Families in Phoenix typically see hourly rates of $130–$195/hr. Here's how that compares nationally, what insurance covers in Arizona, and what to expect locally.
$130–$195/hr · Above national averageUpdated April 2026$25,000–$50,000/yr (tiered)
Covers through age 16
Arizona's AHCCCS covers ABA for eligible children through the ALTCS (long-term care) and regular AHCCCS programs.
Phoenix is a growing ABA hub in the Southwest with above-average rates. Arizona's insurance mandate caps annual benefits between $25,000–$50,000 depending on the child's age, and coverage ends at age 16 — a significant constraint for families with teenagers. Families who exhaust the annual cap face substantial out-of-pocket costs for intensive programs.
ABA therapy in Phoenix costs $130–$195 per hour, above the national average. For 20 hours per week, families can expect monthly costs of $10,500–$16,000 without insurance. Arizona commercial insurance covers ABA with a $25,000–$50,000 annual cap depending on age.
Arizona law (A.R.S. § 20-826.06) requires commercial insurers to cover ABA therapy for children through age 16. The annual cap is tiered: $50,000 per year for children under 9, and $25,000 per year for children ages 9–16. Families with intensive programs often exceed these limits.
Yes. Arizona's AHCCCS Medicaid program covers ABA for eligible children with autism. Coverage is available through AHCCCS Complete Care plans and the ALTCS program for children with more intensive needs. There is no annual dollar cap on Medicaid ABA coverage.
Arizona's commercial insurance mandate ends at age 16, so families with teenagers may need to rely on AHCCCS (Medicaid), TRICARE, self-pay, or providers that accept federal plan coverage. Some providers in Phoenix specialize in teen and transition-age ABA services.
Higglo works with ABA providers across Arizona on marketing, intake, and growth. Talk to our team about your program.
