How to Know if Your Child Needs ABA Therapy in Utah

August 27, 2025

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most researched and widely used interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But as a parent, it can be challenging to know when ABA therapy is the right choice or even where to begin. At Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services, we support families across Utah by offering integrated behavioral health, mental health, and primary care services all under one roof.

In this guide, we’ll guide you through the signs that your child may benefit from ABA therapy, how it works, and how to get started with services in places like Taylorsville, St. George, Cedar City, and more.

What Is ABA Therapy and Who Is It For?

ABA therapy is an evidence-based behavioral intervention that helps children build meaningful skills while reducing harmful or disruptive behaviors. It’s especially beneficial for:

  • Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

  • Children with developmental delays

  • Children exhibiting challenging behaviors that interfere with learning or daily life

ABA therapy is typically delivered by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). These professionals tailor treatment plans to each child’s needs, goals, and learning style.

Scientific Support

According to the U.S. Surgeon General and American Psychological Association, ABA is a safe and effective treatment for autism, with decades of peer-reviewed studies confirming its impact on communication, learning, and adaptive behaviors.

7 Signs Your Child May Benefit from ABA Therapy

Not all children with autism need ABA, but it can be transformative for those experiencing specific challenges. Here are key signs your child may benefit:

Behavior or Concern

How ABA Can Help

Limited language or nonverbal

Develop functional communication skills, including verbal speech or alternative methods (e.g., PECS, AAC).

Frequent tantrums or meltdowns

Identify triggers and teach emotional regulation strategies.

Aggression or self-injury

Replace unsafe behaviors with safer, more appropriate alternatives.

Difficulty with transitions or routines

Use visual schedules and reinforcement to improve flexibility.

Struggles with toilet training or self-care

Teach daily living skills through step-by-step instruction.

Lack of social skills or peer interaction

Practice turn-taking, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in shared play.

Repetitive or obsessive behaviors

Reduce behaviors that interfere with learning and replace them with functional skills.

If these challenges impact your child’s home, school, or community life, ABA therapy can offer practical and measurable improvements.

How ABA Therapy Works at Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services

Bridgeway takes a family-centered, integrated approach to ABA therapy across Utah, ensuring your child’s care is:

Individualized

Treatment goals are tailored to your child’s developmental stage and family priorities.

Evidence-Based

All interventions follow research-backed ABA methods.

Collaborative

We involve families at every stage and often coordinate care with our mental health therapists, medical providers, and educational support team.

What to Expect

Initial Consultation

Schedule a free assessment to determine eligibility and needs.

Comprehensive Evaluation

We conduct behavior assessments and interviews to develop a baseline.

Therapy Plan Creation

Your BCBA outlines specific, trackable goals for your child.

Consistent Support

Therapy sessions can occur at home, in the clinic, at school, or in a hybrid format.

Progress Reviews

Regular updates and plan adjustments based on your child’s development.

Schedule a Free Consultation to learn more about what this process looks like in your area.

Getting ABA Therapy in Your Utah Community

Bridgeway proudly offers ABA therapy for kids in Utah across nine regional locations. We work with families who are searching for support “near me” in:

Taylorsville, UT (Headquarters)

  • Full-service ABA, therapy, and primary care

     

  • An excellent option for families in Salt Lake County

     

  • Contact the Taylorsville Office Today

St. George, UT

  • Serving southern Utah and nearby rural areas

     

  • Close to communities like Washington and Hurricane

     

  • ABA therapy in St. George includes in-clinic and home-based services

Cedar City, UT

  • Serving Iron County with behavior and mental health support

     

  • Convenient for parents looking for ABA services in rural Utah

     

  • Learn about ABA therapy in Cedar City.

Lehi, UT

  • Ideal for families in Utah County

     

  • Integrated mental health and pediatric behavioral therapy

     

  • Inquire about services in Lehi.

Roy, UT

  • Accessible for families in Ogden and Weber County

     

  • A strong local team of RBTs and BCBAs

     

  • Find ABA support in Roy

Brigham City, UT

    • Serving northern Utah families near Box Elder County

       

  • ABA therapy for children in Brigham City

Richfield, UT

  • Options for rural access to therapy services

     

  • Great for families seeking autism support in central Utah

     

  • Explore ABA therapy in Richfield

Salt Lake City, UT

  • Easily accessible for downtown and surrounding neighborhoods

     

  • A broad range of integrated services for youth and young adults

     

  • Contact the Salt Lake City location

Riverdale, UT

  • Close to Layton and Ogden

     

  • Popular for parents searching “ABA therapy near me in Riverdale.”

     

  • Get in touch with our Riverdale team.


We also provide telehealth options for evaluations and mental health therapy when appropriate.

Is ABA Therapy Covered by Insurance in Utah?

Yes. At Bridgeway, we work with many private insurers and Medicaid plans. Our team can help you:

  • Verify eligibility

     

  • Understand your benefits

     

  • Minimize out-of-pocket costs

Some of the insurance plans we accept include Medicaid, SelectHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and more. Coverage for ABA therapy may vary; therefore, it’s best to contact us to verify.

Call us or use our Online Insurance Checker to get started.

ABA Therapy + Mental Health + Primary Care: Why Integration Matters

One reason parents choose Bridgeway is that we go beyond ABA. Many children with autism or developmental differences benefit from a full circle of care, including:

Mental Health Therapy

for anxiety, depression, trauma, or family support

Pediatric Primary Care 

for physical wellness and medication management

Educational Support

including tutoring and special education coordination

This integrated model avoids the stress of bouncing between different clinics and providers. Everything your child needs is coordinated under one roof, ensuring better communication between professionals and better results for your family.

FAQs: ABA Therapy for Children in Utah

How old should my child be to start ABA therapy?

Many children start between the ages of 2 and 6, but older children and even teenagers can also benefit.

Does my child need an autism diagnosis to begin?

Most insurance plans require a formal ASD diagnosis for ABA coverage, but we can help guide you through this process.

How many hours per week is typical?

Therapy ranges from 10 to 40 hours per week depending on the child’s needs, availability, and insurance plan.

Is ABA therapy only for autism?

While it’s most common for autism, ABA can also support other developmental or behavioral challenges.

Start with Bridgeway: A Utah Leader in Integrated ABA and Autism Services

If you suspect your child may benefit from ABA therapy, don’t wait. Early intervention makes a meaningful difference, and Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services is here to support you every step of the way.

With nine offices across the state, a highly trained staff, and a family-first approach, we help Utah families access autism support services, behavioral therapy, and mental health care with confidence.

Ready to Learn More? Let’s Talk.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today 

Visit https://www.bridgewayihs.com to book a free consultation, explore our services by location, or verify your insurance coverage. Whether you’re looking for ABA therapy in Salt Lake City, autism support in Lehi, or integrated healthcare in St. George, we’re ready to help your child thrive.