The service initiation process begins when the family contacts the agency, completes the intake process, and the client is placed on the waitlist for services. Once a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) has been assigned, the family is contacted to confirm continued interest in services and to review the next steps.

Assessment and Authorization

After the BCBA is assigned, a request is submitted to the client’s funding source or insurance provider to obtain authorization for an initial assessment. Once approval is received, the assessment phase begins. This phase typically includes:

• Conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

• Developing a Behavior Support Plan (BSP)

After these clinical documents are completed, they are submitted to the insurance provider or payer for review and authorization of the recommended services.

Recommended Services

Authorized services may include the following:

• Direct intervention provided by behavior technicians or other direct-service staff

• Ongoing supervision to support accurate and consistent implementation of treatment programming

• Parent or caregiver training to encourage skill generalization and continuity of care across settings

Purpose of the Process

Throughout each stage of this process, the goal is to ensure that services are clinically appropriate, properly authorized, and responsive to the individual needs of the client and family.