What does a behavior analyst do?
A behavior analyst provides applied behavior analysis (ABA), a form of therapy that teaches skills and reduces challenging behaviors. It is most often used with children who have autism. Board-certified analysts hold the BCBA credential.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find behavior analysts near you
When people see one
- Your child has an autism diagnosis and a doctor recommends ABA.
- You want help teaching communication and daily living skills.
- A child has behaviors that interfere with school or home life.
How it differs
Psychologist: A psychologist does talk therapy and testing. A behavior analyst designs and supervises skill-building programs.
Speech-language pathologist: A speech-language pathologist focuses on speech, language, and swallowing. A behavior analyst focuses on behavior and learning skills.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? Not on most plans. Kaiser Permanente plans need a referral for some specialists, so ask the insurance company before you book. The other plans don't require one for outpatient mental health care, according to each plan's 2027 summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Applied Behavior Analysis Based Therapies" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $0 to $75 a visit on 6 of 56 plans; on the other 50, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $0 to $35 a visit on 7 of 58 plans; on the other 51, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $0 to $30 a visit on 7 of 30 plans; on the other 23, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 2,461 behavior analysts at 978 Colorado locations.
- El Paso County: 199 locations
- Arapahoe County: 139 locations
- Denver County: 125 locations
- Jefferson County: 103 locations
- Adams County: 63 locations
- Larimer County: 62 locations
Counties with the fewest: Teller (1), San Miguel (1), Routt (1), Rio Grande (1), Prowers (1). 25 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new clients, and what ages do you serve?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan? Does the plan require a diagnosis or prior authorization?
- Is therapy at home, in a clinic, or at school?
- How long is the wait list?