ABA Therapy in Arlington & Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia has one of the deepest ABA provider markets in the state, spread across Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, and the wider NoVA area, in both center-based and in-home models. Some NoVA families also consider providers in DC or Maryland depending on their coverage.

Funding pathways in NoVA:

• Commercial insurance (state-regulated): Virginia's mandate requires coverage of ABA at any age (since 2020), with a $35,000 annual ABA benefit cap and no visit limits.
• Self-funded employer (ERISA) plans: Very common in the DC-area federal-contractor workforce, and exempt from the state mandate — check your Summary Plan Description.
• FEHB (federal employees): Federal Employees Health Benefits plans have their own autism/ABA coverage rules — check your specific plan.
• TRICARE (military families): Covers ABA through the Autism Care Demonstration, with its own referral and provider rules.
• Cardinal Care Medicaid: Covers ABA for children under 21 through the EPSDT benefit, often at no cost.

Wait times for assessment and intake vary by provider, commonly ranging from a few weeks to several months.