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Cost guide · Houston, TX

ABA therapy cost in Houston.

Families in Houston typically see hourly rates of $105–$170/hr. Here's how that compares nationally, what insurance covers in Texas, and what to expect locally.

$105–$170/hr · Near national averageUpdated April 2026
Local benchmarks

Cost at a glance.

Hourly rate$105–$170/hrBlended BCBA + RBT session rates reported in Houston.
Monthly est. (20 hrs/wk)$8,500–$14,000/moBefore insurance - a mid-intensity program at 20 hours a week.
vs. national averageNear national averageDriven largely by cost of living and BCBA salary levels in TX.
Insurance

ABA coverage in Texas.

Annual cap

No annual cap

Age coverage

No age limit

Medicaid coverage

Texas Medicaid covers ABA through STAR Health (foster care) and STAR Kids (children with disabilities).

Local context

What to expect in Houston.

Houston offers some of the most affordable ABA therapy among major US metros. Texas has one of the most family-friendly ABA insurance mandates in the country - no annual dollar cap and no age limit. The city has a growing provider base driven by high autism diagnosis rates, and TRICARE is widely accepted due to the large military population in the region.

FAQ

Questions caregivers ask about Houston.

Q.01How much does ABA therapy cost in Houston?

ABA therapy in Houston costs $105–$170 per hour, close to the national average. For 20 hours per week, monthly costs run $8,500–$14,000 without insurance. Texas's uncapped insurance mandate means most commercially insured families pay only their plan's copay.

Q.02Does Texas insurance cover ABA without a cap?

Yes. Texas law (Insurance Code § 1355.015) requires insurers to cover ABA therapy with no annual dollar cap and no age limit. This is one of the strongest mandates in the US. Note: self-funded employer plans under ERISA are exempt from state mandates.

Q.03Does Texas Medicaid cover ABA therapy?

Yes. Texas Medicaid covers ABA through the STAR Health program (for children in foster care) and the STAR Kids program (for children with disabilities). Families must obtain a qualifying autism diagnosis and prior authorization from their managed care plan.

Q.04How does Houston ABA cost compare to other Texas cities?

Houston ABA rates ($105–$170/hr) are consistent with Dallas ($110–$170/hr) and Austin ($110–$175/hr). San Antonio tends to run slightly lower ($105–$165/hr). All Texas cities benefit from the same uncapped state insurance mandate.

Keep exploring

More ABA data for Texas

Compare providers

Compare ABA providers in Houston.

Rates vary widely by provider. To compare pricing, availability, and reviews across clinics in Houston, use the independent directory ABA Rank - you can browse and compare ABA providers in Houston.

For operators

Running an ABA program in Houston?

Higglo works with ABA providers across Texas on marketing, intake, and growth. Talk to our team about your program.