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In-network · Kaiser Permanente

ABA therapy through Kaiser, without the runaround.

Animate Behavior is in-network with Kaiser Permanente. If your child has a Kaiser referral for ABA — or you're just starting to ask questions — we'll walk you through every step, from authorization to first session.

Request Services →Call (510) 500-5124
A mother and her young son laughing together at home.

How Kaiser ABA coverage works

Kaiser covers ABA therapy for children with autism — but it doesn't employ ABA providers directly. As an HMO, Kaiser works through a network coordinator to deliver Behavioral Health Treatment, including ABA, and in California that partner is Catalight Care Services. Animate Behavior is a contracted provider in the Catalight network, so Kaiser families can request us by name. Getting started has three parts: a diagnosis, a referral, and an authorization — it sounds like a lot, but it's manageable, and you won't do it alone.

Step by step, from referral to first session

01

Talk to your Kaiser pediatrician

Share your concerns and ask about an autism evaluation or ABA referral. If your child already has an autism diagnosis, ask for a referral to ABA services.

02

Kaiser connects you with Catalight, its provider network

Once Kaiser refers your child, you're typically connected with Catalight Care Services, which handles intake and matches your family to a provider in its network. This is the moment to ask for us by name — Animate Behavior in Emeryville — if you'd like a boutique, BCBA-owned practice.

03

Authorization

Kaiser reviews the referral and authorizes an ABA assessment, then ongoing treatment hours. We handle the paperwork on our side and keep you posted.

04

BCBA assessment and start of care

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst builds your child's individualized program, and sessions begin — in-home or at our Emeryville Early Learner Center.

What Animate handles for you

We coordinate directly with Kaiser on authorizations, submit the assessment and progress reports Kaiser requires, and track reauthorization deadlines — typically every six months — so services don't lapse. You focus on your child; we'll handle the back-and-forth. Curious what the assessment involves? See how our BCBA assessment works.

Kaiser questions, answered

Does Kaiser cover ABA therapy? +
Yes. Kaiser covers ABA for children with an autism diagnosis when it's medically necessary. Coverage details vary by plan, and authorization is required before services begin — we'll help you confirm your exact benefits during intake.
Do I need a diagnosis before contacting you? +
No. You can reach out at any point. Many funders, including Kaiser, do require an autism diagnosis to authorize ABA, but we can help you understand the path even if you're just getting started.
How do I get Kaiser to refer my child to Animate specifically? +
Ask your pediatrician or the autism care team to send the ABA referral to Animate Behavior in Emeryville. You can also submit our Request for Services form and we'll tell you exactly what to say.
How long does it take to start? +
It varies — the diagnosis and authorization steps usually take a few weeks end to end. Once authorization is in place, our small caseloads mean your child isn't sitting on a long waitlist.
Will I have out-of-pocket costs? +
It depends on your specific Kaiser plan. Once we verify your coverage, we'll walk you through exactly what to expect before services begin — no surprises.

Have a Kaiser referral — or questions about getting one?

Reach out today. A clinician reviews every Kaiser request and will guide your next step.

Request Services →Call (510) 500-5124

Insurance processes change — we'll confirm the current requirements for your exact plan during intake. More questions? Visit our Help Center or our Emeryville center page.

Request Services Call (510) 500-5124