The typical timeline for receiving prior authorization for ABA therapy ranges from two to six weeks. Once all the necessary paperwork—including the diagnostic evaluation, physician’s referral, and the treatment plan developed by our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)—is submitted, insurance companies often make a clinical decision within two to five business days.

To ensure this process moves as quickly as possible, we provide a white-glove service where our team manages the entire submission process on your behalf. This includes gathering documentation and tracking the status of your request so you can focus on your family.

Here are a few factors that influence the timeline:

• Documentation Accuracy: Delays most commonly occur when documentation is incomplete. We work closely with you to ensure all required diagnostic reports (such as the ADOS-2) and referrals are ready for submission.
• Plan-Specific Rules: Some insurance plans allow for a limited number of assessment sessions (typically two to four) to be conducted while the full authorization is being processed.
• Carrier Response Times: While many major carriers like Aetna and Cigna respond within the standard two-week window, complex cases or requests for additional information can extend the review period.

We recommend waiting for formal approval before beginning ongoing therapy to avoid financial risk, as services delivered without authorization may be denied by your insurer. Insurance coverage varies by plan — verify benefits with your insurer before starting services.

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