Cost Guide · San Jose, CA
ABA Therapy Cost in San Jose
Hourly Rate
$155–$260/hr
Monthly Est. (20 hrs/wk)
$12,500–$21,500/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 autism through the San Andreas Regional Center and managed care plans.
What to Expect in San Jose
San Jose and the broader Silicon Valley area command some of the highest ABA rates in California and the nation, driven by extreme cost of living and competitive BCBA compensation in the tech market. California's no-cap insurance mandate means families with commercial insurance typically pay only copays despite the high sticker rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ABA therapy cost in San Jose?
ABA therapy in San Jose costs $155–$260 per hour, among the highest in California. For 20 hours per week, monthly costs run $12,500–$21,500 without insurance. California's no-cap mandate means commercially insured families typically pay only their plan's copay.
Why is ABA so expensive in Silicon Valley?
ABA rates in San Jose and the broader Bay Area reflect the area's extremely high cost of living and BCBA compensation levels. BCBAs in Silicon Valley command salaries 20–40% above the national average, which flows through to session rates. The high concentration of tech employers also means many families have premium commercial insurance.
Does California insurance cap ABA coverage in San Jose?
No. California's AB 88 mandate requires commercial insurers to cover ABA with no annual dollar cap and no age limit. This is one of the strongest ABA insurance laws in the US and applies to all fully-insured plans in California.
Does Medi-Cal cover ABA therapy in San Jose?
Yes. Medi-Cal covers ABA for children with autism in San Jose through managed care plans and the San Andreas Regional Center. The Regional Center can fund ABA independently under the Lanterman Act for eligible families regardless of Medi-Cal status.
Higglo
Need help budgeting for ABA therapy?
Our team works with ABA providers across San Jose and California.