A new diagnosis, whether related to autism, anxiety, ADHD, or another developmental or behavioral concern, can feel overwhelming. Many parents experience a mix of emotions, from fear and confusion to relief at finally having answers. This early stage can feel heavy, both emotionally and logistically.
At Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services, we support families across Utah as they take these first uncertain steps. From Taylorsville to St. George, our goal is to help parents feel supported, informed, and never alone.
This guide is what we wish every parent had during those first 30 days after receiving a diagnosis. It’s grounded in evidence-informed guidance, written in plain language, and designed to help you take things one day at a time.
Step 1: Understand the Diagnosis Without Letting It Define Your Child
Whether your child has received a diagnosis related to autism, anxiety, or another area of support, remember: the diagnosis informs care, it does not define your child’s worth, potential, or personality.
It can help open doors to support services, including behavioral therapy, mental health counseling, and educational resources.
What to Do
- Ask for a written summary of the diagnostic report in language you can understand.
- Clarify the terms with the provider (you can always request a follow-up call or meeting).
- Join a local or online parent support group for emotional reinforcement.
“Getting a diagnosis informed our path it didn’t define it.” — Parent, Roy, UT.
Step 2: Don’t Delay Early Support
Many families find that starting support earlier can help address communication, emotional regulation, and daily routines, though every child’s needs and timeline are different.
Early supports may be helpful for some children. Individual experiences and progress vary, which is why personalized care is essential.
Bridgeway offers pediatric behavioral therapy in Taylorsville, Lehi, St. George, and several other locations across Utah.
Key Services to Prioritize:
Service | Description | Covered by Medicaid? |
ABA Therapy | Applied Behavior Analysis (structured behavioral support focused on skill development) | ✅ Yes |
Speech Therapy | Language, communication, and feeding support | ✅ Often |
Occupational Therapy | Motor skills, sensory regulation, and daily life activities | ✅ Often |
Case Coordination | Helps navigate appointments, insurance, and IEPs | ✅ Yes |
Looking for ABA therapy near me? Schedule a consultation to talk through your questions and explore next steps at your local Bridgeway office in Taylorsville, St. George, Roy, Lehi, Cedar City, or Brigham City.
Step 3: Explore Insurance and Medicaid Coverage Early
In Utah, Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans may cover behavioral health services when eligibility criteria are met.
How Bridgeway Helps
- Insurance verification and billing assistance
- Medicaid enrollment guidance
- Transparent pricing for the uninsured
Call our intake team to verify your plan or start the Medicaid process: Contact Us.
Step 4: Work With a Connected Support System
Bridgeway was designed to reduce the burden on families by coordinating multiple services within one connected care system.
Our Integrated Services Model
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Support focused on communication, daily routines, and skill development
- Mental Health Therapy: Child, teen, and parent counseling (telehealth and in-person options)
- Primary Care: Check-ups, prescriptions, immunizations, and coordination with behavioral staff
- Academy Program: Educational support and behavioral therapy combined for school-aged kids
This model minimizes burnout, reduces missed appointments, and ensures every provider is on the same page, your page.
Step 5: Care for Your Family, Too
Parents and caregivers often benefit from emotional support as they adjust to new routines and responsibilities.
Consider
- Parent counseling or support groups
- Sibling workshops or “inclusive play” therapy
- Family-based behavioral interventions
Search “mental health therapy near me” or ask about availability at our offices in Salt Lake City, Richfield, and Riverdale.
Step 6: Navigate School Support Systems
If your child is school-aged, you may need to initiate an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan. A diagnosis may allow families to request assessments and accommodations through their school district. Bridgeway’s team can assist with special education support in Utah, including IEP meetings, documentation, and classroom behavior strategies.
Common Accommodations
- Behavior aides or support staff
- Modified testing environments
- Visual schedules and sensory breaks
Contact our Academy team to explore support options for your child’s academic success.
Step 7: Ask for Help Even If You Don’t Know What You Need
You don’t need to become an expert overnight. That’s where care coordinators and support professionals can help guide the process. Every concern is valid, and the earlier we address it, the more support your child receives.
Ways We Support
- Behavior consultations for difficult transitions
- Parent coaching on everyday routines
- Telehealth mental health sessions for flexible scheduling
- Crisis planning for high-needs situations
“I didn’t even know what to ask but Bridgeway walked me through everything step by step.” Parent in Cedar City
Step 8: Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
In the first 30 days, the path ahead can feel daunting. But progress is possible, and support is most effective when families feel informed and connected. Some families notice changes over time as supports are put in place, though progress looks different for every child.
Milestones to Watch For
- Increased communication or gestures
- Fewer meltdowns
- Improved sleep or feeding routines
- Stronger connections with family
Small wins matter. Document them. Celebrate them. Build from them.
Real Utah Families. Real Support.
Families across Utah often share positive experiences as they navigate services and supports that fit their child’s needs.
Find behavioral therapy for children near me:
Brigham City | Cedar City | Lehi | Roy | Riverdale
Schedule a Consultation
Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services is here to make those first 30 days easier for every parent navigating a new diagnosis. From ABA therapy and mental health support to primary care and academic guidance, we’re ready to help your family thrive—not just survive.
- Schedule a Consultation
- Find a Location Near You
- Explore Careers: RBTs and BCBAs Hiring in Utah