Yes. Community-based sessions are an important part of helping children practice social skills, manage transitions, and follow directions in real-world environments. Our therapists work with families at Purcell Park, Hillandale Park, A Dream Come True Playground, the Massanutten Regional Library, and other spaces throughout the city. A Dream Come True Playground, located on Neff Avenue, is fully accessible and features equipment for multiple age groups — making it an especially welcoming space for community-based practice sessions.

The process begins with a phone consultation where we learn about your child’s needs, your family’s goals, and your schedule. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst then conducts a comprehensive assessment in your home or another setting where your child feels comfortable. From there, your BCBA develops an individualized treatment plan, walks you through each goal, and schedules sessions at times that work around school, activities, and family routines. Most families in Harrisonburg begin services within a few weeks of completing the assessment, though timelines can vary depending on insurance authorization.

Yes. Virginia Medicaid covers ABA therapy for eligible children with autism spectrum disorder under the EPSDT benefit. Our insurance coordination team helps Harrisonburg families verify eligibility, navigate prior authorization, and manage reauthorization timelines so services continue without gaps. We also work with a range of private insurance providers serving families in the Shenandoah Valley region to confirm coverage before services begin.

Every program is designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who holds a master’s degree and national certification through the BACB. Direct therapy sessions are delivered by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) trained in evidence-based techniques and supervised regularly by the BCBA. All clinicians working with Virginia Medicaid clients are licensed through the Virginia Department of Health Professions and credentialed with the appropriate managed care organizations. Our Harrisonburg team also participates in ongoing professional development to stay current with Virginia’s regulatory updates and clinical standards.

Harrisonburg is a city where many families balance work, school, and after-school commitments — and our scheduling accounts for that. We offer session times in the afternoon, evening, and on weekends, allowing families to align therapy with dismissal times from schools like Smithland Elementary or Spotswood Elementary, after-school care, or weekend routines. Session length and frequency are determined by your child’s treatment plan and adjusted as their progress evolves. If your family’s schedule changes seasonally — for example, during JMU’s academic calendar shifts that affect local traffic patterns — our team adapts accordingly.

Transitions are one of the most common areas where children with autism benefit from ABA support. Our therapists work on transition skills during sessions at home and then practice them in real settings — moving between activities at Hillandale Park, entering the library at Massanutten Regional Library, or shifting from one classroom routine to another. We use visual supports, structured routines, and gradual exposure to help children feel more prepared and confident when their environment changes. Progress is tracked through data collection at each session, so families and school staff can see how transition skills are developing over time.

Harrisonburg City Public Schools is one of the most linguistically diverse districts in Virginia, with over 55 languages spoken among students. Our team is experienced working with children from multilingual homes, and we design therapy to support communication goals in a way that respects each family’s language environment. When appropriate, we coordinate with ESL teachers and classroom aides to ensure that ABA strategies align with the language support your child already receives at school. Therapy focuses on functional communication — the skills your child needs to express wants, needs, and feelings regardless of the language context.

Your BCBA collects data during every session and uses it to track your child’s progress toward each goal in their treatment plan. Families receive regular progress updates, and your BCBA reviews the data with you during scheduled parent meetings — typically monthly, though the frequency can be adjusted. These reviews are collaborative: we discuss what’s working, where adjustments are needed, and what new goals might be appropriate as your child grows. If your child’s school team is involved, we can share relevant progress data with educators through parent-authorized communication channels.

ABA Journey serves families throughout the Harrisonburg area, including zip codes 22801, 22802, and 22807 within the city, as well as surrounding Rockingham County communities in 22812 (Bridgewater), 22821 (Dayton), 22827 (Elkton), 22815 (Broadway), 22846 (Penn Laird), 22840 (McGaheysville), 22841 (Mount Crawford), and 22834 (Linville). If your zip code is not listed, reach out to our team — we work to accommodate families across the broader Shenandoah Valley whenever possible.