Frequently Asked Questions

Carelinks ABA provides in-home and community-based ABA therapy for children with autism across Iowa. Our services are tailored to individuals aged 2 to 21 and focus on evidence-based methods like, but not limited to, ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) and NDBI (Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions).

Carelinks ABA emphasizes in-home therapy, positive approaches, and innovative techniques. The staff are highly trained, and the organization offers ESDM and NDBI-focused services, setting it apart in Iowa.

Carelinks ABA has been providing services in Iowa for over a year and continues to expand its reach statewide.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.