Question 1

What makes Carelinks ABA unique?

Accepted Answer

At Carelinks ABA Therapy, we provide play-based, child-led therapy that fits naturally into a child’s everyday life. Using evidence-based approaches like NDBIs and ESDM, we focus on helping children build meaningful skills through real-life interactions.

What sets us apart: 
In-home & community-based services that support learning in familiar environments  
Gentle, individualized approach that follows each child’s lead  
Flexible, family-centered care tailored to real routines and needs  
Clear communication & timelines so families always feel informed  
Collaborative support alongside parents, educators, therapists, and allied professionals

Question 2

How long has Carelinks been in operation?

Accepted Answer

Carelinks ABA has been providing services in Iowa since 2024 and continues to expand its reach statewide.

Question 3

How can I apply for services at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

You can apply for services at Carelinks ABA by filling out the online form on our website or submitting your information via our CentralReach link:

For additional assistance, you can call 515-344-3499 or email info@carelinksaba.com.

Question 4

What documents are required to begin services at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

To begin services at Carelinks ABA, you'll need diagnostic reports, insurance information, and any relevant medical history. Submitting complete and accurate documents will help avoid delays in the intake process.

Question 5

Do I need an autism diagnosis to apply for services at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an official autism diagnosis is required for insurance approval when applying for services at Carelinks ABA. If you don't have a diagnosis, we can recommend trusted providers to assist you in obtaining one.

Question 6

Do you collaborate with other providers involved in my child’s care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, collaboration is a core part of how we support children and families. We regularly work alongside speech therapists, occupational therapists, educators, and other providers to ensure care is consistent, aligned, and meaningful across all environments.

We’ve expanded our partnerships to better support families at every stage of their journey. Through our network in Iowa, we are now able to connect families with trusted professionals for autism evaluations /diagnostics, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

For families who are beginning the process or have concerns about a possible autism diagnosis, we can support you by facilitating evaluation services for families across Iowa. Appointments can be arranged in approximately 2 weeks.

Our goal is to make the process for you feel more connected, supported, and easier to navigate, so you’re not figuring it out alone.

For more information, please contact our intake department at 515-344-3499 or email info@carelinksaba.com.

Question 7

How long does the intake process take at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

The intake process at Carelinks ABA typically takes 2-4 weeks, with timelines varying based on insurance verification and staff availability in your area.

Question 8

Does my insurance cover ABA therapy at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

Insurance coverage for ABA therapy at Carelinks ABA depends on your plan. Our team will verify your benefits and work to maximize coverage. Out-of-pocket and financial assistance options are also available.

Question 9

Are there additional costs for therapy in schools or communities at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no additional costs for therapy in schools or communities at Carelinks ABA, unless transportation fees apply. Families will be notified in advance if any additional costs arise.

Question 10

What happens during the assessment at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

During the assessment at Carelinks ABA, the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) meets with the parents and the child to gather information and create a treatment plan. Each assessment session lasts about two hours.

Question 11

What is included in the treatment plan at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

The treatment plan at Carelinks ABA outlines specific goals and objectives based on the child's strengths, needs, and developmental level. It is submitted for insurance approval before therapy begins. The treatment plan also includes parent training goals to promote family collaboration and equip caregivers with the tools to support their child's progress effectively.

Question 12

Which cities in Iowa do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Our services are available in a wide range of cities, including:
Des Moines
Davenport
Dubuque
Cedar Falls 
Cedar Rapids
Council Bluffs
Iowa City
and more...
In addition to these major cities, we extend our services to nearby towns and rural areas.

Question 13

What if I live in a rural area at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

If you live in a rural area, Carelinks ABA offers telehealth options for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and collaborates with families to train local Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) for accessibility.

Question 14

What if I’m not sure if my location is covered?

Accepted Answer

If you're unsure whether we can serve your area, contact us at 515-344-3499 or email info@carelinksaba.com. We’ll confirm coverage and discuss tailored options based on your location.

Question 15

What if my child doesn’t respond well to the therapy or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

If your child doesn't respond well to the therapy or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Carelinks ABA, the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will reassess and adjust therapy methods or assign a new RBT if necessary.

Question 16

How can I support my child’s therapy at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

You can support your child's therapy at Carelinks ABA by creating a consistent schedule, attending parent training sessions, and reinforcing therapy goals at home and in the community.

Question 17

Are there resources for families at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Carelinks ABA offers a resources page on our website with valuable information for families. Additionally, we recommend non-profit organizations for additional support.

Question 18

What is the cancellation policy at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

At Carelinks ABA, notify the office immediately if you need to cancel or reschedule by calling 515-344-3499. We encourage families to let us know as soon as possible. As we believe consistency is key to therapy progress, excessive cancellations may result in termination of services.

Question 19

Can therapy hours be flexible at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

Carelinks ABA strives to accommodate family schedules, but therapy sessions must meet the Board Certified Behavior Analyst's (BCBA) recommended weekly hours, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week for meaningful results.

Question 20

How is my child’s progress monitored at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

At Carelinks ABA, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) regularly adjust treatment plans and conduct formal reassessments every six months to ensure continued success and progress for your child.

Question 21

What is the long-term goal of therapy at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

The long-term goal of therapy at Carelinks ABA is to help children achieve independence and transition out of therapy when they reach developmental milestones. Decisions are made collaboratively with parents based on ongoing progress.

Question 22

What should I do in a behavioral crisis at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

In case of an emergency or crisis situation, please contact your physician or call 911 immediately.

Due to the nature of the services we provide, we do not offer on-call coverage 24/7. For urgent behavioral concerns, you can call the office at 515-344-3499 during normal business hours. The issue will be escalated to the appropriate therapist for guidance and support.

Question 23

How do I provide feedback at Carelinks ABA?

Accepted Answer

Feedback at Carelinks ABA should first be communicated to the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Significant concerns can also be shared with the office for resolution and ongoing improvements in care.

Question 24

Can I get a summary of all this?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive Overview of Carelinks ABA
Carelinks ABA is a leading provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Founded by parents, Carelinks is rooted in values of compassion, flexibility, and personalized care. We believe every child has unlimited potential when supported with the right tools, team, and environment. That’s why we focus on in-home and community-based services for children aged 2 to 21—bringing therapy into the settings where kids feel most comfortable.

We operate across Iowa, New Mexico, Missouri, Michigan, and Utah, with expansion underway in additional states. In Iowa, we serve Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque, Davenport, and Waterloo. In New Mexico, our coverage includes Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and surrounding areas. In Utah, we serve Salt Lake City, Provo, and nearby communities.
While we currently have a waitlist in every state except Iowa, we encourage families to join it as soon as possible. Our average wait time is about 3–4 weeks, but spots often open up quickly depending on location and staffing availability.

Carelinks ABA specializes in naturalistic and evidence-based ABA models, including the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI). We tailor each program to the child’s strengths, needs, and goals. Our therapy model is designed to integrate into daily routines, with learning taking place in the home, school, and community whenever appropriate.
Every child is supported by a team that includes a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), who delivers direct therapy, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who creates and supervises the treatment plan. BCBAs perform assessments, collaborate with families, and continually update therapy goals based on data and progress.

Families are asked to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week for therapy. Most children receive between 20 and 40 hours weekly, depending on the BCBA’s clinical recommendations after the assessment. Sessions typically begin at around 2 hours in length and may expand depending on the treatment plan. We also offer therapy in schools and community settings to ensure that skills are applied in real-life situations.
We accept most major insurance plans, including UnitedHealthcare, BCBS, Iowa Total Care, Wellpoint, UMR, Wellmark, Carelon, Molina, and all Medicaid plans. Medicaid is accepted in every state we serve. Before starting therapy, our intake team verifies your insurance coverage and explains any financial responsibilities.

For families with Medicaid as a primary or secondary insurance, there are typically no out-of-pocket expenses. Families with commercial insurance may have copays, deductibles, or coinsurance costs, which are clearly discussed before therapy begins. We also work with nearly every insurance provider, even if not listed, and are happy to help families understand their options.
To get started, families can fill out a contact form on our website or apply directly through our CentralReach portal. Our intake team will follow up within 1–3 business days to verify insurance, request documentation, and answer questions. A formal ASD diagnosis and insurance documentation are required to begin services, though no referral is necessary—families can self-refer. If your child has not yet been diagnosed, we’ll gladly assist you in connecting with a qualified provider.

Once documents are received, a BCBA will conduct an initial assessment in two sessions—one with the parent and one with the child—each lasting about two hours. Based on this assessment, the BCBA creates an individualized treatment plan, which is submitted to the insurance provider for approval. Once authorized, services begin with a matched RBT and regular BCBA supervision.
Parent collaboration is at the heart of successful therapy. Carelinks ABA provides parent training to help families reinforce skills and manage behaviors between sessions. Resources are available on our website, and we connect families with trusted nonprofit organizations for additional support. We welcome feedback at every stage and encourage families to communicate regularly with their assigned BCBA or our office.

We are committed to inclusivity and accessibility. We offer services in all languages to the best of our ability and work with insurance providers to secure interpreters when needed. Bilingual staff are available in many regions.
For families experiencing urgent challenges, our crisis response process ensures prompt support. If a behavioral emergency arises, call our main office at (515) 344-3499 and your case will be escalated to the appropriate clinical team. We strongly emphasize consistency in attendance and ask families to respond promptly to communication, sign all necessary documentation, and maintain their scheduled sessions. While emergencies are always handled with care and flexibility, we encourage rescheduling over cancellations whenever possible.
Carelinks ABA serves children across the full autism spectrum, including those who are nonverbal or experience severe behaviors. Therapy plans are highly individualized and adjusted as needed, with formal reassessments every six months and routine updates by the BCBA to track and maintain progress.

Our ultimate goal is to help children reach developmental milestones that allow them to transition out of therapy with confidence and independence.
If you’d prefer to speak with someone directly instead of using a virtual assistant, we’re happy to help:
Iowa & Missouri: (515) 344-3499
New Mexico: (505) 780-4848
Utah: (385) 444-2335
Email: info@carelinksaba.com
Or visit www.carelinksaba.com to fill out our contact form.

You’ll always be connected with a real Carelinks ABA staff member—never just an automated response. We’re here for you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions