We provide therapeutic consultation services in Delaware and in NoVA through the Virginia DBHDS DD waiver. 

Our services are provided by board certified BCBAs and BCaBAs and include client-centered assessments, skill-building, and support plans designed to meet each individual’s unique goals. We also offer caregiver training and collaboration with support teams to ensure meaningful progress.

Our services are designed for individuals of all ages and abilities. We focus on working directly with the client to identify goals and create plans that align with their strengths, needs, and aspirations. Families, caregivers, and support teams are critical in supporting these plans. For most insurers, a medical diagnosis and medical necessity are required.

The Virginia DBDHS DD Waiver has its own requirements for services.  Virginia residents receiving DBHDS services should contact your Service Coordinator for more information.  

We offer flexible scheduling to meet clinical needs and stakeholder availability. Services can range from as infrequent as once or twice a month for an hour to multiple hours a day, depending on the individual’s needs and goals. We work with you to create the best schedule for everyone involved.

Therapeutic Consultation involves working directly with our experienced Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) through telehealth and in-person visits, as clinically appropriate. With input from the client and those who know them best, we develop a treatment plan to address the behavior that is meaningful to the client. This collaborative model empowers and guides you to support the focus person effectively, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to help them thrive.

We provide hybrid services, primarily through telehealth, with in-person sessions available when clinically necessary. This flexibility allows us to meet clients where they are while maintaining high-quality care.

We strive to ensure that you get the consultation you need. Some clients do not require in-person services; others may require monthly, quarterly, or more frequent visits.   

Telehealth allows us to deliver services remotely using secure videoconferencing. It’s a convenient and effective way to conduct consultations, caregiver training, and collaborative planning without the need for travel. Generally, a phone with a video camera and a strong Wi-Fi connection is all that is needed.  

We focus on consultative services, working directly with clients, families, and caregivers as a consultant to develop and implement personalized strategies that foster meaningful progress. While we offer limited services by technicians when available, our primary approach emphasizes training families and caregivers to apply interventions effectively in natural, real-life situations. This ensures that skills are practiced and generalized in ways relevant to the individual's daily life rather than relying solely on contrived scenarios. We work on skills that make sense for the focus person. By equipping caregivers with these tools, we support long-term independence and meaningful participation in the community.

For Delaware clients, you can begin by filling out the application for services form on our website. For Virginia clients, service coordinators, case managers, or other inquiries, contact us at info@innovationaba.com or 833-521-5230. 

 During the first appointment, we’ll gather information and work with you to determine the best plan for moving forward.

Once we have authorization from the payor, we will set up the first session to complete an intake and schedule any assessments. To obtain authorization to begin the intake and assessment, we may require information from you, such as insurance information, diagnostic information, and a letter of medical necessity.  

During intake, we focus on understanding the client’s history, needs, strengths, and goals. We’ll also discuss scheduling preferences and how to coordinate with other stakeholders involved in the client’s support.

Our caregiver training focuses on Behavior Skills Training (BST), a proven approach that combines instruction, modeling, practice, and feedback. Training sessions are typically conducted via telehealth and center around strategies to support the client’s goals. This approach ensures that caregivers and support teams are confident and effective.

The client is always at the center of treatment, and their preferences guide the process. Caregivers and families play an important supportive role, but their level of involvement is based on the client's or their guardian's choice and consent. We collaborate with all agreed-upon stakeholders to align efforts with the client's goals, ensuring consistency and success across environments. This flexible approach allows each individual to determine the best collaboration level for them.

In tiered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work directly with the focus person under a BCBA's supervision.  In Therapeutic Consultation, we develop interventions with the people who know the focus person best and interact with them regularly.  

We teach family members, teachers, and other caregiving adults to implement meaningful and effective treatment interventions. 

Changing your usual routines or giving up favorite family activities to accommodate daily sessions is unnecessary. You'll receive one-on-one support from a BCBA, who will educate and coach you to implement effective strategies in the focus person’s natural environments, reducing time commitment and offering greater flexibility. 

Yes, Therapeutic Consultation is a highly effective approach. ABA therapy is significantly more effective when caregivers are actively involved, as their consistent application of learned strategies across different settings is crucial for a client's progress and overall success in the therapy program; essentially, caregiver involvement helps to generalize learned skills to everyday life, leading to better outcomes. 

Therapeutic Consultation equips you with practical tools and strategies, enhances your ability to support client growth, and reduces problematic behaviors, leading to meaningful improvements.

The therapeutic Consultation model supports: 

Consistency:

Caregivers can reinforce the behaviors targeted in therapy sessions at home, ensuring consistent practice and minimizing confusion for the client. 

Generalization:

By practicing learned skills in different environments, caregivers help clients apply new behaviors across various situations. 

Improved communication:

Active involvement allows caregivers to provide valuable feedback to the therapist, leading to a more tailored treatment plan.

Education and training:

We provide caregivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement therapy strategies where they are most helpful.  

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science that applies learning principles to improve lives. ABA focuses on assessing environmental influences on behavior, implementing assessment-based interventions, and making data-driven decisions. It's the leading evidence-based treatment approach for autism and other developmental disabilities. It also has applications in many other areas, such as criminal justice, helping companies/organizations run more efficiently and effectively, and public education.  

BCBAs and BCBA-Ds are Master's or Doctoral-level clinicians specially trained in the science of behavior. They are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and design and oversee behavior-analytic interventions. BCBAs adhere to high ethical standards and follow the codes of conduct available at the BACB Ethics Codes. 

BCaBAs are board-certified assistant behavior analysts who have been trained at the bachelor's degree level and certified by the BACB. They design and implement interventions under the supervision of a BCBA or BCBA-D and are also obligated to ethical standards defined by the BACB.    

Our therapeutic process involves several steps once authorization from the payor is obtained.

1. Assessment:

○ Information Gathering: The BCBA collects information about strengths and challenges through discussions, assessments, and observations, often via telehealth.

○ Collaboration: We speak directly with you, your loved one (as appropriate), and any relevant team members to understand your goals.

2. Treatment Plan Development:

○ Personalized Plan: Develop a customized treatment plan based on assessment results.

○ Approval: We'll explain the plan and seek your approval before implementation.

3. Implementation:

○ Education and Coaching: The BCBA educates and coaches you to implement the plan effectively.

○ Support: Ongoing guidance as you apply strategies in daily life.

4. Monitoring and Adjustments:

○ Data Collection: Regularly track progress through data.

○ Adjustments: Make necessary changes to the treatment plan based on data and feedback.

We offer customizable scheduling to meet your needs:

● Frequency: Sessions can range from multiple times a week to once every 2-4 weeks.

● Duration: Each session is typically between 1 and 2 hours.

● Availability: Appointments are generally available between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday.
Ask your clinician for more information about any extended hours they may offer during the evenings or weekends. 

Therapeutic Consultation reduces the time commitment typically required for ABA services compared to tiered ABA (with a technician):

● Consultation Sessions: Typically 1 to 2 hours per week with the BCBA. This can be increased or decreased based on the client's needs. 

● Implementation: You'll integrate strategies into your daily routines at times that suit you.

This flexible approach fits into your lifestyle without the extensive weekly hours often associated with RBT services.

Your BCBA will provide personalized training and support, including:

● Skill Development: Teaching you effective strategies to address specific behaviors and goals.

● Modeling Techniques: Demonstrating interventions during sessions.

● Feedback and Adjustments: Offering constructive feedback and adapting strategies as needed.

● Resource Provision: Supplying resources to aid in the implementation of goals.

● Faster Access: Begin services sooner without waiting for an RBT to be hired, trained, or otherwise become available. 

● Reduced Time Commitment: Schedule 1 to 2 hours or less each week with the BCBA, compared to 10-40 hours per week with an RBT.

● Flexible Scheduling: Schedule appointments that work for your schedule. Depending on your clinician's availability, evening or weekend appointments may be available.

● Empowerment: Gain tools and knowledge to support the client effectively.

● Customized and Effective Support: Receive tailored strategies to meet clients' unique needs.

● Data-Driven Decisions: Interventions are based on objective data collected regularly.

● Professional Guidance: Work directly with experienced BCBAs committed to ethical and compassionate practice.

● Enhanced Communication: Regular check-ins ensure continuous progress and adjustments as needed.

● Practical Approach: Focus on building meaningful, practical skills in real-life settings.

● Open Communication: Provide honest and comprehensive information about concerns and behaviors.

● Participation: Actively engage in sessions and implement strategies as guided by the BCBA.

● Data Collection: Assist in collecting data as needed to monitor progress.

● Provide Updates: Inform us of any changes in behavior, medications, treatments, or health conditions.

● Scheduling: Notify us promptly if you need to cancel or reschedule appointments.

● Feedback: Share your genuine appraisal of the treatment and progress.

Data collection is integral to ABA. Collecting baseline data helps us to understand the nature and extent of targeted behaviors. Ongoing data collection helps us assess the effectiveness of interventions and make informed decisions. We may ask you to assist with data collection as part of the treatment plan.

We view behavior as an adaptive response rather than labeling it as "good" or "bad." We aim to understand the reasons behind behaviors and suggest adjustments to reduce pain and suffering while increasing personal happiness and effectiveness. We work collaboratively with you to set goals and develop data-based interventions.

Yes, we actively collaborate with the client’s Primary Care Providers, Healthcare Specialists, group home staff, vocational staff, and other professionals involved in the focus person’s care. Working together with these team members ensures a consistent and effective approach across all environments. We provide these services with authorization from the payor/insurer or through private pay arrangements.

Absolutely. We offer short-term consultation to develop support plans for transitioning to new environments, such as Supported Employment or Group Homes.

This service ensures a smooth transition and ongoing support. It can also include training staff in the group home before the move and training staff at vocational placements. Training of other providers requires the cooperation of the placement and active coverage and authorization from the insurer.

We accept a variety of insurance plans, including:

● Aetna

● BCBS

● Cigna

● Magellan

● Medicaid 

● Highmark Health Options (MCO)

● AmeriHealth Caritas (MCO)

● Virginia DBHDS DD Waiver

The specific insurance plan the client is enrolled in will determine coverage according to the rules of that agreement. 

Insurance coverage must include ABA therapy after the 21st birthday for individuals over the age of 21. We accept Highmark Health Options and the Virginia DD Waiver for treatment after this age. 

Please get in touch with your insurance company to verify your insurance and discuss coverage details.

Yes, private pay is available at $45 per unit. This rate applies to face-to-face consultation, plan writing and revision, and any services not covered by insurance. A medical diagnosis of autism is not required for private pay or Virginia Therapeutic Consultation. However, we reserve the right to review all cases to ensure they fall within our scope of practice.

● Insurance Billing: We will bill your insurance company and any secondary insurance, if applicable. If claims are denied, your assistance may be needed to appeal to the payor. 

● Unreimbursed Services: You are responsible for charges such as co-pays, deductibles, and services not covered by insurance.

● Private Pay Rates: Our rate for a BCBA is $45 per 15-minute unit or $180 per 60-minute unit.

● Billing Units: Services are billed in units ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the payor's requirements. For private pay clients, units are 15 minutes in length.

● Payment Due: Payment is due within 30 days of the billing date.

● Record Requests:

○ Electronic Copies: $0.35 per page for the first 10 pages, $0.18 per page thereafter.

○ Hard Copies: $0.50 per page for the first 10 pages, $0.25 per page thereafter, plus shipping.

○ Records requested by your insurer for eligibility determination are provided at no additional charge.

Yes, for clients over the age of 18 who do not have a court-appointed guardian, consent must be obtained directly from them. We ensure all services are provided with appropriate consent in accordance with legal requirements.

We adhere to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB). Our services are rendered professionally and ethically, consistent with accepted ethical standards. You can view or download the Ethics Code at BACB.com

While our relationship involves personal interactions and discussions, it is a professional relationship. To maintain professional boundaries:

● Gifts: We cannot accept gifts.

● Social Activities: Our staff should not participate in family activities, such as birthday parties or outings, without a clinical need for professional involvement.

● Focus on Therapy: We are committed to providing effective therapeutic services within ethical guidelines.

We respect your confidentiality and privacy:

● Confidential Information: All client information is confidential and privileged.

● Limitations: Confidentiality may be overridden in specific situations, such as:

○ With your written consent to release information.

○ If you instruct us verbally to share information.

○ If we determine there's a danger to yourself or others.

○ If we suspect abuse or neglect of a child, disabled person, or older adult.

○ If ordered by a judge.

○ To obtain payment from insurance companies.

○ To coordinate with other treatment team members for your benefit.

● HIPAA Compliance: We adhere to all HIPAA regulations to protect your personal information.

We are committed to providing services professionally and ethically:

● Ethical Standards: Adhere to the BACB's Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.

● Professional Boundaries: Maintain appropriate boundaries to focus on effective therapeutic relationships.

● Feedback and Improvement: Encourage open communication to address any concerns promptly.

● Training and Supervision: Our staff undergoes regular training and supervision to uphold high standards of practice.

Services may be terminated if:

1. The client has met all behavior-change goals.

2. The client is not benefiting from the service.

3. There are unresolved barriers to ethical and appropriate treatment.

4. The client, guardian, or relevant stakeholder requests discontinuation.

5. Our staff is exposed to safety concerns or harassment that cannot be resolved.

6. Services are no longer funded, or payment agreements are not adhered to.

7. We are unable to provide the services you are requesting.

8. Due to a mutually agreed-upon termination date or event.  

In such cases, we will provide you with a written plan for discontinuing services and assist with referrals as appropriate.

● Email: info@innovationaba.com

● Phone: 833-521-5230

● Complete the application for services on our website at www.innovationaba.com/client-intake-form

● For DBHDS DD Waiver Services, please get in touch with us via email or call us.  

If you have additional questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

📧 Email: info@innovationaba.com

📞 Phone: 833-521-5230