Frequently asked questions

Submit our short Request for Services 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.

Within one business day. Every request goes straight to our clinical team for review, and you'll hear back from a clinician — not a sales rep or a call center.

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.

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.

We're in-network with Kaiser Permanente, Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP), and the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB).

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 Request for Services form and we'll help you find out what's possible.

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.

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.

Fill out our Request for Services 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Both. Some children do best at our Emeryville Early Learner Center, surrounded by peers and structure; others learn faster at home, woven into the routines where new skills actually get used. Your BCBA will recommend the setting that fits your child, and you can change it as they grow.

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.

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.

No. We support clients from ages 2 to 25, from early learners through transition-age young adults. For older learners, programs focus on communication, independence, daily living, and community skills, typically delivered in-home. Reach out and we'll talk through what a program could look like at your child's age.

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.

You don’t need experience to start — our Behavior Technician (Trainee) role requires none, and we support your RBT certification. Our certified RBT roles ask for about a year of ABA experience. Either way: if you’re caring, reliable, and want to learn, apply. We provide real BCBA mentorship and a team that supports you as you grow into the role.

Our RBTs deliver the day-to-day teaching and are often the first to spot a breakthrough. Because we stay small, technicians get real mentorship, close BCBA supervision, and manageable caseloads rather than a slot on a corporate roster.

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.