Questions to ask before you commit to ABA in Bergen County

Practical questions for Bergen County families evaluating ABA therapy for an autistic child, with NJ-specific steps and resources.

Published August 30, 2026 · Bergen County, New Jersey

Is the provider registered in the NPPES registry?

Bergen County has 108 ABA providers on the federal NPPES registry. Before you sign anything, ask the provider for their National Provider Identifier (NPI) and confirm it is active on the NPPES database. This is not a guarantee of quality, but it tells you they are a legitimate, recognized entity. If they cannot give you an NPI, that is a red flag.

Which towns have the most providers near you?

Every town in Bergen County has an ABA provider within 7 miles, but some towns have more options. The towns with the most registered providers are Hackensack (12), Montvale (9), Fair Lawn (8), Englewood (6), Mahwah (5), and Teaneck (5). If you live in a smaller municipality like Alpine, Closter, or Edgewater, you may need to drive a bit further. Ask the provider: “What is your nearest physical location to my home?” and “Do you offer in-home or school-based sessions?”

What is your experience with NJ FamilyCare and managed care plans?

New Jersey uses NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/CHIP) and several managed care plans: Horizon NJ Health, Wellpoint, Aetna Better Health of NJ, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Ask the provider: “Are you in-network with my specific managed care plan?” If they say they are out-of-network, ask for a written estimate of what you will owe. Do not assume that being in-network with one plan means they are in-network with all. Also ask: “Do you accept NJ FamilyCare directly?” Some providers only take private insurance.

How do you coordinate with PerformCare or Early Intervention?

For children age 3 and older, PerformCare is the single access point for the Children’s System of Care. For children under 3, it is the New Jersey Early Intervention System. Ask: “Do you have a staff member who communicates with PerformCare or Early Intervention on a regular basis?” If your child is under 3, ask: “Do you accept referrals from Early Intervention?” and “Will you attend IFSP meetings?” For children over 3, ask: “Will you attend IEP meetings with the school district?” Many school districts in Bergen County, such as Bergenfield, Bogota, Closter, Cresskill, Dumont, and Edgewater, have their own special education departments. A provider who is willing to collaborate with the school can make therapy more consistent.

What happens after age 21?

ABA therapy often changes significantly after age 21. In New Jersey, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) becomes the main resource. Ask: “Do you have experience transitioning clients to DDD-funded services?” and “Can you help us plan for that transition?” If the provider does not have a clear answer, consider it a sign that you may need to look for additional support later.

Who will actually work with my child?

Ask: “Will a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) design the plan and supervise sessions? How often will the BCBA be present in person?” Also ask: “What training do the Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) have? Are they supervised by a BCBA?” In New Jersey, RBTs must be supervised by a BCBA, but the frequency of supervision can vary. Get the name and credentials of the person who will be your main contact.

What is your cancellation and attendance policy?

ABA therapy often requires a consistent schedule. Ask: “What happens if my child is sick or we have a family emergency? Do you charge for missed sessions?” Some providers require 24 hours notice or charge a fee. Also ask: “How do you handle holidays and school breaks?” This is especially important if your child attends a school district like Alpine or Carlstadt, which may have different calendars.

Can you provide a written treatment plan and a discharge plan?

Ask for a written treatment plan that includes goals, methods, and how progress will be measured. Also ask: “What does discharge look like? How will we know when therapy is no longer needed?” A provider who cannot give you a clear discharge plan may not be thinking about long-term outcomes.

What are the limits of what you can tell me?

No provider can guarantee a specific number of hours per week or a specific outcome. Wait times for an initial evaluation vary and are not publicly tracked. The number of providers in Bergen County is high, but availability depends on your child’s age, insurance, and location. Be honest with yourself: if a provider promises something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

One more thing: check the school district

If your child is in a Bergen County school district such as Bergenfield, Bogota, Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Dumont, Edgewater, or Elmwood Park, ask the provider: “Have you worked with this district before?” Some districts have specific procedures for allowing ABA providers into the school building. You can also call the district’s special education office directly and ask if they have a list of preferred ABA providers. This is not a guarantee, but it can give you a starting point.