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 in 43 states, and In-Home ABA, available in Houston, TX and in Columbus and Cleveland, OH, with Dallas coming in 2027. Both programs are led by a dedicated BCBA and BT/RBT, with parents actively involved every step of the way.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most established, evidence-based approaches for supporting children with autism, built on decades of research into how children with autism learn, communicate, and respond to their environment. ABA focuses on building specific skills — language, communication, attention, social interaction, daily living — and reducing behaviors that get in the way of progress. At Forta, every ABA plan is designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), delivered by a trained Behavior Technician, and reinforced by the parents who know the child best.

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, 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.

Your child's plan is designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Day-to-day sessions are delivered by Behavior Technicians (BTs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) working under that BCBA's supervision. Every clinician is background-checked and credentialed.

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.

Forta delivers ABA specifically for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. ABA principles can support attention, communication, daily living skills, and behavioral self-regulation. If your child has multiple diagnoses but ASD is the primary one driving the need for therapy, they can still qualify for Forta's program. Our intake team will walk through your child's situation and confirm fit before you commit.

No. Forta is focused on supporting children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and does not offer ABA therapy for non-ASD conditions like ADHD, social anxiety, or general behavior challenges.

Forta Health currently offers In-Home ABA in Houston, TX, Columbus, OH and Cleveland and Akron, OH, with Dallas, TX coming in 2027. If you're in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, you can apply now to register your interest and we'll reach out as soon as we open. If you live outside these areas and want In-Home ABA, please reach out at care@fortahealth.com — we're continuously expanding. Families outside our In-Home service areas may be eligible for Virtual ABA, available in 43 states.

In-Home ABA focuses on generalization, teaching your child skills in their natural environment so they transfer immediately to daily life. Clinic-Based ABA occurs in a structured facility. In-home therapy is ideal for mastering routines like mealtime, dressing, and sibling interaction where they actually happen.

With in-home ABA, a certified RBT comes to your house and works with your child one-on-one in person. With Virtual ABA, your child's clinical team connects with your family through video, and you play an active role in guiding your child during sessions with BCBA coaching. Both are evidence-based and supervised by a BCBA. The biggest difference is delivery: in-home gives you a therapist physically present in your space, while virtual gives you flexibility to access care from anywhere without geographic limitations.

Skills learned in familiar settings tend to transfer more naturally to everyday life. Your child practices real skills in real situations: getting dressed, eating meals, interacting with siblings. Plus, you're right there to reinforce what they're learning between sessions. Your BCBA will help you weigh whether in-home, virtual, or a mix is the better fit for your child.

In-Home ABA is currently available in Houston, TX and across Columbus, Cleveland and Akron, OH, with Dallas, TX coming in 2027. The fastest way to check eligibility is to schedule a free consultation. Our intake team will verify your insurance, confirm whether in-home services are available in your area, and walk you through next steps. You can also call us directly or fill out the form on this page to get started.

Yes. Forta Health accepts major insurance plans and Medicaid in our service areas. Our team handles insurance verification and authorization so you can focus on your family, not paperwork.

Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis under the EPSDT benefit, though in-home coverage and delivery rules vary by state and plan. Forta accepts Medicaid in our service areas, and our team confirms your specific coverage during your consultation.

Every Forta Health therapist is background-checked, certified, and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Your child's BCBA oversees every session plan and monitors progress continuously. You're always welcome to be present during sessions. In fact, we encourage it.

This is where Forta Health is different. Rather than sending a replacement therapist your family has never met, your Virtual BT steps in for the session under the same BCBA supervision and treatment plan. Your child stays on track and your family's routine stays intact. The model is designed to minimize the cancellations that have long affected In-Home ABA.

That's the beauty of In-Home ABA: we work with your space as it is. Your therapist adapts to your home, not the other way around. A kitchen table, a living room floor, a backyard. Therapy happens wherever your child is most engaged.

Forta Health requires a minimum of 15 hours per week, or 85% of prescribed hours in your approved treatment plan, whichever is less.

Yes, we require that a legal parent or guardian is present during all sessions, but your level of participation will vary based on your child's needs and your wishes.

Pairing is our first priority. If the rapport isn't there after a few weeks, we discuss it openly. We want your child to look forward to these sessions, not dread them.

Yes. We frequently support families with multiple children on the spectrum. Each child receives their own dedicated BCBA, individualized treatment plan, and RBT. While sessions are personalized, we can also work on shared goals like sibling play and social interaction within the home.

Yes. We understand that many families require flexibility due to work and school schedules. Our In-Home ABA sessions are typically available during morning, afternoon, and early evening hours. Weekend availability varies by region and therapist, but we work closely with you during intake to match your family with a team that fits your specific schedule.

Faster than traditional In-Home ABA programs. Because Forta Health conducts clinical assessments remotely, we bypass the scheduling bottlenecks that delay other providers. Your care coordinator will walk you through every step and keep you updated on timelines from day one.

Yes. Your child's BCBA continuously evaluates progress and can recommend transitioning to a hybrid model (some In-Home, some Virtual) or fully Virtual ABA sessions when clinically appropriate. Many children graduate naturally from In-Home to Hybrid as their skills develop. Because Forta already operates a nationwide Virtual ABA network, the transition is seamless: same care team, same treatment goals, a new modality guided by data.

Note: requires qualifying insurance for telehealth ABA. Ohio Medicaid plans cover telehealth ABA; Medicaid plans in Texas do not currently support it.

This is exactly why the virtual-first model matters. If your child experiences a regression after graduating from In-Home ABA, Virtual ABA is available for continued education and support. There is no need to restart the intake process, wait for a new in-home RBT, or lose momentum. Your child's clinical team stays connected, and support resumes through the virtual platform. It's a continuity option that most in-home-only providers can't offer.

Yes. Some families benefit from a combination of both. For example, your child might work with an in-home RBT for hands-on skill building during the week and use Virtual ABA sessions for parent coaching, BCBA check-ins, or scheduling flexibility. Your BCBA will help determine the right mix based on your child's needs and your family's goals.

Yes. For In-Home ABA, your BCBA supervises the treatment plan with a mix of in-person home visits and virtual supervision, depending on your child's plan. A dedicated RBT delivers the day-to-day sessions in your home.

Once you begin therapy, you'll be matched with a dedicated Client Success Manager (CSM) who works with you and your RBT to build a schedule that fits your family. In-Home sessions can be scheduled across morning, afternoon, and early evening hours, with weekend availability varying by region and therapist.

In-Home ABA sessions are typically available during morning, afternoon, and early evening hours. Weekend availability varies by region and your matched therapist. Your Client Success Manager works with you during intake to find a schedule that fits your family.

Session length varies based on your child's treatment plan and your weekly schedule. Most sessions run between 2 and 4 hours. Total weekly hours typically range from 15 to 25.

Yes. Every In-Home Forta family has a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who builds and supervises your child's treatment plan. Your BCBA supervises your child's RBT through a mix of in-person home visits and virtual supervision, and you'll also have regular 1-on-1 BCBA coaching to apply the strategies in your child's plan.

Yes, you'll have a primary RBT assigned to your family. If your primary RBT can't make a session, a backup Forta RBT or a Virtual BT can step in under the same BCBA-designed treatment plan so your child's hours stay on track. We protect rapport and continuity but won't let a cancellation interrupt progress.

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 ABA therapy as traditional in-clinic care.

Yes. Every Forta family has a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who builds and supervises your child's treatment plan. While most session hours are delivered by your Behavior Technician (BT) under BCBA supervision, you'll also have regular 1-on-1 BCBA coaching to learn the strategies your child's plan calls for.

You'll have one primary BT, but other Forta BTs may also support your sessions to keep your full weekly hours on schedule when your primary BT is unavailable. All BTs work under the same BCBA-designed treatment plan, so your child's care stays consistent.

No. Virtual ABA is 100% online. Your dedicated BCBA designs your child's treatment plan and supervises every session remotely through secure video. Your child works directly with a Behavior Technician (BT) over video, with your active participation in each session.

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, you'll be matched with a dedicated Client Success Manager (CSM) who works with you and your BT to build a schedule that fits your family. Sessions can be scheduled around your real week, including evenings and weekends. The Forta App also offers "On Demand" therapy with available BTs on our staff so you can flex extra hours when your week changes.

Virtual ABA sessions are available across a wide range of hours, including evenings and weekends. Once you begin therapy, you'll have a clear schedule through the Forta App and your Client Success Manager will work with you to fit sessions around your work and family life.

Session length varies based on your child's BCBA-designed treatment plan, your weekly schedule, and the clinical goals set for your child. Most sessions run between 1 and 3 hours. Total weekly hours typically start at 10 and can scale up as approved in your treatment plan.

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

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 ABA in an applicable zip code
3. You reside in a state where we offer therapy. We are not yet active in AZ, LA, NE, NV, PA, SD, or WA (see our payors page for the latest breakdown)
4. Complete an initial clinical assessment with one of our BCBAs
5. Available for 10+ hours a week for Virtual ABA, or 15+ hours a week for In-Home ABA, with your active participation in each session

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.

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

ABA therapy is covered by most insurance plans. Forta currently accepts coverage in 43 states. To check eligibility for your specific plan, please fill out the getting started form on our site. After your intake appointment, we'll conduct an eligibility check with your insurance provider and walk you through pre-authorization, copayment, coinsurance, and deductible details. Eligible families may also qualify for up to $500 a month in grant support. See our guide on financial resources for families.

Virtual ABA is covered by Medicaid in 20 states and Washington, D.C.: CA, CO, DC, DE, GA, IL, KS, MA, ME, NC, NH, NM, OH, OR, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, and WY.

In-Home ABA is covered by Texas Medicaid in our Houston, TX service area and by Ohio Medicaid in our Columbus and Cleveland service areas, including the managed care plans AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource and Molina. Texas Medicaid covers In-Home ABA only — it does not currently cover telehealth ABA delivered by a BT or RBT, so Virtual ABA is not available under Texas Medicaid plans. Ohio Medicaid covers both In-Home and Virtual ABA.

See our payors page for the current list by state. We are continuously working to expand coverage, so apply and our team will review the details of your specific plan. MCO exclusions may apply.

Yes. Forta helps families access grant support for ABA therapy. Eligible families can receive up to $500 a month in combined federal, state, local, and nonprofit grants, and over 65% of new Forta clients typically qualify. We can also offer payment plan options and financial hardship guidance. Our intake team will walk you through what's available based on your situation. Explore our guide on financial assistance for families.

Forta's 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. Eligible families can also qualify for up to $500 a month in grant support to help with these costs. See our guide on financial resources for families.

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.

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

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.

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

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 fully online and built for busy families. It combines personalized 1-on-1 coaching with your dedicated BCBA and weekly group training sessions led by Forta BCBAs, plus easy-to-use resources. Sessions are scheduled around your family's life, and the group sessions give you a chance to meet other Forta families on the same journey.

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.

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.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

No. Forta does not perform autism diagnoses directly. We can help coordinate with a provider to get one — please apply and speak with a rep and we'll point you in the right direction based on your state, insurance, and timeline.

If you're looking to get an evaluation quickly, telehealth services like As You Are can be a great option to explore.

To be accepted into Forta's 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 evaluation must sign the diagnosis and can be one of the following licensed practitioners: MD, DO, PhD Psychologist, or PsyD.

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

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.

Most insurance providers require a full diagnosis report on file before ABA services can be approved. A complete report includes:

• All pages of the diagnosis report
• A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or code F84.0 (299.0) listed on the document
• A signature from an MD, DO, PhD Psychologist, or PsyD
• A recommended level of autism support (level 1 or mild; level 2 or moderate; level 3 or requiring substantial support)
• A recommendation for ABA therapy
• At least one standard psychiatric evaluation for autism — ADI, ADOS-1/ADOS-2, GARS 1-2, DISCO, CARS, or Autism Analytica. Others are accepted; submit the report you have and we will review it against your insurer's criteria.
• A thorough background history (medical, family, educational) and any developmental delays or regression
• A 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.

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.

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.

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 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 PhD 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 thirty minutes after the office opens, once staff have listened to any cancellation voice messages.

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

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.

iOS: How to scan documents on your iPhone or iPad

Android: TinyScanner or Adobe Scan

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.

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.