Compare 46 board certified behavior analysts in Santa Maria, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
46
Board Certified Behavior Analysts
100%
Accepting patients
74%
Most common: BCBA
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Santa Maria has 46 board certified behavior analysts. The most common credential is BCBA (74%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Nearby hospitals include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center. Local training programs run through UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and UCSF School of Medicine.
The process starts with a comprehensive assessment lasting three to five hours, often spread across two to three visits. The BCBA observes the child, conducts standardized skill assessments (VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, or AFLS), and interviews parents about priorities and concerns. They then create a treatment plan with specific, measurable goals. Therapy sessions range from 10 to 40 hours per week depending on the child's needs and age, delivered by an RBT under the BCBA's supervision. The BCBA meets with parents regularly to review data, teach strategies for home, and update goals. Progress is measured through ongoing data collection at every session.
A BCBA is typically recommended for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly between ages two and six when early intervention has the greatest impact. ABA therapy also benefits older children, teens, and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities who need support with communication, social skills, self-regulation, or daily living skills. Parents may seek ABA after noticing delays in speech, difficulty with transitions, repetitive behaviors, or challenges with peer interaction. BCBAs also help with specific behavioral concerns like aggression, self-injury, elopement (running away), and feeding difficulties.
BCBA assessment: $1,200-3,000 · ABA session (RBT-delivered): $35-75/hour · BCBA supervision: $100-200/hour · Typical monthly cost at 20 hrs/week: $3,000-6,000
Santa Maria, CA has 46 licensed board certified behavior analysts. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of board certified behavior analysts in Santa Maria, CA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
The most commonly accepted carriers among board certified behavior analysts in Santa Maria, CA include qhp-56707, qhp-33602, centene, cigna, and anthem. Coverage and in-network status vary by provider, so it is worth confirming directly with the office before scheduling. FindClarity shows accepted insurance for each provider.
A BCBA assessment costs $1,200 to $3,000. RBT-delivered sessions cost $35 to $75 per hour. BCBA supervision costs $100 to $200 per hour. Monthly cost at 20 hours per week runs $3,000 to $6,000. Actual costs in Santa Maria, CA depend on the provider and your insurance plan. All 50 states have autism insurance mandates covering ABA therapy. If your insurer caps hours or denies coverage, request a letter of medical necessity from the BCBA and appeal. Many ABA providers handle insurance authorization and billing on your behalf.
Look for a board-certified provider who accepts your insurance and practices near you. Santa Maria, CA has 46 board certified behavior analysts. Reading patient reviews and checking hospital affiliations can help narrow your choice. FindClarity lets you compare providers by credentials, insurance, and location.
Some board certified behavior analysts in Santa Maria, CA accept Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children with autism in all states under the EPSDT benefit. Coverage includes assessment, treatment planning, direct therapy (RBT sessions), and BCBA supervision. Prior authorization and periodic reauthorization are required. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Medi-Cal participation before scheduling.
ABA therapy typically involves 10 to 40 hours per week of direct sessions (delivered by an RBT) plus BCBA supervision every one to two weeks. As the client gains skills, hours are reduced. Reassessment occurs every six months to update goals and adjust hours. With 46 board certified behavior analysts in Santa Maria, CA, you can search on FindClarity to find a provider who fits your schedule.
Top accepted carriers in Santa Maria, CA include qhp-56707, qhp-33602, centene, cigna, and anthem.
ABA therapy is covered by most insurance plans under state autism mandates. Coverage requires an autism diagnosis and a treatment plan from the BCBA. Prior authorization and periodic reauthorization (every 3 to 6 months) are standard. Some plans have hour caps (e.g., 25 hours per week), age limits, or dollar caps, though many states have eliminated these. Medicaid covers ABA in all states under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit for children. If your plan denies or limits hours, ask the BCBA to write a letter of medical necessity with supporting data.