10 Best ABA Therapy Providers in Hattiesburg, MS (2026)

Q: What does Mississippi's autism insurance law cover?

Under Miss. Code Ann. Section 83-9-26 (https://www.mid.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/MissCodeAnn83-9-26.pdf), covered health insurance policies must include screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism. Required ABA coverage is limited to 25 hours a week and is not required past age eight, but the plan can extend it when medical necessity is shown. Non-grandfathered ACA individual and small group plans are excluded.

Compare 2 ABA providers serving Hattiesburg. Explore the full ranked list and find a provider that feels right for your child.

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Shining Starz ABA - Hattiesburg

Listed

Hattiesburg, MS

Shining Starz ABA's Hattiesburg clinic is at 6752 U.S. Highway 98. The West Hattiesburg site is one of three Mississippi locations, with additional clinics in Laurel and Magee. The practice provides personalized ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Treatment plans are developed with each family. Shining Starz currently accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, UMR, Anthem, Ambetter, Cigna, Mississippi Medicaid, Magnolia Health, TrueCare, and Molina Healthcare.

Center-based
Medicaid

+ 6 more

Will's Way Behavioral - Hattiesburg

Listed

Hattiesburg, MS

Will's Way Behavioral offers ABA therapy from its Hattiesburg clinic at 32 Millbranch Road, Suites 40 and 50. The practice also keeps mental-health offices in Suite 20 at the same address. Founded in 2008 by Dr. Kimberly Bellipanni Hargrove and Dr. Dannell Speights Roberts, the organization provides behaviorally based services for children and families across Mississippi. ABA enrollment is offered to children who already have an autism diagnosis. The Hattiesburg team also provides psychological services and school-based support. Treatment planning emphasizes family partnership and evidence-based interventions.

Center-based
School-based

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ABA therapy providers in Laurel Compare 1 program about 35 miles away. ABA therapy providers in Gulfport Compare 2 programs about 60 miles away. ABA therapy providers in D'Iberville Compare 1 program about 61 miles away. ABA therapy providers in Biloxi Compare 1 program about 61 miles away. ABA therapy providers in Ocean Springs Compare 2 programs about 65 miles away.

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Planning guides

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Use these guides before you ask about intake, insurance, school coordination, parent training, or waitlists.

How to choose an autism therapy center

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Why Choose ABA Therapy in Hattiesburg?

Hattiesburg anchors the Pine Belt and is home to the University of Southern Mississippi. The city sits mostly in Forrest County but extends west into Lamar County, so a Hattiesburg address does not settle which school district serves your child. Hattiesburg Public School District uses a street guide to decide. Early intervention is statewide, through First Steps. Start the public referral for your child's age, then compare ABA programs in Hattiesburg and nearby Laurel.

Comprehensive Autism Therapy Services in Hattiesburg

Mississippi's First Steps Early Intervention Program serves children under three. A referral goes to a central unit and is assigned to the local program where you live, and a service coordinator tries to call within 48 hours. For children three and older, the district serving your address handles Child Find. Hattiesburg Public School District's street guide determines whether an address is in the district; west-side families in Lamar County may belong to another district. Mississippi's autism insurance law covers ABA but limits required coverage to 25 hours a week and to age eight, unless the plan approves more as medically necessary. The ABA intake checklist helps you prepare. When exploring special needs educational programs alongside behavioral therapy, families in Hattiesburg often find that coordinated services produce the best outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Therapy in Hattiesburg

We live in west Hattiesburg. Which school district serves us?

Check before you assume. Hattiesburg spans Forrest and Lamar counties, and Hattiesburg Public School District uses a street guide to confirm which addresses are inside it. Call the district with your street address, then send a written evaluation request to the right office.

How do we refer a Hattiesburg toddler to First Steps?

Contact the First Steps Central Referral Unit or submit the referral form. The referral goes to the local early intervention program for your area, and a service coordinator arranges an intake visit and evaluation. The early intervention guide explains what follows.

What does Mississippi's autism insurance law cover?

Under Miss. Code Ann. Section 83-9-26, covered health insurance policies must include screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism. Required ABA coverage is limited to 25 hours a week and is not required past age eight, but the plan can extend it when medical necessity is shown. Non-grandfathered ACA individual and small group plans are excluded.

Is Laurel a realistic second option for ABA?

It can be, if a program there has an earlier start. Count the weekly drive on US-49 or I-59 and ask whether the provider has in-home staff in the Hattiesburg area.

Does Mississippi Medicaid cover ABA?

Yes, for eligible children. Mississippi Medicaid covers autism spectrum disorder services for children under 21 through its EPSDT benefit, delivered by BCBAs licensed in Mississippi, with assistant analysts and registered behavior technicians working under supervision. Ask the provider whether it is enrolled with your child's Medicaid plan.

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