Cost Guide · San Diego, CA
ABA Therapy Cost in San Diego
Hourly Rate
$145–$230/hr
Monthly Est. (20 hrs/wk)
$11,500–$19,000/mo
vs. National Average
Above National Average
ABA Insurance Coverage in California
Annual Cap
No annual cap
Age Coverage
No age limit
Medicaid Coverage
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How 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.
Does 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.
Is 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.
How 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.
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Need help budgeting for ABA therapy?
Our team works with ABA providers across San Diego and California.