ABA therapy in Texas
466 ABA therapy providers list a practice address in 3 Texas cities on this list. Pick your city for the full list with phone numbers, then check what Texas Medicaid (STAR, STAR Kids and STAR Health) and your insurance pay.
- 466ABA therapy providers
- 3cities covered
- $14.50Medicaid rate per 15 minutes
At 40 hours a week, Texas Medicaid's technician rate comes to $2,320 of billed ABA, the 4th highest of the 6 states on this list (North Carolina: $3,329.60). Source: Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) fee schedule (2025) and North Carolina's (2026).
Autism centers in Texas
| City | ABA therapy providers | With analysts at the address | Autism evaluators | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABA therapy in Houston | 272 | 57 | 167 | Cost in Houston |
| ABA therapy in San Antonio | 113 | 52 | 70 | Cost in San Antonio |
| ABA therapy in Dallas | 81 | 15 | 151 | Cost in Dallas |
Chains with locations here: Acorn Health, Action Behavior Centers, BlueSprig, Butterfly Effects, Hopebridge, Kyo Autism Therapy. Most providers on the list are independent practices.
Does Texas Medicaid cover ABA therapy?
Yes. Since February 1, 2022, ABA is covered under Texas Health Steps-Comprehensive Care Program (THSteps-CCP). CHIP does not cover ABA. Source: Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP), Texas Children's Hospital.
Who qualifies by age: Children and young adults age 20 and younger. Source: Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP), Texas Health and Human Services.
Diagnosis first: Your child needs a full diagnostic evaluation that confirms autism. It can be done by a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or a team of trained specialists. It must be dated within 3 years of the request for an ABA evaluation. Source: Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP), Texas Health and Human Services.
Early intervention: Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
Birth to 36 months. Services end when the child turns 3. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
A team that can include speech, physical and occupational therapists helps your family support your child's growth, mostly at home or in places your child goes. A service coordinator helps you find other supports. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Evaluation, assessment, the service plan and case management are free. Other services use a sliding fee based on family size and income. No child is turned away for not being able to pay. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
How to start: Find your local ECI program with the HHS ECI Program Search tool at citysearch.hhsc.state.tx.us. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Waivers for autistic children in Texas
Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)
Gives extra home supports, such as respite, flexible family support, minor home changes and adaptive aids, through a STAR Kids or STAR Health plan. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Who qualifies: Children and young adults age 20 and younger who need a high level of medical care. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Waitlist: Yes. MDCP has an interest list, and people are enrolled first come, first served as funding allows. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Home and Community-based Services (HCS)
Gives services and supports to people with intellectual disabilities who live with family, in their own home or in small group homes. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Who qualifies: People with an intellectual disability. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Waitlist: Yes. HCS has an interest list, and people are enrolled first come, first served as funding allows. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
Gives home and community services as an alternative to living in a care facility. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Who qualifies: People with a related condition, meaning a disability other than intellectual disability that began before age 22 and affects daily life. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
Waitlist: Yes. CLASS has an interest list, and people are enrolled first come, first served as funding allows. Source: Texas Health and Human Services.
The Texas autism insurance law
Texas Insurance Code Section 1355.015 (Chapter 1355) Source: Texas Legislature.
Which plans it binds: Group health plans from insurance companies and HMOs, plus certain plans under Chapters 1575 and 1579. It does not apply to standard health benefit plans under Chapter 1507. Source: Texas Legislature.
Age limit in the law: Treatment must be covered if the autism diagnosis was made before the child's 10th birthday. Plans must also cover autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Source: Texas Legislature.
Dollar limit: For children age 10 or older, plans may cap ABA coverage at $36,000 per year. Source: Texas Legislature.
A state law like this doesn't reach self-funded employer plans, which follow federal rules instead. Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded.