Getting started
Your first steps with Animate
How do I get started? +
Submit our short New Client Intake Form, or call us at (510) 500-5124. Our clinical team reviews your child's needs, confirms whether we're the right fit, and guides you through insurance authorization and the BCBA assessment from there.
How soon will I hear back after reaching out? +
Within one business day. You'll hear from a member of our clinical team — not a sales rep or a call center — so the first conversation is already a useful one.
Do I need a diagnosis or referral before reaching out? +
Not to start a conversation. Many funders do require an autism diagnosis to authorize ABA services, and some require a referral — but you don't need to have everything in hand before you contact us. Reach out and we'll walk you through exactly what your plan needs.
What happens during the first assessment? +
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) meets your child and family to understand their strengths, interests, and goals. From that, your BCBA builds an individualized program from scratch and reviews it with you before any sessions begin.
Insurance & coverage
Funding, plans, and what it costs
What insurance do you accept? +
We're in-network with Kaiser Permanente, Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP), and the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB).
What if I have a different insurance plan? +
We may still be able to help through a single-case agreement, which lets us work with plans we aren't normally in-network with. Just ask — fill out our intake form and we'll help you find out what's possible.
How does Regional Center (RCEB) funding work? +
The Regional Center of the East Bay can fund ABA services for eligible children. If you're already working with RCEB, let us know your service coordinator and we'll coordinate authorization. If you're not sure whether you qualify, we can point you in the right direction.
Will I have out-of-pocket costs? +
It depends on your specific plan and benefits. Once we verify your coverage, we'll walk you through exactly what to expect before services begin — no surprises.
How do I check if I'm covered? +
Fill out our New Client Intake Form with your insurance details and our team will verify your benefits and let you know. Not sure where to start? Call us at (510) 500-5124.
Our clinical approach
How we practice ABA at Animate
What is ABA therapy? +
Applied Behavior Analysis is the most-studied intervention for autism — when it's practiced ethically. At Animate, every program is built around your child's interests, assent, and goals, and led by a BCBA from day one. No scripts, no manualized curricula, no compliance drills — just real teaching, real play, and real progress your family can see.
Who leads my child's care? +
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs and oversees your child's program from day one. We keep caseloads small on purpose, so the analyst running your child's program actually knows your child, your goals, and what changed this week.
Do you use a set curriculum? +
No. We don't use canned curricula. Your child's program is built from scratch by their BCBA, reviewed with you, and revised as your child grows. If something isn't working, we change it.
How are parents and caregivers involved? +
Closely. You'll review your child's goals with their BCBA and get caregiver coaching so the skills your child builds in session carry over to everyday life at home. We adapt programs to fit your family's home, culture, and routines — not the other way around.
What does “assent-based” care mean? +
It means we follow your child's lead and look for their willing participation rather than forcing compliance. Teaching happens through play and your child's own interests, so therapy feels less like a drill and more like learning they want to be part of.
Sessions & settings
Where, when, and in what language
Do you offer in-home or in-center therapy? +
Both. Some children do best at our Emeryville Early Learner Center, surrounded by peers and structure; others learn faster at home, where the kitchen, the backyard, and the bedtime routine are the real teaching moments. Your BCBA will recommend the setting that fits your child.
Where is your center located? +
Our Early Learner Center is at 5900 Hollis St, STE X, Emeryville, CA 94608, serving families across the East Bay. We also provide in-home services throughout the region.
Can we change settings later? +
Yes. The right setting can change as your child grows, and so can we. If in-home would serve your child better than in-center — or the other way around — your BCBA will adjust the plan with you.
Do you offer services in Spanish? +
Yes. Our clinicians reflect the communities we serve, and we deliver care in both English and Spanish. Visita nuestra página en español para más información.
Careers at Animate
For aspiring & current RBTs
Do I need experience to become an RBT here? +
Many of our best technicians started with little or no ABA experience. What matters most is that you're caring, reliable, and want to learn. We provide real BCBA mentorship and a team that supports you as you grow into the role.
What's it like to work at Animate? +
Registered Behavior Technicians are the heart of our clinical teams — the people who see breakthroughs first, and who make them possible. Because we're boutique by design, you get real mentorship and small caseloads instead of being a number in a corporate roster.
How do I apply? +
Visit our Careers page to see open roles and apply. We respond to candidates personally — if there's a fit, you'll hear from a real member of our team.
No matching questions.
Try a different word — or just ask our team directly →
Still have a question?
Our clinical team responds within one business day — no sales reps, no runaround. We're happy to help you figure out coverage and next steps.