If you’re searching for “ABA therapy near me”, you are probably hoping to find not only something close by, but also a provider that’s trustworthy, experienced, and supportive of your entire family.
At Healing Haven, we offer center-based ABA therapy across Southeast Michigan, with locations in Madison Heights, Farmington Hills, and Clinton Township. Each clinic is designed to support children at different ages and stages, with multidisciplinary autism services that include ABA, Speech and Occupational Therapies.
With multiple locations and a family-centered approach, we make it easier to find high-quality ABA therapy near you, so you can feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Making the Overwhelming Manageable
Starting ABA therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating a new diagnosis, insurance questions, and deciding what’s best for your child. At Healing Haven, our ABA intake process is clear, supportive, and family-centered, so you always know what to expect and never feel alone.
In this post, we walk you through our ABA therapy intake process, share expert perspectives from our team, and provide helpful resources to support your next steps.
Step 1: Contact Healing Haven
The process begins when a family contacts us by phone – (248) 965-3916 – or by completing a form on our website. After submitting the form, parents can also schedule a consultation with our Client Services team right away, helping eliminate the barriers of endless phone tag. Our Client Services team takes time to understand your child and your family’s needs, as well as answer your questions regarding our services and the process.
During this initial step, we gather:
- Your child’s age, diagnosis, and prior services
- Which therapies you are interested in (ABA, or a combination of ABA, Speech & OT)
- Confirm status of autism diagnostic report (required for insurance to authorize ABA Therapy)
- Insurance information for benefit verification
- Desired location (Clinton Township clinic serves children up to 12 years old, Farmington Hills clinic serves children up to 8 years old, and our Madison Heights campus includes 4 clinics serving children, teens and young adults)
This conversation allows us to move forward thoughtfully and ensure our services are suited to your child’s needs. Assuming everything stays on an appropriate timeline with collecting needed paperwork and information from you, we typically are able to start ABA services within 3 to 4 weeks from this point.
“Something Healing Haven does especially well is having a dedicated Client Services team whose role is to stay connected with families at every step of the process.”
– Kate Fritz, MA, BCBA, LBA, Vice President of ABA Operations
Step 2: Insurance Verification & Authorization Support
After a parent submits their insurance information through our secure intake link, our experienced in-house insurance team verifies insurance benefits and reviews authorization requirements for ABA therapy.
Our team supports families by:
- Confirming whether ABA therapy is covered
- Ensuring the autism diagnostic report meets insurance requirements
- Reviewing any prior authorization requirements
If ABA services are not covered, families are notified promptly and offered guidance on alternative resources whenever possible.
“Before stepping into this role, I didn’t fully understand how insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket costs worked—and I know many families feel the same way. That’s why our team prioritizes verifying benefits early and helping families understand potential costs before services begin. Families also have access to our billing team as soon as they start the intake process. Our goal is for every family to feel informed, supported, and confident—not surprised.”
– Krystal Schmandt, Insurance & Treatment Coordinator
Step 3: Virtual Tour & Therapy Recommendations
Families interested in our ABA services start with an hour-long virtual tour with our Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Jamie McGillivary, MS, LLP, BCBA, LBA. Jamie has worked with individuals with autism and their families for more than 30 years. She is an empathetic, experienced voice for parents navigating the overwhelming process of all that follows receiving an autism diagnosis.
During the virtual meeting with Jamie, families learn about:
- Healing Haven’s approach to evidence-based ABA therapy
- Clinic programs designed for different age groups
- Multidisciplinary services available under one roof
- Scheduling options based on your child’s needs, policies, and parent involvement
After the tour, our Client Services team will review the the service and schedule recommendations and answer any outstanding questions. If families are ready to proceed, they can move to the onboarding process. Parents also have the option to schedule a clinic tour to see the space in-person.
Step 4: ABA Onboarding & Paperwork
Once your child’s ABA therapy schedule is confirmed and staffing is available, families move into the ABA onboarding phase.
This includes:
- Assignment of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Scheduling the ABA intake appointment with their assigned BCBA
- Completion of required intake paperwork
- Confirmation of therapy start date
“When it comes to assigning clients’ BCBAs, we really want to make sure BCBAs’ caseloads are as balanced as possible, because the more balanced their caseloads, the better service they’re able to provide to the child and their family… Our goal is to ensure every child is matched with the services that will support meaningful, long-term progress.”
– Kate Fritz, MA, BCBA, LBA, Vice President of ABA Operations
Step 5: The ABA Intake Appointment
The intake appointment is a focused, hour-long meeting where your child, you as their parent or guardian, and your assigned BCBA come together. Another team member, such as a graduate practicum student, Clinical Director, or training team member, is often present. Their role is to engage with your child so you can focus on connecting with the BCBA and getting all your questions answered.
During this appointment, families can expect:
- A review of developmental history and current skills
- Discussion of family goals and daily challenges
- Explanation of how ABA therapy will look at Healing Haven
- Time to ask questions and share priorities
This collaborative conversation helps guide the creation of an individualized treatment plan for the child receiving services. The intake appointment allows for the BCBA to get to know the parent(s) and child. With limited time during the intake, there’s plenty of opportunity to really understand the individual once services begin.
“Our goal is that the parents walk out of that room with their shoulders more relaxed and feeling a little lighter. If you leave feeling like your BCBA will be part of your family, and that you have a better understanding of what you’re walking into, then we’ve succeeded. Families, on multiple occasions, have told me they feel ‘so much better’ after their intake appointment.”
– Kate Fritz, MA, BCBA, LBA, Vice President of ABA Operations
Step 6: Preparing for Your Child’s First Day of ABA Therapy
Before services begin, families receive a First Day Information email. It includes the child’s start date, clinic address, and important contact details. ABA therapy typically begins within a week of the intake, depending on the individual’s insurance authorization timeline.
“On your child’s first day at Healing Haven, their BCBA and behavior technician will be ready to warmly welcome you in our front lobby once you arrive to greet you and your child, facilitate introductions to our front desk staff and answer any questions you may have to help ease the transition. Families are then invited to walk back to their child’s treatment room where you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with your child’s new environment. From there, your child will be encouraged to explore the clinic at their own pace…. It is our goal to ensure both you and your child feel confident and excited as you begin your journey at Healing Haven!”
– Mimi Louya, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, Early Intervention Clinical Director
Why Families Choose Healing Haven
Families choose Healing Haven because we offer:
- Individualized, evidence-based ABA therapy
- Multidisciplinary services under one roof
- Strong parent collaboration and communication
- Clinics designed with intention to support real-life skills
- Prompt, efficient onboarding process
From your first call to your child’s first day of therapy, our team supports your entire family with compassionate, comprehensive guidance.
“From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt embraced by a team that genuinely cares. The incredible support and expertise at Healing Haven has transformed our fears into hope and confidence. In just eight short months, she has made remarkable progress—far beyond what we could have imagined. Each milestone she reaches is nothing short of amazing. We feel profoundly grateful and blessed to have Healing Haven as part of our lives. Not only have they eased our worries, but they have also helped our daughter flourish in ways we never thought possible. Healing Haven is truly a place of growth, empowerment and hope, and we will forever be thankful for the incredible team behind it.”
– Healing Haven Parent
If you’re searching for ABA therapy near you, we hope this gives you a clearer path forward as you navigate your child’s autism journey. If you want to learn more about the intake process at Healing Haven, we’re here to help. Reach out anytime to start services or have your questions answered.