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.
How Kaiser ABA coverage works
Kaiser covers ABA therapy for children with autism, and care is delivered by contracted providers like Animate Behavior — not inside the Kaiser clinic. Getting started has three parts: a diagnosis, a referral, and an authorization. It sounds like a lot. It's manageable, and you won't do it alone.
Step by step, from referral to first session
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.
Kaiser refers your child to a contracted provider
When families ask for us by name — Animate Behavior in Emeryville — Kaiser can route the referral directly to our clinical team.
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.
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? +
Do I need a diagnosis before contacting you? +
How do I get Kaiser to refer my child to Animate specifically? +
How long does it take to start? +
Will I have out-of-pocket costs? +
Have a Kaiser referral — or questions about getting one?
Reach out today. A real clinician will get back to you within one business day.
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.