ABA therapy cost in San Diego.
Families in San Diego typically see hourly rates of $145–$230/hr. Here's how that compares nationally, what insurance covers in California, and what to expect locally.
$145–$230/hr · Above national averageUpdated April 2026Cost at a glance.
ABA coverage in California.
No annual cap
No age limit
Medi-Cal covers ABA for children with an autism diagnosis in San Diego through the San Diego Regional Center and managed care plans.
What to expect in San Diego.
San Diego ABA rates are below Los Angeles but firmly in the high-cost tier nationally. The city has a large military community, and TRICARE covers ABA therapy for qualifying dependents - a meaningful benefit given the cost of care. California's no-cap insurance mandate provides strong protection for families with commercial insurance.
Questions caregivers ask about San Diego.
Q.01How much does ABA therapy cost in San Diego?
ABA therapy in San Diego costs $145–$230 per hour. For 20 hours per week, monthly costs run $11,500–$19,000 without insurance. California's no-cap insurance mandate means commercially insured families typically pay only their plan's copay.
Q.02Does Medi-Cal cover ABA therapy in San Diego?
Yes. Medi-Cal covers ABA for children with autism in San Diego through managed care plans (Molina, Community Health Group) and the San Diego Regional Center. Families can also access Regional Center services under the Lanterman Act independent of Medi-Cal.
Q.03Is TRICARE ABA coverage available in San Diego?
Yes. San Diego has a very large military community through installations like Naval Base San Diego and Camp Pendleton. TRICARE covers ABA therapy for dependents with autism, and many San Diego providers accept TRICARE. Contact your TRICARE regional contractor for in-network provider lists.
Q.04How does San Diego compare to Los Angeles for ABA costs?
San Diego rates ($145–$230/hr) are typically 5–10% lower than Los Angeles ($150–$250+/hr), reflecting a slightly lower cost of living. Both cities operate under California's identical no-cap insurance mandate, so the insurance landscape is the same.
More ABA data for California
Compare ABA providers in San Diego.
Rates vary widely by provider. To compare pricing, availability, and reviews across clinics in San Diego, use the independent directory ABA Rank - you can browse and compare ABA providers in San Diego.
Running an ABA program in San Diego?
Higglo works with ABA providers across California on marketing, intake, and growth. Talk to our team about your program.