Starting therapy can feel overwhelming. This page explains exactly what happens, how long each step usually takes, and what you can expect to pay — with no surprises.
The process, step by step
You call, write or send the form. We ask about your child, your concerns and your schedule. No commitment, no cost. If you prefer Spanish, French or Haitian Creole, we speak your language.
Our billing team calls your plan, confirms ABA coverage, checks whether prior authorization is required and tells you what you would owe. This is free. Start here →
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst meets your child, observes play, interviews you and uses standardized tools. It can be split across visits if your child gets tired. Nothing your child does is "wrong" — we are getting to know them.
We review the plan with you (ask questions — it is your child's plan) and submit it to your payer. This is the longest wait, and it depends on the insurance, not on us. We follow up and keep you posted.
An RBT works one-on-one with your child under BCBA supervision — at home, at school, in the community or via telehealth. Data is collected every session and the BCBA adjusts goals as your child progresses. Parent training is part of the program.
💲 What it costs
We are an approved Florida Medicaid provider. If your child has Medicaid, an autism diagnosis and documented medical necessity, ABA therapy — assessment, sessions and parent training — is covered with no cost to you.
Commercial insurance. Most plans in Florida cover ABA for autism. Your out-of-pocket depends on your deductible, copay and coinsurance. We tell you the specific numbers before you start — never after.
Private pay. If you have no coverage or your plan does not include ABA, we offer self-pay with flexible payment plans. Call us and we will build something realistic for your family.
What is never charged. The initial consultation, the insurance verification and the explanation of your benefits are always free.
If cost is the obstacle
- You may qualify for Florida Medicaid — apply through the state's ACCESS system; we can point you to what is needed.
- Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) can help some families with related services.
- Ask us about payment plans. We would rather work something out than have a child go without therapy.
Common questions
How many hours per week will my child need?
It depends entirely on the assessment. Programs commonly range from a few hours a week to 30+ for intensive early intervention. The BCBA recommends based on need, not on a formula.
Do I have to be present during sessions?
A caregiver must be in the home during in-home sessions. You do not need to participate in every minute, but parent training sessions are scheduled with you directly — they are one of the strongest predictors of progress.
How soon will I see progress?
Some families see changes in weeks; deeper skills take months. You will not have to guess: we collect data every session and review it with you regularly.
Can we stop or change the schedule?
Yes. This is your child's program. Talk to us and we adjust.
What if my child gets upset at first?
Very common and completely expected. Our team is trained for it and we go at your child's pace.
🕐 Hours & location
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
15271 NW 60th Ave, Unit 104, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
(786) 652-6945 · info@americaninstituteofmentalhealth.com
Sessions themselves are scheduled around your child — including after-school hours where staffing allows.
Ready when you are
🛡️ Verify my coverage — free 📅 Schedule a consultation 📞 (786) 652-6945