ABA Therapy Waitlists in Minnesota: What to Expect

Why Are ABA Therapy Waitlists So Long in Minnesota?

Families seeking ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for their child with autism often face significant waitlists. In Minnesota, demand has surged as more families learn about the benefits of ABA and as diagnostic rates for autism spectrum disorder continue to rise. The supply of board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and qualified technicians has not kept pace, especially outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. This mismatch leads to waiting periods that can stretch from a few months to more than a year.

Minnesota's Medicaid program, Medical Assistance, offers coverage for ABA through the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) benefit. While this is a valuable resource, not all ABA providers are enrolled as EIDBI providers, and those who are often have capped caseloads. Private insurance plans-both employer-sponsored and those from the individual marketplace-generally cover ABA, but prior authorization requirements, network restrictions, and administrative delays add to the wait.

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Typical Wait Times Across Minnesota

Metro Area (Twin Cities and Suburbs)

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, families can expect waitlists of 3 to 9 months for a comprehensive ABA program. Some providers may have shorter waits for part-time or after-school services. In suburban counties like Anoka, Dakota, and Washington, the wait can be slightly longer due to higher population density and fewer providers per capita.

Greater Minnesota

Outside the metro, waitlists are often longer-commonly 6 to 12 months or more. Rural areas such as northern Minnesota (e.g., Duluth, Bemidji, Grand Rapids) or the southwestern part of the state (e.g., Mankato, Worthington) have few ABA providers, and families may need to travel or rely on telehealth options. Telehealth can reduce wait time but may not be suitable for all children, especially those under five or with high support needs.

Insurance and Funding Options in Minnesota

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) - EIDBI Benefit

Minnesota's EIDBI benefit covers ABA therapy for eligible individuals under 21 years of age. To access it, the child must have an autism diagnosis and meet medical necessity criteria. Many major ABA clinics in the state accept EIDBI, but waitlists for these slots are often among the longest because of high demand and limited provider enrollment. If you are eligible, ask the provider directly about their EIDBI waitlist length.

Private Insurance

Minnesota law requires most private health plans to cover autism therapies, including ABA. However, each plan has its own network. If your child's insurance is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), you may have more flexibility to see out-of-network providers, though reimbursement rates may be lower. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) typically restrict care to in-network providers, so check with your plan for a list of covered ABA providers. If no in-network provider has availability, you may request a network adequacy exception to access out-of-network care at in-network cost-sharing.

You can also use the Find ABA Near Me free matching service to identify providers who accept your specific insurance and have current openings. This can save you hours of phone calls and frustration.

Early Intervention - Help Me Grow

For children under age 3, Minnesota's Help Me Grow program provides early intervention services, which may include ABA-like approaches (e.g., developmental, individual-difference, relationship-based models) through the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process. While not pure ABA, these services can be accessed more quickly. Families can self-refer by calling 1-866-693-4769 or visiting the Help Me Grow website.

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How to Reduce Your Wait Time: Practical Steps

• Apply to multiple providers simultaneously. Many families call one clinic and wait. Contact three to five providers at once to compare waitlists.
• Ask about part-time or afternoon slots. Full-time (25-40 hours/week) programs have longer waits. Starting with fewer hours can get your child started sooner and often leads to more hours later.
• Consider telehealth for assessment or supervision. Some providers offer initial assessments via telehealth, which can start the process while you wait for in-person services.
• Check with your insurance company about out-of-network coverage. If local providers are full, you may be able to travel to a nearby city or hire an independent BCBA who is not on any waitlist.
• Use a free matching service. Find ABA Near Me connects families with vetted, BCBA-led providers who have current capacity. We do the legwork of finding who has openings and accepts your insurance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting to start the process. Don't delay securing a diagnostic evaluation or obtaining insurance authorization. The earlier you start, the earlier you get on waitlists.
• Assuming one provider is the only option. Many families settle for the first clinic they find. Compare multiple options for wait time, location, and insurance acceptance.
• Not asking about waitlist management. Some clinics prioritize families who are flexible with daytime hours or who can start with a reduced caseload. Ask what factors move a family up.
• Overlooking parent training as a bridge. While waiting for direct ABA, ask if the provider offers parent coaching or training. This can teach you strategies to use at home and may be available sooner.

What to Do While You Wait

The wait for ABA therapy can be stressful, but there are proactive steps you can take. Contact your local school district's special education department to discuss early childhood special education services. For children aged 3-5, school districts offer preschool programs that may include some behavioral supports. For school-age children, ask about an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that includes behavior intervention plans.

Also, connect with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) for parent support groups, workshops, and resources. They can provide guidance on navigating waitlists and advocating for your child. Finally, stay in regular contact with your child's pediatrician to monitor developmental progress and adjust any medical treatments.

How Find ABA Near Me Can Help

We are a free service dedicated to matching families with BCBA-led ABA providers in Minnesota. We work with clinics across the state, including those serving the Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, Moorhead, and many rural areas. When you fill out a short form on our website, we can quickly identify which providers currently have openings, accept your insurance (including EIDBI), and match your child's age and needs. You'll receive a list of vetted options, saving you weeks of research. There is no cost to you-ever. Let us help you find a path forward, even while waiting lists exist.

ABA therapy is a proven intervention for many children with autism, and Minnesota has resources to support it. By being informed, proactive, and using tools like our matching service, you can reduce the wait and get your child the support they deserve.