Frequently Asked Questions

Forta Health clears the path to quality ABA therapy for families of children diagnosed with autism. We deliver evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through two models: Virtual ABA, available across most US states, and In-Home ABA, available in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, TX. Both programs are led by a dedicated BCBA and BT/RBT, with parents actively involved every step of the way.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), hereafter referred to as Autism (which includes Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified [PDD-NOS]), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.

While there is currently no known single cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities as they define their path in life.

Forta provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy — the gold-standard, evidence-based approach for children with autism. Therapy is delivered by your dedicated clinical team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Behavior Technicians (BTs or RBTs), with parents as active partners in every session. Learn more about ABA therapy here.

The training team is composed of experienced clinical and training staff, including board certified behavior analysts (BCBA) who have delivered ABA therapy to clients with autism.

Forta provides ongoing, BCBA-led parent training throughout your child's therapy. You'll get personalized 1-on-1 coaching with your dedicated BCBA, weekly group training sessions led by Forta BCBAs, and an active community of other Forta families. Coaching is hands-on, personalized, and continues as long as your child is in therapy.

1. Your child has ASD
2. Your child has an active insurance plan that approves telehealth ABA services
3. Currently reside outside the states of AZ, LA, NV, PA and SD
4. Available for 15+ hours a week to work with your child

To be accepted into Forta’s Parent-mediated ABA Therapy, we require that your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a clinician concluded your child has ASD (often marked F84.0). The clinician conducting the evaluations must sign the diagnosis and can be one of the following licensed practitioners: MD, DO, PhD Psychologist, PsycD.

1. Your child has a valid ASD diagnosis (F84.0)
2. Your child has an active insurance plan that approves telehealth ABA services or in-home in an applicable zip code.
3. Reside in a state where we support therapy
4. Complete an initial clinical assessment with one of our BCBAs
5. Available for 15+ hours a week to work with your child

Not at this time. Forta Health currently serves families residing in the United States.

Forta serves children of all ages who have been diagnosed with or evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our clinical team builds individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's age, goals, and developmental needs.

Your child can still qualify for the program as long as the diagnoses fit within the clinical scope of the program and the main reason for seeking ABA services is for ASD.

Applied behavioral analysis is a therapeutic method developed based on extensive research on the causes and consequences of autism. It also relies on numerous studies on the behavior of children with autism and how they communicate, interact and respond to sensory information. Overall, most experts agree that methods based on ABA principles can significantly improve language and communication skills, attention, and problem behavior.

Virtual ABA is evidence-based autism therapy delivered through secure video sessions from your home. Your child works directly with certified behavior analysts and behavior technicians through our online platform, receiving the same personalized interventions as traditional in-clinic therapy.

Yes, you will work with your dedicated BCBA 1on1 to develop and implement your therapy plan. Where the majority of sessions are conducted with the guidance of a Virtual BT, you will still have supervision hours with your BCBA.

Ideally you will have one primary BT but during your time in ABA services you may have multiple BTs supporting you in order to fit your schedule and needs. This ensures you are continuing to receive the maximum amount of prescribed ABA as possible. This will lead to the most likely positive clinical outcomes.

Parent training is integral to our approach. You'll receive guidance on implementing techniques and reinforcement strategies during and between sessions.

Once you begin therapy at Forta you will be assigned a dedicated Client Success Manager (CSM). Your CSM will work with you and your BT to develop a schedule that works for your family. 

We also offer “On Demand” therapy through the Forta App, which allows you to contact our support desk to schedule with any available BTs on our staff! This service is a great way to expand your weekly therapy hours as your schedule changes throughout the week.

You will have access to a clear schedule through the Forta App once you begin therapy.

Each session can vary depending on your schedule and the treatment plan created by your BCBA.

For Virtual ABA, your clinical team works with your family entirely through secure video sessions — your BT guides each session and your BCBA supervises. For In-Home ABA (available in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, TX), a dedicated RBT comes to your home and your BCBA supervises the treatment plan, with some in-person and virtual supervision visits depending on your child's plan.

Currently Forta is focused on supporting families with a child on the autism spectrum and does not currently offer a program for ABA therapy for non-ASD individuals.

Every child with autism is different. Forta focuses on evidence-based ABA Therapy by structuring exercises that lead to benefits and outcomes. Various ABA therapy studies show documented improvement in increased focus, improved connections with family and friends, more effective communication with others, and the understanding of personal space and physical contact. Our goal at Forta is to help you and your family achieve the best possible outcomes with the support of ABA therapy.

You'll need a stable internet connection, a device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone), and a quiet space for virtual sessions.

While Forta does not pay families directly for their time in therapy, we are a leading provider in helping families receive financial support. Currently, select Forta families receive an average $600/mo* when qualified for financial approved grants. Explore our guide on gaining grants and alternate options for financial assistance.

*In total combining federal, state, local, and nonprofit grants. Over 65% of new Forta clients typically qualify for $600/month or more.

Yes, both parents can work together to oversee the therapy sessions conducted by your BT or BCBA. What it means to be family-powered is to work with all members of the family to create a therapy program that fits your needs and schedule. Studies continue to show that parent participation in sessions and ongoing parent training (which we offer to all parents) will help with making meaningful progress.

Yes. Forta supports families with multiple children on the autism spectrum. Each child receives their own dedicated BCBA, individualized treatment plan, and BT or RBT. We work with you during intake to build a schedule that fits your family.

Applied behavioral analysis is a therapeutic method developed based on extensive research on the causes and consequences of autism. It also relies on numerous studies on the behavior of children with autism and how they communicate, interact and respond to sensory information. Overall, most experts agree that methods based on ABA principles can significantly improve language and communication skills, attention, and problem behavior.

Virtual ABA is evidence-based autism therapy delivered through secure video sessions from your home. Your child works directly with certified behavior analysts and behavior technicians through our online platform, receiving the same personalized interventions as traditional in-clinic therapy.

Yes, you will work with your dedicated BCBA 1on1 to develop and implement your therapy plan. Where the majority of sessions are conducted with the guidance of a Virtual BT, you will still have supervision hours with your BCBA.

Ideally you will have one primary BT but during your time in ABA services you may have multiple BTs supporting you in order to fit your schedule and needs. This ensures you are continuing to receive the maximum amount of prescribed ABA as possible. This will lead to the most likely positive clinical outcomes.

Parent training is integral to our approach. You'll receive guidance on implementing techniques and reinforcement strategies during and between sessions.

Once you begin therapy at Forta you will be assigned a dedicated Client Success Manager (CSM). Your CSM will work with you and your BT to develop a schedule that works for your family. 

We also offer “On Demand” therapy through the Forta App, which allows you to contact our support desk to schedule with any available BTs on our staff! This service is a great way to expand your weekly therapy hours as your schedule changes throughout the week.

You will have access to a clear schedule through the Forta App once you begin therapy.

Each session can vary depending on your schedule and the treatment plan created by your BCBA.

For Virtual ABA, your clinical team works with your family entirely through secure video sessions — your BT guides each session and your BCBA supervises. For In-Home ABA (available in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, TX), a dedicated RBT comes to your home and your BCBA supervises the treatment plan, with some in-person and virtual supervision visits depending on your child's plan.

Currently Forta is focused on supporting families with a child on the autism spectrum and does not currently offer a program for ABA therapy for non-ASD individuals.

Every child with autism is different. Forta focuses on evidence-based ABA Therapy by structuring exercises that lead to benefits and outcomes. Various ABA therapy studies show documented improvement in increased focus, improved connections with family and friends, more effective communication with others, and the understanding of personal space and physical contact. Our goal at Forta is to help you and your family achieve the best possible outcomes with the support of ABA therapy.

You'll need a stable internet connection, a device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone), and a quiet space for virtual sessions.

While Forta does not pay families directly for their time in therapy, we are a leading provider in helping families receive financial support. Currently, select Forta families receive an average $600/mo* when qualified for financial approved grants. Explore our guide on gaining grants and alternate options for financial assistance.

*In total combining federal, state, local, and nonprofit grants. Over 65% of new Forta clients typically qualify for $600/month or more.

Yes, both parents can work together to oversee the therapy sessions conducted by your BT or BCBA. What it means to be family-powered is to work with all members of the family to create a therapy program that fits your needs and schedule. Studies continue to show that parent participation in sessions and ongoing parent training (which we offer to all parents) will help with making meaningful progress.

Yes. Forta supports families with multiple children on the autism spectrum. Each child receives their own dedicated BCBA, individualized treatment plan, and BT or RBT. We work with you during intake to build a schedule that fits your family.

Forta's Parent Training Program is ongoing, BCBA-led coaching that runs throughout your child's ABA therapy. You'll get personalized 1-on-1 coaching with your dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), weekly group training sessions led by Forta BCBAs, and a community of other autism families. You'll learn proactive and reactive strategies that help your child build new skills, retain existing abilities, and succeed across multiple settings.

Forta's parent training equips parents with the strategies to support their child's development across:

• Cognition and learning
• Communication and language
• Social and emotional skills
• Adaptive living skills
• Behavior strategies
• Sensory processing

Complete our application to see if your family qualifies. Our care coordinators can schedule a call to walk you through the program and answer any questions.

Research shows that parent involvement is one of the strongest predictors of long-term progress in ABA therapy. With Forta's ongoing parent training, you'll learn how to:

• Observe and track behaviors alongside your clinical team
• Improve communication with your child
• Accelerate learning through enriching play and daily routines
• Navigate flare-ups with proven strategies and protocols
• Better coordinate your child's care with specialists, doctors, teachers, and community members

Forta's parent training is ongoing throughout your child's therapy — not a fixed-length course. Your dedicated BCBA continues to coach, adjust strategies, and equip you with new tools as your child grows and goals evolve.

Parent training is included as part of your child's ABA therapy and is typically covered by insurance, including Medicaid in many states.

Forta's parent training combines personalized 1-on-1 coaching with your dedicated BCBA and weekly group training sessions led by Forta BCBAs. Sessions are scheduled around your family's life, and the group sessions also give you a chance to meet other Forta families on the same journey. Everything is delivered virtually so you can participate from home.

Yes. Forta's ABA parent training is fully online and built for busy families. You'll get live 1-on-1 coaching with your BCBA, interactive weekly group sessions, and easy-to-use resources — all on a schedule that fits your family.

No, Forta's parent training is not a certification course and there is no exam. It's hands-on coaching designed to teach you the strategies you need to support your child's ABA therapy and reinforce learning at home. Parents who actively engage in coaching have a profound impact on the results of therapy.

Yes. Other family members involved in your child's daily life are welcome to participate in parent training alongside the primary guardian. We do ask that anyone joining is able to actively support the child in everyday routines.

Yes. Both parents and other caregivers involved in your child's day-to-day life are welcome to participate in parent coaching and weekly group sessions. Multiple caregivers learning the same strategies creates more consistency across your child's day, which supports faster, more lasting progress.

Yes. Forta supports families with multiple children on the autism spectrum. Each child receives their own dedicated BCBA, individualized treatment plan, and BT or RBT. We work with you during intake to build a schedule that fits your family.

You'll have regular 1-on-1 coaching sessions with your dedicated BCBA throughout your child's therapy, plus the option to join weekly group training sessions led by Forta BCBAs. Frequency is personalized to your child's treatment plan and your family's needs.

Getting started takes three steps:

1. Apply online through our intake form
2. Our team verifies your insurance and submits the prior authorization
3. Once approved, you're matched with your dedicated BCBA and BT/RBT and begin therapy along with ongoing parent coaching

During this process our BCBA team conducts a Clinical Assessment and develops a personalized Treatment Plan for your child. Eligibility varies by state and insurance plan.

Forta does work with a limited number of out of network providers so long as the provider approves your therapy and you agree to the terms and costs of the out of network billables.

ABA therapy is covered by most insurance plans. In order to assess our ability to provide care, are you interested in registering for an intake interview? If so, please fill out the getting started form on our site.

We will conduct an eligibility check with your insurance provider following your intake appointment but prior to beginning training. Once the eligibility check has been performed, further details on pre-authorization requirements, the copayment, coinsurance, and deductible required can be determined.

We are currently accepting Medicaid in the following states*: CA, CO, DC, DE, GA, IL, KS, MA, ME, NC, NH, NM, OH, OR, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WY.

We are continuously working to expand insurance coverage and encourage you to apply so we can review the details of your plan.

*MCO Exclusions apply

Forta's parent training and clinical services are billed through your insurance. As the guardian of our client (your child), you're responsible for any copays, coinsurance, or deductibles required by your insurance plan. Our intake team walks you through your specific responsibilities during onboarding, before therapy begins.

We are not accepting out of pocket payments at this time.

We can also assist by providing payment plan options, financial hardship information and a list of grants and other opportunities for financial assistance.

If applicable, your first copayment would be due after your first therapy session.

Copays and coinsurance payments will depend on your payor and prior authorization approval. We will cover your financial requirements during the intake and onboarding process before proceeding with therapy.

For ABA services to be covered, your insurance provider will need a diagnosis report written and signed by a medical doctor or phd psychologist. Authorizations and claims will not be approved without proper documentation.

Your insurance provider does not accept school documents at this time, unless they meet the above requirements. If this changes in the future, Forta would be happy to accept alternative forms of documentation that support an ASD diagnosis.

If you have a school IEP that includes an evaluation of ASD, please apply and we will work with you to get approval from your insurance. In certain cases we may require an additional evaluation and diagnosis from your physician.

Please have them fax it to 650-360-6969 or email to clientrecords@fortahealth.com

Your child can still qualify for the program as long as the diagnoses fit within the clinical scope of the program and the main reason for seeking ABA services is for ASD.

We recommend using a free scanner application such as Tiny Scanner or Adobe Scan for iOS or Android. We require the full report, not just select pages.

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iOS: How to scan documents on your iPhone or iPad

Android: TinyScanner or Adobe Scan

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Please have your primary care physician send a signed and dated letter to you confirming the ASD diagnosis and ICD-10 code F84.0. ICD-10 code F84.0 for Autistic disorder is a medical classification as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the range - Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders.

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If you are not able to acquire an updated report from your primary care physician, please let us know. Depending on your state, Forta may be able to conduct a new ASD evaluation to assist with acquiring an updated diagnosis report.

We currently are not requiring a diagnosis be dated within 5 years, but it may put your ability to gain services at risk down the line. If you are insured by a Texas Medicaid program, you will need to have a report confirming ASD dated within the last 3 years.

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Here are some actions you can begin to take to help gain ABA services:

• If a referral is required by your insurance provider, please request for the referral as soon as possible. If in an eligible state, we may also be able to assist with acquiring an updated referral or diagnosis.
• Schedule the reassessment appointment with a medical doctor or Ph.D. psychologist.
• Ask to be added to the cancellation list to receive notifications about any cancellation appointments.
• Regularly call the provider’s office to check for cancellations. It’s best to call the office thirty minutes after the office opens as the staff will have listened to any cancellation voice messages.

• All pages of the diagnosis report must be included
• Report must include a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • OR Code - F84.0 (299.0)* listed on document
• Signed by MD, DO, PHD Psychologist, or PsycD
• Includes a recommended level of Autism support (i.e. level 1 or mild; level 2 or moderate; level 3 or requiring substantial support)
• A recommendation for ABA therapy
• Include at least one standard psychiatric evaluation for autism.
  • Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised [ADI]
  • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS-1, ADOS-2]
  • Gilliam Autism Rating Scale [GARS] 1-2
  • Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders [DISCO]
  • Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS]
  • Autism Analytica [Virtual IPM]
  • Others are accepted. Please submit the report you have available and we will review it to determine if it meets the required criteria for insurance approval.
  • Thorough Background History (medical/family/educational)
  • Developmental delays or regression
• Must be a recent report written within the last 5 years
  • *If your insurance is a Texas Medicaid program, the diagnosis date must be within the last 3 years.

To be accepted into Forta’s Virtual ABA Therapy, we require that your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a clinician concluded your child has ASD (often marked F84.0). The clinician conducting the evaluations must sign the diagnosis and can be one of the following licensed practitioners: MD, DO, PhD Psychologist, PsycD.

If you have received a diagnosis for ASD, please apply and we will work with you to ensure you have your documentation in order prior to beginning therapy with Forta.