ABA Therapy Waitlists in Colorado: What to Expect
In short: ABA therapy waitlists in Colorado vary by location, provider, and insurance type. Families can expect waits from a few weeks to over a year in some areas. Getting on multiple lists, ensuring proper documentation, and using a free matching service like Local ABA Therapy can help streamline the process.
Key takeaways
- Waitlists for ABA therapy in Colorado can range from a few weeks to 12+ months depending on location and provider.
- Medicaid (Health First Colorado) often has longer waitlists than private insurance due to lower reimbursement rates.
- Early Intervention Colorado provides dedicated funding for children under 3, which may shorten wait times.
- Getting on multiple provider waitlists and staying organized is key to finding an opening sooner.
Why ABA Therapy Waitlists Exist in Colorado
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely recommended interventions for autistic children, backed by decades of research. In Colorado, demand has surged as awareness grows and insurance coverage expands. However, the supply of qualified Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and registered behavior technicians (RBTs) has not kept pace. This gap creates waitlists that can feel frustratingly long for families eager to begin services.
Several factors contribute to these waitlists. The number of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise, and Colorado's mandate for insurance coverage of ABA therapy (including through Medicaid's Health First Colorado) means more families are seeking services. Additionally, training and supervising RBTs takes time, and clinic capacity is limited by physical space and funding. Rural areas like the Western Slope or San Luis Valley face even steeper shortages, with fewer clinics and a smaller pool of providers.
The Growing Demand for Services
Colorado has seen a steady increase in autism diagnoses over the past decade. According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is identified with autism spectrum disorder. As more families receive diagnoses, they turn to ABA therapy, which is often recommended early to support skill development. This high demand, combined with a limited workforce, naturally leads to waitlists.
Provider Shortages Across the State
Becoming a BCBA requires a master's degree, supervised experience, and passing a national exam. The process takes years, and Colorado, like many states, struggles to train and retain enough behavior analysts. The shortage is especially acute in rural and frontier counties, where families may drive hours for in-person sessions or rely entirely on telehealth. Even in the Denver metro area, popular clinics often have months-long waitlists for both in-center and home-based services.
🔗 Related reading: Autistic Child Screaming All Day? ABA Therapy Can Help · Nearby ABA Therapy
What to Expect: Typical Wait Times in Colorado
Wait times for ABA therapy in Colorado can vary dramatically. There is no single answer, but families should be prepared for possible delays. Understanding the landscape can help you plan and reduce stress.
Denver Metro Area
In Denver, Aurora, and surrounding suburbs, waitlists for well-known providers offering in-clinic ABA can range from 3 to 12 months. Home-based services may have slightly shorter waits if your family is flexible with scheduling. Some large provider networks maintain rolling admissions and may have openings sooner for specific time slots or locations. It is not uncommon for families to be on waitlists at multiple clinics simultaneously.
Rural and Suburban Areas
Outside the Front Range, waitlists can be even longer. In Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Boulder, demand is high and new providers are opening, but wait times of 6 to 18 months are reported. In more remote areas like Grand Junction, Durango, or rural eastern Colorado, there may be only one or two ABA providers, with waitlists exceeding a year. Telehealth options can bridge some gaps, but not all insurance plans cover it fully, and some children benefit more from in-person sessions.
Insurance and Costs: How They Affect Waitlists
Insurance coverage is a major factor in both wait times and the overall experience. Colorado law requires many private insurers to cover ABA therapy for medically necessary autism treatment. However, the type of insurance you have can influence how quickly you can start.
Private Insurance
Families with private insurance (e.g., Anthem, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare) often have more provider options, as many ABA clinics prefer to contract with commercial plans that offer higher reimbursement rates. Even so, these providers may still have waitlists. Calling multiple clinics and asking about current availability for your specific plan can help you find an opening. Some clinics maintain separate waitlists for different insurers.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
Colorado's Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, covers ABA therapy for eligible children. However, because reimbursement rates are lower than private insurance, fewer providers accept Medicaid. This results in longer waitlists for families using Medicaid. The Children's Extensive Support (CES) waiver can provide additional funding for children with significant needs, but it also has its own waiting list. If your child is eligible for both Medicaid and a waiver, you may have more options, but patience is essential.
Early Intervention Programs
Colorado's Early Intervention (EI) program serves children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays, including autism. EI can provide some ABA-related services or help connect you to providers. Because this age group is prioritized for early support, waitlists can be shorter. If your child is under 3, contacting Early Intervention Colorado is a smart first step.
🔗 Related reading: ABA Therapy in Arizona: A Parent's Guide · Apply for ABA
Steps You Can Take While Waiting
Being proactive during the wait can reduce frustration and ensure you are ready to start therapy as soon as a slot opens.
Get on Multiple Waitlists
Do not rely on a single provider. Contact at least five to ten ABA therapy clinics in your area, including those that offer telehealth. Ask each about their current wait time for your insurance type and your child's age. Keep a spreadsheet to track dates, contact information, and follow-up notes. Revisit waitlists every few weeks to see if your position has changed.
Prepare Your Documentation
Most ABA providers require a formal autism diagnosis from a qualified professional (e.g., developmental pediatrician, child psychologist). Have a copy of the diagnostic report ready. You may also need a prescription or referral for ABA therapy from your primary care provider. Check with your insurance to understand prior authorization requirements. Having everything ready will allow you to start immediately when a slot becomes available.
Explore Interim Support Options
While you wait, consider other supports. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social skills groups can help your child develop complementary skills. Parent training in ABA strategies is often available through early intervention or community workshops. Some BCBAs offer short-term consultation or parent coaching, which may be less intensive but still valuable. Additionally, connecting with local parent support groups can provide emotional encouragement and practical tips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to start the process. Begin contacting providers as soon as you suspect your child may need ABA. Early referral can reduce delays.
- Not verifying insurance coverage. Each clinic may have different contracts with insurers. Always confirm that the provider is in-network and that ABA therapy is a covered benefit under your plan.
- Only contacting one provider. Even if a clinic sounds perfect, they may have a long waitlist. Spread your efforts across multiple options.
- Overlooking free matching services. Services like Local ABA Therapy are free for families and connect you with vetted BCBA-led providers that have current openings. This can save hours of research and phone calls.
- Forgetting to update contact information. When a slot opens, providers need to reach you quickly. Keep your phone and email current with all waitlists you join.
How Local ABA Therapy Can Help
At Local ABA Therapy, we understand the stress of waiting for services. We are a free matching service that connects families to vetted, BCBA-led ABA therapy providers in Colorado. Instead of calling dozens of clinics yourself, you fill out a simple form with your location, insurance details, and preferences. Our team works to find providers who are currently accepting new clients and match your needs. This can significantly shorten the time you spend searching and increase your chances of finding an opening sooner. Best of all, the service costs you nothing because providers pay to be part of our network.
Our goal is to help your child begin therapy as quickly as possible, with a provider that fits your family's values and schedule. We work with providers who accept private insurance, Health First Colorado, and other plans. Whether you live in Denver, Colorado Springs, or a smaller town, we can help you navigate the waitlist landscape.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy and Change
Waitlists for ABA therapy in Colorado are not a permanent reality. Parents, providers, and policymakers are working to expand the workforce, improve reimbursement rates, and increase access. You can be part of this change by speaking to your state representatives about funding for autism services, supporting legislation that strengthens the behavioral health workforce, and sharing your experiences with other families. In the meantime, being informed, proactive, and using available resources like free matching services will help you get the best possible start for your child.