

Intake Steps

Obtain an Autism Diagnosis

Most insurance plans require a formal (medical) autism diagnosis to approve ABA services. This diagnosis must be completed by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or neurologist, and must be documented specifically for insurance purposes.

Intake Call With Our Team

Connect with our intake team to discuss your child’s needs, your goals for services, and your family’s availability. We will also review our ABA services with you and answer any questions you may have.

Insurance Verification

Our team will verify your insurance benefits for ABA therapy, including coverage details, authorization requirements, and potential out-of-pocket costs. Prior to beginning services, we will review this information with you, so you know what to expect.

Behavioral Assessment

Once insurance is verified and an authorization is received, one of our board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) will complete a comprehensive behavioral assessment. This assessment helps us understand your child’s strengths and needs, allowing us to create an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically to your child.

Begin Services

After the treatment plan is approved and an authorization is received, ABA services will begin. Your child will be matched with a therapy team, and sessions will be scheduled based on your child’s needs and availability. The BCBA will provide ongoing supervision, monitor progress, and adjust the program to your child’s changing needs as they grow and develop.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact the Intake Team

We are Currently In-Network With the Following Carriers:

ValueOptions / Beacon Health / Carelon

Medicaid – Macomb, Wayne, Clinton/Eaton/Ingham, Genesee, Shiawassee, and Kent Counties

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an autism evaluation?

To begin ABA services, your child needs an autism evaluation from a provider your insurance plan recognizes as qualified to diagnose autism. Your insurance determines which types of clinicians they will accept a diagnosis from and what must be included in the diagnostic report.

Most insurance plans accept evaluations from licensed psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or neuropsychologists. Because requirements vary, we encourage families to call their insurance provider early and ask for:

A list of in-network evaluators
Which provider types are approved to diagnose autism
Expected wait times or scheduling instructions

Bring your insurance card, any previous reports, and relevant school documents (such as an IEP) to your appointment.

What paperwork do I need to begin ABA therapy?

To start the intake process, we ask for:

Your driver’s license
Your insurance card
A copy of your child’s autism diagnosis
Your child’s IEP (if applicable)

We will also gather basic demographic information and walk you through any additional forms needed by your insurance.

What happens during the Behavioral Assessment?

A board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) will complete a comprehensive evaluation to understand your child’s strengths, needs, and behavior. The assessment typically lasts a couple of hours and includes:

Direct observation and interaction with your child
A parent or caregiver interview
A standardized assessment tool

This information helps us create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child.

What if my insurance requires prior authorization?

If your insurance requires prior authorization, we will handle the entire process for you. Our team submits all required paperwork, treatment plans, and documentation, and we will keep you updated every step of the way.

What does ABA cost?

The cost of ABA depends on your specific insurance plan. Some plans require you to meet an annual deductible or out-of-pocket maximum before coverage begins. Others start with a copay or coinsurance from the very first session. Because every plan is different, your out-of-pocket cost will vary based on your coverage details.

Our team will review your benefits, explain what your plan requires, and help you understand what to expect before services begin.

What is a deductible, copay, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum?

Deductible: the amount you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance begins covering services.
Copay: a fixed amount you pay at each visit or session once your insurance coverage begins.
Coinsurance: the percentage of the cost you pay for a service after you have met your deductible. Your insurance pays the remaining percentage.
Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you will pay in a year for covered services. After you reach this amount, insurance covers 100% of eligible costs for the rest of the year.

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