Parent’s Guide to ABA Therapy Authorization, Assessment and Treatment

 

At Regal Behavior Solutions, we believe that effective teaching is essential to lasting change. We provide quality behavior training by using evidence based practices that promotes affective life-ling changes, The purpose of emphasizing sound behavioral training is to allow caregivers to take a more participatory role in increasing their knowledge and skills while decreasing inappropriate behaviors

This guide has been provided to you to help you understand the process involved in starting behavioral health therapy with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Please use this check list to help you keep track of the different events that occur.

We look forward to serving your family!

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a behavioral health strategy used to improve the lives of individuals. ABA focus is to decrease maladaptive behaviors and address skill deficits communication, social skills, daily life skills and vocational skills. RBS uses ABA strategies, techniques and principles to bring about socially meaningful and positive change in behavior for a lifetime.

Parent/Caregiver Role in ABA

Parent and/or Caregivers are an important asset to the implementation of all behavioral health therapy. It is imperative that parents are involves and participate during each session. Our clients experience is the greatest success when all caregivers are involved in the treatment process and successfully implement strategies outside of therapy.

 

Authorization – Before Services start

  • Regal receives your referral. Either you have contacted us or your case manage

  • We request that you complete the Client Authorization & Release of Information form

  • Our billing specialist will contact your insurance company and verify your benefits

  • One of our providers will contact you to set up an appointment for the assessment

What can you do during this time?

  • Wait to be contact by the provider for an assessment to be scheduled

  • Understand that the timelines varies by insurance company and can take up to 10 business days

  • Be prepared for ideal times that you would like the assessment to occur

  • Be prepared to set aside two hours for the assessment and two days for observations to occur

  • Be prepare with question to as the BCBA

  • Be prepared to discuss what you are wanting out of ABA therapy. If you are unsure, your BCBA will provide you with guidance

Assessment - Beginning the process

Determine what treatment will look like:

  • A BCBA/Supervisor will meet with you and your child or adult

  • We request that you review and complete the intake packet and intake questionnaire

Please make the following records available for review:

  • Diagnostic report

  • Any previous ABA treatment plans from other providers available

  • IEP, 504 Plan, ISP

  • You will sign a form indicating that you consent to an assessment

The assessment will include the following components:

  • Parent Caregiver interview

  • Administration of assessment tools (e.g. forms for you to fill out)

  • Observation of your child/adult

  • Interaction with your child/adult

  • Documentation of your child’s/adult’s behavior

What can you do during the assessment phase:

  • Understand the writing process will take up to three weeks

  • Understand that the timeline varies by insurance company but approval of plan may take 10-30 business days.

  • Be prepared to review the assessment results and treatment plans with the BCBA

  • Know that the assessment writing will be reflected on you explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company expressed as codes and on dates that you may not have seen the BCBA

  • Understand that your child may not get all hours requested authorized by the insurance company. If so, your BCBA will contact you and discuss how to proceed treatment once services have begun

Treatment - Starting Services

Caregiver Duties

  • A decision making adult 18 years or older must be present for the entire duration of the session

  • You will participate in parent training on strategies and interventions used in therapy

  • Follow caregiver guidelines

  • Review the Parent Handbook

Staff Duties

RBS staff observe and interact with individuals, groups and communities to assist with the health functioning of the people in the that setting. We focus on the specific behaviors that disrupt, exclude or otherwise negatively impact the person or group by…

  • Working with consumers and family in a 1:1 setting

  • Building relationships with consumers and families

  • Implementing behavior plans and intervention strategies

  • Collecting data on the consumer’s behaviors and goals as directed

  • Working with parents on teaching goals and objectives

  • Collaborating with clinical teams during meetings

  • Attending and participating in ongoing trainings and other meetings as scheduled

  • The BCBA/Supervisor will report on both child and parent progress at the end of the authorization period

What you can do during this treatment phase:

  • Ask the BCBA and Behavior technician questions when you have them

  • Make sure to participate in parent training when they are scheduled. These are very important to the success of your child’s treatment

  • Understand that treatment services will be reflected on your EOB

  • Ask your provider about any questions that you have about dates of services

  • Know that any changed made to your child’s treatment will not be done without your foreknowledge or written consent

Below are a few intake documents needed to get started!

  • Assignment of insurance benefits and medical release authorization

  • Notices of Privacy practices & acknowledgement

  • Informed consent form

  • Intake Packet

  • Parent Handbook

  • Intake questionnaire

  • Electronic release form

 

We understand that some of these forms may be time consuming. We want you to know that the more information that we have, the better we are able to assist you. If at any time in this process you have any questions please contact The Director of Clinical Services Tamesha Bland (636.400.7778) or info@regalbehaviorsolutions.com

 

We at Regal Behavior Solutions look forward to working with you and your family.

 

Tamesha Bland, MA, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Director of Clinical Services  - Regal Behavior Solutions, LLC