When your child is recommended for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, one of the first major decisions you may face is where that support should happen in a clinic or in your home. At Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services, we offer both options across our Utah locations, including Taylorsville, St. George, Lehi, and beyond. But we also understand that what works for one family may not fit another.
This guide breaks down the differences between in-clinic and in-home ABA therapy, the benefits and limitations of each, and the key questions to ask when deciding what’s best for your child and household.
What Is ABA Therapy, and Where Can It Happen?
ABA is an evidence-informed approach that supports communication, skill-building, and behavioral regulation for children with developmental or behavioral support needs. ABA can be provided:
- In-Clinic: At a center with structured rooms and therapeutic materials.
- In-Home: Inside your home environment, using real-life routines as teaching opportunities.
- In-Community: In parks, grocery stores, or public spaces (often as a supplement).
Both in-home and in-clinic models use the same foundational strategies, including reinforcement, prompting, shaping, and generalization. But the setting can dramatically shape the experience.
In-Clinic ABA Therapy: What It Looks Like
In-clinic ABA therapy typically takes place in a dedicated treatment center. At Bridgeway, our centers in Cedar City, Roy, and Salt Lake City are designed to support a wide range of activities from table-top learning to play-based interventions.
Key Features
- Highly structured environment
- Dedicated materials and resources
- Peer interaction opportunities
- Access to interdisciplinary teams (e.g., mental health, primary care)
Benefits of In-Clinic ABA
- Fewer Distractions: Clinics are designed to reduce sensory overwhelm and create consistent routines.
- Peer Socialization: Children may participate in group activities or share spaces with peers.
- More Supervision: Clinicians can easily observe sessions, provide live feedback, and adjust plans.
- Integrated Care Access: Your child may see a therapist, nurse practitioner, or teacher under one roof.
Considerations
- You’ll need reliable transportation.
- Scheduling may be more rigid than in-home.
- Some children take time to adapt to new environments.
Learn more: ABA Therapy at Bridgeway Clinics
In-Home ABA Therapy: What It Looks Like
In-home ABA therapy occurs in the child’s natural environment. Our teams travel to homes across Brigham City, Riverdale, and Richfield, building routines around real-life moments.
Key Features
- Takes place in the living room, kitchen, or backyard
- Involves siblings or caregivers when appropriate
- Centers around daily routines (e.g., mealtime, hygiene, chores)
Benefits of In-Home ABA
- Natural Contexts: Children can learn to communicate during mealtimes or while getting dressed with support.
- Parent Involvement: Families often observe sessions and ask questions in real time.
- Convenience: No commute, and flexible scheduling may be easier to arrange.
- Generalization: Skills taught are practiced in the contexts where they’ll be used.
Considerations
- Home distractions (TV, pets, visitors) can affect focus.
- Limited space may reduce some activity options.
- Less direct peer interaction unless supplemented.
Explore: In-Home ABA Support in Utah
How to Decide: In-Clinic vs. In-Home ABA
Here are 7 key questions to guide your decision:
1. What Are Your Child’s Current Support Needs?
- If your child is building early foundational skills (e.g., imitation, one-step instructions), both settings can be effective.
- If they struggle with overstimulation or need exposure to peers, a clinic may offer more controlled opportunities.
2. How Structured Is Your Home Environment?
- If routines are predictable, home-based sessions may flow smoothly.
- If your household is busy or unpredictable, a clinic may provide helpful consistency.
3. Do You Want Built-In Social Interaction?
- Clinics naturally expose children to other kids.
- In-home therapy can incorporate siblings but may require additional planning for social learning.
4. What Is Your Availability And Transportation Access?
- In-home sessions require someone to be home during therapy.
- Clinics may offer longer hours or weekend options, but require travel.
5. How Much Parent Participation Are You Looking For?
- In-home allows for real-time coaching and collaboration.
- In-clinic programs may offer scheduled parent meetings or video updates.
6. Does Your Child Respond Better To New Environments Or Familiar Settings?
- Some children thrive with the novelty and structure of a clinic.
- Others benefit from working in the comfort of their own space.
7. What Services Do You Hope To Integrate Later On?
- If you plan to add mental health support, academic tutoring, or primary care, Bridgeway clinics may simplify access.
What Some Families Do: A Hybrid Approach
Some families start in one setting and transition later. Others do a blend, attending clinic sessions during the week and receiving occasional in-home support to reinforce routines.
For example:
- A child attends ABA at the Lehi clinic three days a week and receives help with bedtime routines at home.
- Another begins at home in St. George and later joins a clinic group to work on social goals.
At Bridgeway, we regularly reevaluate goals with each family to determine the best mix of services. We believe support should adapt as your child grows.
Financial Considerations: Insurance and Scheduling
Both in-home and in-clinic ABA services are typically covered under most insurance plans, including Utah Medicaid. Some plans may require additional documentation for home-based services or may have limits on travel zones.
Our team will:
- Verify your insurance benefits
- Explain any location-specific coverage
- Help you understand what’s included, from assessments to therapy hours
Check eligibility by contacting your nearest Bridgeway location in Taylorsville, Roy, or Richfield
Still Not Sure? Let’s Talk It Through
Choosing the right setting for ABA support is a big decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. Our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and integrated support staff will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help build a plan that fits your family.
You can:
- Tour one of our clinics in Salt Lake City, Riverdale, or Brigham City
- Request an in-home consultation
- Ask about switching models as your needs evolve
There Is No One Right Way
Every child and every family is unique. The “best” ABA setting is the one that supports your child’s growth while making life feel more manageable for you.
Whether you’re considering an in-clinic model with structure and peer interaction, or in-home services grounded in your daily routines, Bridgeway’s team is here to support your journey.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
- Schedule a Consultation to talk with a local expert.
- Learn More About ABA Therapy in Utah
- Apply to Join Our Team
Visit https://www.bridgewayihs.com to begin your next step.