Getting to ABA appointments in Bergen County on NJ FamilyCare

A practical guide for Bergen County families using NJ FamilyCare to get ABA therapy for an autistic child. Steps, contacts, and transportation tips.

Published September 6, 2026 · Bergen County, New Jersey

How NJ FamilyCare covers ABA in Bergen County

If your child has an autism diagnosis and you are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's Medicaid and CHIP program), applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a covered benefit for children under 21. You do not need to pay out of pocket, but you do need to follow a specific process to get services started. This guide walks you through the steps, with details that are specific to Bergen County.

Step 1: Get a diagnosis and a referral

Before you can access ABA, your child needs a formal autism diagnosis from a qualified professional. This can be a developmental pediatrician, a child psychologist, or a neurologist. If your child is under 3 years old, the New Jersey Early Intervention System handles evaluations. For children 3 and older, you can ask your pediatrician for a referral to a specialist. Once you have the diagnosis, you will need a prescription or a referral for ABA from a doctor. Keep a copy of the diagnosis and the referral in your records.

Step 2: Contact the right entry point

New Jersey uses two different systems depending on your child's age:

• Under 3 years old: Contact the New Jersey Early Intervention System. They will evaluate your child and, if eligible, create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). ABA services can be included in that plan. You can find your local early intervention coordinator through the New Jersey Department of Health website.
• Age 3 to 21: Contact PerformCare. PerformCare is the single access point for the Children's System of Care in New Jersey. You can call them to request an evaluation for ABA and other behavioral health services. They will assign a care manager who will help coordinate your child's services. You do not need a separate referral from your pediatrician to call PerformCare, but having the diagnosis ready will speed things up.

If your child is already receiving ABA through a private insurance plan and you switch to NJ FamilyCare, you will need to go through PerformCare or Early Intervention again to get approval under the new plan.

Step 3: Choose an ABA provider in Bergen County

Bergen County has 108 ABA providers registered on the federal NPPES registry. That is a public list of healthcare providers. You can search it online by location and specialty. Every town in Bergen County has at least one provider within 7 miles, so you do not need to travel far. Towns with the most providers include Hackensack (12), Montvale (9), Fair Lawn (8), Englewood (6), Mahwah (5), and Teaneck (5). If you live in a town without a provider, you can still find one nearby. When you call a provider, ask if they accept NJ FamilyCare and which managed care plan they are in network with. NJ FamilyCare uses four managed care plans: Horizon NJ Health, Wellpoint, Aetna Better Health of NJ, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Your child will be enrolled in one of these. Make sure the provider accepts that plan.

Step 4: Arrange transportation to appointments

Getting to ABA appointments can be a challenge, especially if the provider is in a different town. NJ FamilyCare may cover non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for eligible members. This service can provide rides to and from medical appointments, including ABA therapy. To request NEMT, you should contact your child's managed care plan directly. Ask for the transportation department. You may need a doctor's order stating that your child requires transportation. Alternatively, some ABA providers offer in-home therapy, which eliminates the need for travel. When you call providers, ask if they provide services in your home or in a community setting. If you drive yourself, keep in mind that parking in Hackensack, Englewood, or Montvale can be tight. Allow extra time.

Step 5: Work with your child's school district

If your child is school-aged, you may be able to get ABA through the school district as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is separate from NJ FamilyCare. Bergen County has many school districts, including Alpine, Bergenfield, Bogota, Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Dumont, Edgewater, and Elmwood Park. You can request an evaluation from your district's child study team. If ABA is deemed necessary for your child to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE), the district must provide it. However, school-based ABA is often limited to the school day and may not cover after-school or home-based hours. Many families use both school-based and NJ FamilyCare-funded ABA to get full coverage.

Step 6: Plan for the transition to adulthood

NJ FamilyCare covers ABA up to age 21. After that, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) becomes the primary agency for adults with autism. DDD has its own eligibility process and waiting list. You should start planning for this transition around age 18. Contact the DDD regional office for Bergen County to learn about services and supports. ABA may still be available through DDD, but the funding and provider network are different.

Practical tips and honest uncertainties

The process can take time. How long? It varies. Some families report getting approved within a few weeks, others wait months. It depends on the provider's availability and the managed care plan's review. You can ask your PerformCare care manager for an estimated timeline. Keep a paper trail of every phone call, email, and form. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date. If you hit a roadblock, ask for a supervisor or file a grievance with your managed care plan. You can also contact the New Jersey Department of Human Services for help.

Telehealth ABA is an option for some children. Ask your provider if they offer remote sessions. This can reduce travel time, especially if you live in a rural part of the county. Not all providers offer it, and not all plans cover it equally. Check with your plan.

Remember, this guide is for informational purposes only. It does not provide therapy, diagnoses, or billing services. Always verify details with your care manager, your plan, and your provider.