Chattanooga
Autism Center
ABA Providers
DISCLAIMER: The CAC has compiled lists of autism-related resources in our region to help you save time searching for them on the web. This list of service providers is for informational purposes only and being listed does not constitute the endorsement of the CAC.
If you would like us to add a resource or update a resource, contact us at 423-531-6961 opt. 0 or email info@chattanoogaautismcenter.org
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CHOOSING AN ABA PROVIDER: There are lots of factors to consider when choosing an ABA provider. To help families with this process, we have compiled a list of questions you may want to ask ABA providers when deciding which one is the best fit for you and your family. Click this link to download a form you can use when talking to or meeting with potential ABA therapists.
The CAC's Bridges Behavior Therapy clinic provides clinic-based ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis). BCBAs provide services to individuals with diagnoses of autism and other related disabilities. Professional training and supervision are also available.
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Ages served: 18 months – 8 years
Web address: https://www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org/bridgesaba
Location: 1400 McCallie Avenue, Suite 100, Chattanooga TN, 37404
Phone: (423) 531-6961, opt. 2 - Explain that you are seeking ABA therapy.
Achievements ABA Therapy
Achievements provides in-home ABA therapy across the state of Georgia that is personalized to the individual. They focus on skill development and behavior management, designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. They are in-network with GA Medicaid, Amerigroup, CareSource and PeachState.
Referral: Referral from a medical doctor (MD) or psychologist is required
Website: www.achievementstherapy.com
Phone: 404-551-5330
Location: Georgia (In-Home)
Ages Served: 0-21 years old
Acorn Health's behavior analytic professionals develop, apply, and share the latest advances in the science of ABA, always focused on data and outcomes. Acorn Health providers combine proven best practices with pioneering, evidence-based next practices, engaging whole families. With the consistent, evidence-based intervention of ABA, a child’s behavior, language and social interactions are all likely to improve. Acorn Health uses the “Behavioral Health Index” to track progress over time. (Download the “Behavior Health Index” on their website).
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Ages served: 18 months and older
Web address: www.acornhealth.com
Counties served in Tennessee: Bradley, Putnam, Williamson, Rutherford, Davidson and Hamilton (call for additional counties for In-Home)
Location: Center, Home-based and Community
Phone: 844-949-3532
Allied Behavioral Services has a team of professional Behavior Analysts who offer quality behavioral services to children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, behavioral problems, as well as anger management issues. They provide assessments, treatments, and training to individuals, parents, caregivers, teachers, case managers, independent support coordinators, and direct care professionals across all settings (i.e: home, school, work, etc...).
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Ages served: Lifespan
Web address: www.alliedbehavioralservices.com
Location: 4406 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37411
Phone: (423) 899-4747 ext. 1
Email: lynn@alliedbehavioralservices.com
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Anna Shaw Children’s Institute has an ABA program to assist children 18 months to 11 years old. Their Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and RBTs (Registered Behavioral Therapists) work with the child and family to reduce problematic behaviors and improve coping skills in a clinical setting.
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Ages served: 18 months - 11 years old
Web address: https://www.hamiltonhealth.com/services/anna-shaw-childrens-institute
Location: 1201 Burleyson Rd Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: (706) 226-8900
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Autism & Behavior Services (ABS), a local 501-c(3), has served the Chattanooga area for over 10 years specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis services in Clinic, Community, and Home for children and adult​s​ of all ages.​ The clinic is lead by Dr. Laura Forkum, BCBA-D.​ with​ several full-time BCBAs ​on staff​​. They are in-network providers for Aetna, Tenncare, ​United​ Healthcare ​Community ​Plan, ​Tricare, BCBS-T, BCBS-GA, ​Premera,​ UHC, and Humana​. They are​ currently working on becoming in-network providers with all major private insurances.
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Ages served: Lifespan
Referral needed: Needed
Web address: www.autismbehaviorservices.org
Location: 6105 Preservation Drive, Suite D Chattanooga TN 37416
Phone: (423) 664-0903
Email: laura@autismbehaviorservices.org
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For parents concerned about their toddler's social communication development, the Autism Center for Children provides accurate identification and treatment of autism -- at the earliest possible signs of detection -- for the most immediate, profound and lasting improvement in their quality of life. Dr. Crittendon is a licensed clinical psychologist, Ph.D., BCBA-D, and the head of the Autism Center for Children. Her specialty is infant-toddler diagnostic assessment and early intervention with children diagnosed with autism. Types of insurance accepted are BCBS, CIGNA, Aetna, and Georgia Medicaid, as of June 2018.
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Ages served: 1 - 4 years old
Referral: Not needed
Web address: www.autismcenterga.com
Location: 429 Creekstone Ridge Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone: (678) 996-4998
Email: info@autismcenterga.com
They work with families in a variety of settings including at school, home, or their Autism Therapy Centers. They offer comprehensive treatment planning and supervision by Board Certified Behavior Analysts, 1:1 therapy delivered by Registered Behavior Technicians, and highly individualized behavior intervention plans for every client. Providing quality caregiver training is another focus of their ABA program, supplying clients with the tools they need to promote independence and implement effective teaching strategies at home with their child. Easterseals also has locations in Brentwood, TN, Lexington, TN and Lebanon, TN.
Ages served: 18 month through 21 years
Web address: https://www.easterseals.com/tennessee/
Location: 55 25th St. NW Suite 210
Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: (615) 444-0597 Ext. 432
Elevate Behavior Services is a team of ABA providers serving families in a clinical setting. Their goal is to enhance quality of life through positive behavior supports. Their clinic serves children up to age 10, using individualized programs for language communication skills, social skills, self-help skills, and much more! As of February 2020, Elevate is in network with BCBS commercial and Medicaid (TennCare, BlueCare and Cover Kids), Cigna, and Aetna. There are also options for private pay.
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Ages Served: up to age 10
Web Address: www.elevatebehavior.com
Location: 317 Sylvan Street Suite B Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: 423-802-1982
Email: sarena@elevatebehavior.com
Golden Steps ABA's Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBT) assist autistic children in overcoming challenging behaviors associated with difficulties in social skills, communication, and other areas of development. They offer ABA therapy in the comfort of your home which can help your child learn social skills, positive behaviors, academics, communication, and increased focus. Golden Steps ABA can also partner with your child’s school to develop effective instructional programs based on the principles and methodologies of ABA. They accept all GA Medicaid and most major commercial plans such as BCBS, UHC, Cigna, and Aetna. In Tennessee, they accept BlueCare and Amerigroup plans along with major commercial plans BCBS, UHC, Cigna, and Aetna.
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Ages Served: 18 months to 14 years old
Referral: Needed
Web Address: https://www.goldenstepsaba.com/
Counties served in Georgia: Catoosa, Whitfield, Walker, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Henry, the city of Atlanta, Muscogee, and Chattahoochee.
Counties served in Tennessee: Davidson, Hamilton, Williamson, Wilson, Sumner, Rutherford, Montgomery, Putnam, Cumberland, Fentress, Anderson, Blount, Knox, Jefferson, Sevier, and Cocke. Keep in mind that they are always expanding depending on where there are kids in need of services.
Phone: 615-570-9959 Ext. 101
Email: info@goldenstepsaba.com
Health Connect America provides ABA therapy for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Therapy focuses on skill acquisition and behavior management, and requires caregiver involvement and participation throughout. Typical programs consist of 2-20 hours per week of therapy in home, clinic, community, and school settings. Many of their services can be accessed over a HIPAA compliant virtual platform. As of January 2021, HCA does not have a waitlist for ABA, and they are serving families in Hamilton and Bradley counties.
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Ages Served: Under 20 years old
Referral: Referral from MD or psychologist is required
Web Address: https://healthconnectamerica.com/services/behavioral-therapy-services/
Location: In-home and community based in Hamilton and Bradley counties
Phone: 423-702-5508
Email: infoaba@healthconnectamerica.com
Hopebridge is committed to providing personalized therapy for children and their families impacted by behavioral, physical, social, communication and sensory challenges by building a bridge to help them live their best lives.
Hopebridge – Chattanooga offers a comprehensive, integrative therapy model including ABA therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Family Guidance.
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Ages Served: 18 months - 10 years old
Web Address: https://www.hopebridge.com/
Location: 2826 Amnicola Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37406
Phone: 855-324-0885
Key Autism Services provides In-Home ABA Therapy Service for children with autism. They currently accept Georgia Medicare/Medicaid, Wellcare (Medicaid), Caresource (Medicaid), Peachstate (Medicaid), Amerigroup (Medicaid), Aetna, Cigna, BCBS GA. Services include 1:1 In-Home/Daycare ABA therapy and intensive parent training. They believe that collaboration and care coordination is an important part of treatment for children on the Autism Spectrum. They have specially trained intake specialists that guide parents through the process of benefit checks, documentation, and assessment. They recognize that this is not an easy process for families, and their intake coordinators are committed to supporting parents/guardians through this process.​​​
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Ages served: 3 to 21 years old
Referral: Yes, as well as ASD diagnosis
Web address: http://www.keyautismservices.com
Counties Served in Georgia: Fulton, Douglas, Gwinnett, Cobb, Cherokee, Clayton, DeKalb, Duluth, Fairburn, Stockbridge.
Phone: 857-829-4040
KIWI ABA provides compassionate, innovative Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to empower children with autism and other learning or behavioral challenges and support their families by creating an inclusive environment, ongoing education and integration into the community. KIWI is currently accepting referrals for new clients and has no waitlist. Types of insurances currently accepted are BCBS, Georgia Medicaid, Cigna and Amerigroup with additional credentialing currently being processed. Fill out the intake form on their website to begin the admission process.
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Ages served: 2 – 17 years old
Referral: Needed
Web address: https://kiwiaba.com
Location: 1401 Applewood Drive, Suite 2, Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 250-9372
Email: contactus@kiwiaba.com
Know Boundaries is a woman-owned & clinician-owned company offering a highly trained team that provides effective ABA intervention for individuals with autism as well as family training and support.
Their intense, well-developed behavior treatment is individually tailored to meet the needs of each and every client while taking family lifestyle into consideration. They have a clinic in Brentwood, TN and can also provide in-person or telehealth therapy across Tennessee & Georgia. They are in network with almost all insurance companies.
Ages served: 2 - 18 years
Web address: www.knowboundariesaba.com
Location: TN & GA
Phone: (615) 288-5669 OR (404) 891-6907
Email: info@knowboundariesaba.com
Lighthouse Kids Centers for Autism is an Applied Behavioral Analysis center dedicated to serving children ages 2-12. Additionally, they accept most insurances and offer interest-free financing for deductibles. Their clinical team will provide behavioral assessments, treatment plans, and therapy unique to each learner. Lighthouse Kids is a collaborative team and offers a supportive, nurturing culture for their learners, caregivers and employees. Their goal is to empower learners on the autism spectrum to acquire functional skills leading to autonomy, independence and inclusion to create and live their best lives
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Hixson Location: 1961 Northpoint Blvd
Toll free number: (833) 392-0071
Website: http://lighthousekids.net/
Email: info@lighthousekids.net
Fax referrals to: (423) 498-9076
DAY SERVICES:
Individuals in the region who have disabilities can apply to participate in the Life Bridges Day Program. Life Bridges staff get to know the individuals they support; learning their interests and goals, and helping them find activities. Outings and activities focus on a variety of skill building and exploration activities; including volunteering, learning about jobs and focusing on pursuing interests and building independence. Life Bridges also works with ECF Choices to help adults who are interested in pursuing a job in the community. Their employment support staff focus on identifying interests and skills and using them to discover a meaningful workplace. The person is supported in learning the skills necessary to interview for a job, learn on the job skills, and how to approach any workplace problems as they arise.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES:
Life Bridges has four ICF/IID homes that serve individuals with Intellectual disabilities and other disabilities who may be medically fragile and/or behaviorally challenged. Programming is tailored to the needs of the individual and is provided on a 24/7 basis. Supports include nursing, therapies and active treatment.
THERAPIES FOR ADULTS:
Therapies include occupational therapy, physical therapy and ABA therapy. Their clinic also has a nutritionist and 2 medical practitioners.
Ages served: 18 years and older
Web address: https://lifebridgesonline.com/
Location: 764 Old Chattanooga Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: 423 472-5268
Email: charleshamby@lifebridgesonline.com, djackson@lifebridgesonline.com
May Behavioral Services provides early intervention to children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Furthermore, they have fun teaching clients useful and life changing skills such as communication skills, social skills, coping skills, early academics, and community skills. They also believe that by using evidence-based interventions, they are able to reduce unwanted behaviors that interfere with the quality of life for their clients.
May Behavioral Services are currently in-network with the following insurance providers: Amerigroup, CareSource, Georgia Medicaid, and Peach State. They also accept Anthem BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, but a secondary insurance is required.
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Ages served: 2 - 5 years
Web address: http://www.maybehavioralservices.com/
Location: 717 South Wall Street Calhoun, GA 30701
Phone: 706-383-8396
​Merakey is a national leader in developmental, behavioral, and educational services providing ABA therapy across the state of Tennessee. Merakey serves children, adolescents, and adults at home, in schools, and in the community. Through comprehensive assessment, their programs are tailored to each individual’s unique needs to ensure they achieve their greatest potential. Merakey is currently in-network with BCBST, BlueCare, Amerigroup, United Healthcare, UHCCP, Optum, Anthem, and all BCBS out of state plans.
Ages served: All ages
Web Address: www.merakey.org
Counties served: Hamilton, Bradley, Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Maury, Cannon, Warren, Coffee, Bedford, Marshall, Blount, Knox, Weakly, and Shelby
Phone: 615-332-2155
Email: TNBSSInfo@merakey.org
Fax: Physician referral can be faxed to 615-370-9338
North Georgia Autism Center is a cutting edge facility providing one-on-one ABA therapy in Woodstock, Georgia. The center offers in- home and in-clinic services and insurances accepted are Cigna, BCBS, Medicaid, Caresource, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Humana.
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Ages served: 18 months - 18 years old
Referral: Needed
Web Address: http://www.northgeorgiaautism.com/
Location: 301 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suites 130 & 140, Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone: 765-414-6227
Email: bethany.craig@northgeorgiaautism.com
Orange Grove Center is a community based non-profit agency offering the full array of services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across the lifespan. They are a fully certified school affiliated with the Hamilton County Dept of Education. They have full therapy services including medical, dental, OT, PT, SLP. They have an employment program as well as a robust array of community based volunteer programs for the individuals they serve. They have also been selected to offer social skills training with MILO, the first humanoid robot programmed to interact with individuals on the autism spectrum. They are in-network providers for BlueCare, Amerigroup TN, BCBS, and TNCare.
Ages served: 6 years old and older
Referral: Needed
Web address: www.orangegrovecenter.org
Location: 615 Derby Street Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 629-1451 or (423) 493-2936
Email: development@orangegrove.org
PBA is expanding their in-home services in Chattanooga! Their approach to Applied Behavior Analysis is simple: effective services provided by practical behavior analysts. Complex behavioral issues often times require extensive treatment and even more complex problem solving. In an effort to create lasting and significant behavior change, they strive to work in a collaborative fashion to provide the ethical services that clients need.
Their team of behavior analysts is made up of highly-skilled professionals who have several years of experience working directly with clients of various populations, including intellectual disabilities, education, psychology, and mental health. It is the mission of Practical Behavior Analysis that all clients should receive the highest quality services possible so they can achieve personal goals and grow to their highest potential. Clinicians are Zachary Stevens and Erin Szarka.
Ages served: all ages!
Referral: not needed
Web address: https://practicalbehavior.com/
Phone: 615-669-6397
Email: office@practicalbehavior.com
PBS Corp. is an agency committed to the principles of Positive Behavior Support (an approach based on principles of applied behavior analysis, ABA) to improve not only behavior, but also quality of life for the individuals they serve, their families, and others who support them. They provide individualized services for those with autism and related disabilities, children and adults, to assist with decreasing challenging behaviors and increasing appropriate behaviors and skill deficits. Their programs are designed to empower caregivers and others involved in the individuals' lives to support them within their natural routines so they can be successful and self-sufficient.
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PBS provides services in a home, school, and community environments. Although they have a large team, they pride ourselves in providing a “small team” feel by having Regional Coordinators support their local teams throughout the states to ensure that their highly qualified behavior analysts, program managers, and behavior assistants receive the support, training, guidance that is needed to not only uphold best practices in applied behavior analysis, but also to ensure a high quality of work lives for all of their team members.
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Ages served: All ages
Referral needed: Needed
Tennessee: Entire State
Georgia: Entire State
Web address: https://www.teampbs.com/
Phone: 1-855-832-6727 Ext. 1096
Email: JLenderman@teampbs.com
R.I.P. is a parent-implemented, professionally-supported program for young children and their families who are experiencing challenging behaviors. Families enrolled in RIP actively participate in the program 2 times per week for 2 hours. It takes about 6-9 months to complete the program. Once a family graduates their program, they are eligible for liaison services for 2 years after graduation.
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They also offer Positive Solutions for Families (PSF) which is an evidence-based series of work groups where parents and caregivers learn how to use positive approaches and effective parenting techniques to improve interactions with their child(ren). This works well for families whose child(ren) may exceed the RIP age of eligibility or families who aren't able to make the time commitment to RIP. It is a 7-week virtual class.
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Ages served: 2 - 6 years
Referral: Not needed
Web address: http://www.tn.gov/parenting-that-works
Location: 443 North Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: 800-560-5767
Email: adwilson@vbhcs.org
Meghan Just Lindsay, BCBA, serves residents of Hamilton County in their home and in a variety of community settings, providing Applied Behavior Analysis, in a family-centered way, that encourages change in difficult behaviors and increases skills for everyone. Insurance coverage is coordinated at intake.
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Ages served: 18 months and older
Web address: https://seedlingsaba.com/
Location: Home and community-based services in Hamilton Co. Telehealth sessions are available on a case by case basis for those living outside of Chattanooga.
Phone: (423) 567-4404
Contact Form: seedlingsaba.com/contact
Siskin's ABA therapy program is ideal for children 18 months old to 12 years of age. Their team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians will work with each child and their family to develop an ABA program to meet the needs of that individual child. They are in-network providers for Aetna, Cigna Behavioral Health, Humana/ChoiceCare, Humana Military, Amerigroup of TN, Amerigroup of GA, Coventry/First Health, Wellcare of GA, GA Medicaid, and CareSource as of January 2019. Please note that a physician referral is required, and the form can be found on their website.
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Ages served: 18 months - 12 years
Referral: physician referral is required
Web address: https://www.siskin.org/autism-services/
Location: 1101 Carter Street Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Phone: (423) 490-7710
Tennessee Behavioral Therapy is growing. Alise Lane, MS, LBA, BCBA; Brooke Stovall MS BCBA Candidate; Nathan Dennis, MS BCBA Candidate; Lindsey Oliver RBT, and Jessica Fusco are all serving clients in multiple settings and of multiple ages (1-22). With the satellite office in South Pittsburgh they are able to serve individuals across the Chattanooga area. A new office to serve the Alabama area will open spring 2019. They are in-network providers for BlueCare, Cover Kids, TNCare Select, UHC Community, Amerigroup TN, BCBS, CIGNA, TriCare, UHC (regular), Aetna, Humana, Magellan Health, and Georgia Medicaid.
Ages Served: 1 - 22 years
Referral: Not needed
Web Address: https://www.facebook.com/TennesseeBehavioralTherapy/
Location: 7446 Shallowford Rd Ste 116, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-805-9888
Email: jennidavis@tnbehavior.com
Total Care ABA provides in-home services. A great aspect about their company is that they tailor each RBT to each families' needs and desires. They offer a number of services including home-based ABA, parent training, and school support. They are currently serving all areas of Tennessee with a stronger presence in and around Nashville and Knoxville and all their surrounding cities. They accept Aetna, Amerigroup MCO, BCBS commercial, Blue Care and TennCare Select MCO, Cigna (Evernorth) and TN Medicaid, TennCare and are in network with almost all of the above name insurance companies. Visit their website to see how they can best serve you.
Ages served: 2 - 12 years
Web address: https://totalcareaba.com/
Location: All in-home
Phone: (404) 400-5004
Email: info@totalcareaba.com
ZÖe Center for ABA and Development Services is committed to providing exceptional ABA Therapy in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. They believe that their clients deserve the best services, and they make an effort to make sure you always feel welcome and at ease. Whether you’re coming in for an assessment or ongoing therapy, their dedicated team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians have the skills and resources to provide quality services.
Ages served: Birth - 21 years
Referral needed: Needed
Web address: http://www.zoeaba.com
Locations served: All of Georgia and Alabama, Jacksonville Florida and Chattanooga Tennessee area.
Phone: 888-ZOE-ABA8 888-963-2228
Email: tbamberger@zoeaba.com