ABA Therapy Centers in Texas

Texas Medicaid ABA under Texas Health Steps

ABA is a Texas Health Steps benefit for Medicaid members age 20 or younger who meet the autism criteria. The diagnosis needs a full diagnostic evaluation by a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, licensed psychologist or an interdisciplinary team, made or reconfirmed within 3 years of starting or renewing ABA. Every ABA evaluation and treatment service needs a signed referral from the child's prescribing provider, and the health plan approves the hours.

• Houston and Harris County: Star Kids plans are Texas Children's, United and Wellpoint.
• Dallas County: Star Kids plans are Aetna and Wellpoint. Tarrant County: Aetna and Cook Children's.
• Austin and Travis County: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Superior.
• San Antonio and Bexar County: Superior and Community First.

Insurance Code 1355.015 and private plans

Section 1355.015 requires covered group health plans to cover autism treatment, including applied behavior analysis, from the date of diagnosis if the diagnosis was in place before the child's 10th birthday. For a child age 10 or older, the plan does not have to cover ABA above $36,000 per year. Coverage can carry deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, and plans pay for services prescribed by the child's primary care physician in a treatment plan. Self-funded employer plans follow federal ERISA rules instead, so ask HR whether your plan is fully insured in Texas.

Children's Autism Program and Texas waivers

The Children's Autism Program pays for focused ABA through local agencies for children ages 3 to 15 with a documented autism diagnosis. It covers up to 180 hours in a 12-month period and 720 hours over a lifetime, and parent training is required. Call 2-1-1 to enroll. Texas also runs the Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL) and Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) waivers, which use interest lists. For HCS and TxHmL, contact your Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority to join the list. In October 2026, HHSC's budget request for 2028-29 proposed ending all state funding for the Children's Autism Program, which paid for ABA for 583 children in fiscal 2026. The Legislature has not acted, and HHSC says enrolled children keep services through August 2027 even if lawmakers agree.

Early Childhood Intervention from birth to 36 months

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is the Texas Health and Human Services program for children from birth to 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical diagnoses. You do not need a diagnosis or a confirmed delay to refer a child. Search for your local program on the HHS ECI page, or call the HHS Office of the Ombudsman at 1-877-787-8999 and choose option 3.

Licensed behavior analysts in Texas

Texas requires a license to use the title licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst, or to practice applied behavior analysis unless exempt. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issues the licenses to people holding current BCBA, BCBA-D or BCaBA certification. Behavior technicians who work under a licensed analyst's supervision are exempt. Texas Medicaid also requires its ABA providers to hold a current, unrestricted state license.

Texas Education Freedom Accounts

Texas Education Freedom Accounts can fund up to $30,000 for a child with a disability in a participating private school or pre-K or kindergarten program. The child needs an individualized education program (IEP) on file with the Texas Education Agency by the end of the application period. The 2026-27 window ran February 4 to March 31, 2026, and the state invites families to sign up for updates on the 2027-28 window.