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Cost guide · Seattle, WA

ABA therapy cost in Seattle.

Families in Seattle typically see hourly rates of $140–$215/hr. Here's how that compares nationally, what insurance covers in Washington, and what to expect locally.

$140–$215/hr · Above national averageUpdated April 2026
Local benchmarks

Cost at a glance.

Hourly rate$140–$215/hrBlended BCBA + RBT session rates reported in Seattle.
Monthly est. (20 hrs/wk)$11,200–$18,000/moBefore insurance - a mid-intensity program at 20 hours a week.
vs. national averageAbove national averageDriven largely by cost of living and BCBA salary levels in WA.
Insurance

ABA coverage in Washington.

Annual cap

No annual cap

Age coverage

Covers through age 21

Medicaid coverage

Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) covers ABA for children with autism through managed care plans.

Local context

What to expect in Seattle.

Seattle's ABA rates are elevated due to high cost of living and competitive BCBA salaries in a tech-driven market. Washington state has a strong insurance mandate with no annual dollar cap and coverage through age 21. The Seattle metro has a well-developed ABA provider network with both clinic-based and in-home options throughout King County and the eastside suburbs.

FAQ

Questions caregivers ask about Seattle.

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

ABA therapy in Seattle costs $140–$215 per hour, above the national average. For 20 hours per week, monthly costs run $11,200–$18,000 without insurance. Washington state has no annual dollar cap on commercial ABA coverage through age 21.

Q.02Does WA insurance cover ABA therapy without a cap?

Yes. Washington state law (RCW 48.43.045) requires commercial insurers to cover ABA therapy with no annual dollar cap for individuals through age 21. This is one of the stronger ABA insurance mandates on the West Coast, alongside California and Oregon.

Q.03What does Apple Health (Washington Medicaid) cover for ABA?

Washington Apple Health covers ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. Coverage is available through Apple Health managed care plans (Molina, Community Health Plan, United, Regence BlueShield). Families must obtain prior authorization and an autism diagnosis from a qualifying provider.

Q.04How does Seattle compare to Portland for ABA therapy costs?

Seattle rates ($140–$215/hr) are typically 10–15% higher than Portland ($130–$200/hr), reflecting Seattle's higher cost of living. Both cities operate under strong state insurance mandates with no annual dollar cap - Washington covers through age 21, Oregon has no age limit.

Keep exploring

More ABA data for Washington

Compare providers

Compare ABA providers in Seattle.

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

For operators

Running an ABA program in Seattle?

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