ABA Therapy FAQ
Common questions about ABA therapy, insurance coverage, and getting started in New Mexico. Don’t see your question? Call us at (505) 481-7105.
ABA Therapy Basics
What is ABA therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the leading evidence-based therapy for autism. It uses the science of behavior to teach meaningful skills — like communication, social interaction, and daily living — and to reduce behaviors that interfere with learning or safety.
Is ABA therapy effective?
Yes. Decades of research support ABA as an effective treatment for children with autism, especially when started early. It’s endorsed by major medical organizations and covered by New Mexico Medicaid, Turquoise Care, and many private insurers.
What can ABA therapy help with?
ABA can help with communication and language, social skills, daily living and self-care, school readiness, attention, and reducing challenging behaviors — all tailored to your child’s individual goals.
Is ABA only for young children?
No. While early intervention produces strong outcomes, ABA benefits children of many ages. Programs are always tailored to be developmentally appropriate.
What does modern ABA look like?
Today’s ABA is compassionate, play-based, and child-led wherever possible. It prioritizes your child’s dignity, builds on their interests, and treats families as essential partners.
Getting Started
How do I start ABA therapy with PlayPath ABA?
Call (505) 481-7105 or complete our Get Started form. Our intake team responds within one business day, verifies your insurance, and coordinates a BCBA assessment so therapy can begin in your home.
How long does it take to start ABA therapy?
After you reach out, we respond within one business day. The full timeline depends on insurance authorization and completing a BCBA assessment, but we work to begin services as quickly as possible.
Does my child need an autism diagnosis to begin?
ABA therapy is typically authorized for children with a documented autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. If your child hasn’t been evaluated yet, contact us and we can point you toward local diagnostic resources.
Do I need a referral for ABA therapy?
Many insurance plans require a referral or prescription from your child’s physician. We help coordinate this paperwork so you’re not navigating it alone.
What happens during an ABA evaluation?
A BCBA learns about your child and family, observes your child directly, may use standardized assessments, and then builds an individualized treatment plan with measurable goals, which we submit for insurance authorization.
How do I prepare my child for their first session?
Keep your explanation simple and positive, maintain normal routines, have favorite toys available, and choose a comfortable space. Early sessions focus on building rapport, so patience pays off.
How many hours of ABA therapy are recommended?
It depends on your child. A BCBA determines recommended hours through a comprehensive assessment based on your child’s needs, goals, and your family’s schedule.
Insurance & Coverage
What insurance do you accept?
We’re credentialed with New Mexico Medicaid and Turquoise Care plans (Presbyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Molina), and we work with many private insurers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Presbyterian Commercial. Contact us to confirm your plan.
Does New Mexico Medicaid cover ABA therapy?
Yes. New Mexico Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA therapy for children with a documented autism diagnosis. We’re credentialed with Medicaid and verify your benefits before services begin.
What is Turquoise Care?
Turquoise Care is New Mexico’s Medicaid managed care program, offered through plans including Presbyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Molina. It typically covers medically necessary ABA therapy for children with autism.
Does private insurance cover ABA therapy?
Many private plans cover medically necessary ABA therapy, but coverage varies by carrier and plan. We verify your specific benefits at no cost before services begin.
How do I find out what my plan covers?
Submit our free insurance verification form or call (505) 481-7105. Our team checks your benefits and explains your coverage, usually within one business day, with no obligation.
Do you handle insurance authorization?
Yes. We coordinate referrals, submit treatment plans for prior authorization, and manage ongoing reauthorizations so your child’s therapy continues without interruption.
In-Home ABA Therapy
Do you offer in-home ABA therapy?
Yes, in-home ABA is our specialty. We deliver therapy directly in your home, where your child feels comfortable and skills transfer naturally to daily life.
Why choose in-home ABA therapy?
In-home therapy means no commute or waiting rooms, care that fits your schedule, faster real-world skill generalization, and the ability for parents and siblings to be part of the process.
Is in-home ABA as effective as clinic-based therapy?
Yes, and it offers an added advantage: skills are taught in the exact environment where your child needs them, supporting faster generalization. Every program is BCBA-supervised and data-driven.
Can therapy happen in the community, not just at home?
Yes. We extend therapy into real-world community settings — parks, stores, and outings — so skills generalize beyond the living room.
Which areas of New Mexico do you serve?
We serve Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and communities throughout New Mexico. Contact us to confirm coverage in your area.
Still Have Questions?
Our New Mexico intake team is happy to talk it through — no pressure, no obligation.