For many children with autism or behavioral health challenges, academic learning is only part of the puzzle. Equally important are the social and emotional skills that help them build friendships, understand emotions, navigate group settings, and feel confident in social situations. That’s where social skills groups come in.
At Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services, we know how transformative these group-based programs can be, not just for the child, but for the entire family. But one of the first questions parents ask is:
“Will insurance cover this?”
The answer: It often does. But understanding the details can be tricky. This blog breaks it down so families in Taylorsville, St. George, Lehi, Roy, Salt Lake City, and beyond can access the support they need without added stress.
What Are Social Skills Groups?
Social skills groups are structured, therapist-led sessions that help children and young adults develop the communication, cooperation, and emotional regulation skills they need in real life. These groups are prevalent for:
- Children on the autism spectrum
- Kids with ADHD, anxiety, or behavioral challenges
- Youth struggling with peer relationships or emotional control
Group sessions usually include games, role-playing, discussions, and interactive activities. They’re led by professionals such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), licensed therapists, or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), depending on the setting.
Does Insurance Cover Social Skills Groups in Utah?
The Short Answer
Yes, many Utah insurance plans cover social skills groups when they are considered medically necessary and part of a larger behavioral treatment plan.
But the details depend on:
Factor | How It Affects Coverage |
Insurance Type | Private, Medicaid, or employer-sponsored plans vary |
Diagnosis Requirement | Most require a formal diagnosis (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder) |
Provider Credentials | Sessions typically need to be led by licensed professionals |
Treatment Plan | Services often must be part of an approved care plan |
Setting | In-clinic, in-school, or virtual settings may affect coverage |
Insurance Plans Commonly Accepted in Utah
Bridgeway works with many major insurance providers across Utah. While your individual benefits may differ, here are some providers that frequently cover ABA therapy and related group services like social skills programs:
- SelectHealth
- Molina Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare
- Regence BlueCross BlueShield
- Medicaid (including Autism Medicaid Waiver)
- PEHP (Public Employees Health Plan)
Contact us to check if your specific plan covers group services.
Social Skills Groups vs. ABA: What’s the Difference?
Many parents ask whether social skills groups are the same as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). They’re not, but they often overlap.
ABA Therapy | Social Skills Groups |
1:1 instruction tailored to behavior goals | Small group learning focused on social interactions |
Often in the clinic or at home | Often in a clinic or community setting |
Led by RBTs under BCBA supervision | Led by BCBAs, therapists, or RBTs |
Focus on behavior change and skill acquisition | Focus on group behavior, conversation, turn-taking, and empathy |
Covered by most insurance plans with an autism diagnosis | Covered as part of a treatment plan under ABA or therapy services |
At Bridgeway, we integrate social skills groups into our broader ABA and mental health therapy services to ensure your child receives coordinated care.
How Social Skills Group Coverage Works in Practice
Let’s look at a typical example:
Case Example
“My 8-year-old son has an autism diagnosis and already receives ABA therapy. Can he join a social skills group too?”
- If your child has an active treatment plan
- If the social group supports its documented goals
- And if it’s led by a credentialed provider (like a BCBA or licensed therapist)
Then, yes, social skills groups can be billed under your existing coverage for ABA or therapy benefits. Many families take advantage of this option at Bridgeway.
Explore our ABA services in Cedar City
What About Medicaid in Utah?
Medicaid coverage for social skills groups in Utah has improved significantly over the past decade, especially for children with autism.
Bridgeway is an approved Medicaid provider, and we frequently help families access ABA and group-based care through:
- Utah Medicaid
- Autism Waiver Program
- DSPD (Division of Services for People with Disabilities)
To verify your eligibility, contact our Salt Lake City or Taylorsville office. We’ll help you understand exactly what your child can access through state-funded support.
Locations Offering Social Skills Groups
Bridgeway offers social skills groups in several locations across Utah. Our groups are tailored by age, diagnosis, and developmental level.
Find Social Skills Groups Near You
City | Details |
Taylorsville, UT (Crossroads) | full ABA and mental health offerings |
St. George, UT | Serving Southern Utah families with behavioral and primary care support |
Cedar City, UT | ABA-focused location with flexible scheduling for group sessions |
Lehi, UT | Convenient for Utah County families seeking social skills and therapy |
Roy, UT | Northern Utah families welcome – small group formats for various ages |
Brigham City, UT | Specialized groups for younger children and teens |
Richfield, UT | Serving Central Utah – inquire about group openings |
Salt Lake City, UT (Redwood) | Mental health and ABA services under one roof |
Riverdale, UT | Integrated services, including therapy and educational supports |
Find your nearest Bridgeway location here
How to Enroll Your Child in a Group
Step 1: Get an Evaluation
We begin by assessing your child’s needs and determining if a social skills group would be beneficial. This includes reviewing:
- Behavior goals
- Diagnosis
- Current services
- Insurance eligibility
Step 2: Check Coverage
We’ll contact your insurance provider on your behalf to verify:
- Coverage type (ABA, therapy, mental health)
- Deductibles, co-pays, and limitations
- Requirements for prior authorization
Step 3: Join a Group
We’ll match your child with the right age group and skill level. Groups typically meet once or twice weekly at one of our clinics.
When Coverage Is Limited: What Families Can Do Next
While many families obtain coverage through insurance or Medicaid, some plans may not specifically cover social skills groups. In that case, Bridgeway offers:
- Self-pay rates with transparent pricing
- Flexible payment plans for families in need
- Scholarship opportunities (when available during events or grants)
We also encourage families to explore school-based support under IEPs (Individualized Education Plans), especially for social-emotional learning goals.
Who Leads the Groups?
At Bridgeway, all social skills groups are run by experienced professionals:
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
- Licensed Clinical Therapists
- Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) under supervision
This ensures your child is supported by experts who understand behavior, development, and emotional needs.
Why Families Trust Bridgeway
Families across Utah, from Brigham City to St. George, turn to Bridgeway because we offer:
- Integrated ABA, mental health, and primary care under one roof
- Medicaid and major insurances are accepted
- Personalized care plans for every family
- BCBAs, therapists, and medical staff working as one team
- Strong community presence and ongoing events
Whether your child needs help with conversation, teamwork, or emotion management, our groups provide tools that carry over into school, home, and life.
Help Is Within Reach
Navigating insurance coverage for autism or behavioral health support in Utah can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Bridgeway is here to help families understand their benefits, find the right services, and make real progress all in one place.
Get Started Today
Ready To Explore Social Skills Groups For Your Child?
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Check Insurance Coverage for ABA or Therapy
- Contact Your Local Bridgeway Office
- Apply for a Clinical Role at Bridgeway
Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services Serving Families Across Utah Taylorsville | St. George | Cedar City | Lehi | Roy | Brigham City | Richfield | Salt Lake City
Visit our complete list of services here: https://www.bridgewayihs.com/