In 2014, Georgia passed insurance reform that required state funded plans to pay for ABA services for those diagnosed with ASD. It took a little while, but by 2017, Medicaid began paying for ABA. In 2019, Georgia's early intervention services, Babies Can't Wait, also began paying for ABA therapy for those with ASD. Up until this point, only Tricare, the federal insurance for military families, would pay for ABA. Now other insurance companies including Humana, Aetna, BCBS, PeachState, Amerigroup, etc. are required by law to pay for ABA. However, that doesn't mean all insurance plans are required to pay for ABA. The important part is that the law requires "state funded plans" to pay for it. So if you work for the state government in some capacity, then your insurance should pay for it. Check with your insurance to see if they cover it.
 However, to get to the insurance part, you have to have a diagnosis. There are very few people in Middle Georgia that can diagnose for insurance purposes (school psychologist, LCSW, and other master's degree level practitioners' assessments and diagnosis do not meet insurance standards). Georgia providers that can diagnose are:
Local to Middle GA:
Dr. Bailey Goodman, Psy. D. and Dr. Kristin Wagner, Psy. D. at Moody Behavioral Health (www.mgabehavioralhealth.com)
Dr. Steven Wade (https://www.youthcare.net/)--be aware that Dr. Wade is a pediatrician and only provides assessment and diagnosis for his patients. You can get a diagnosis if you are willing to make him your child's pediatrician. (Warner Robins: 478-923-3360, Perry: 478-923-3360)
Dr. Delvita Long, Ph.D. at Rewire the Misfire (https://www.rewirethemisfire.com)Â She only sees ages 6 and above for diagnosis.
Dr. Elizabeth Young, MD, Dr. Michael Johns, Psy. D., and Dr. Rachel Goodson, MD (https://childrenshospitalnh.org/services-centers/autism-developmental-center/)
Dr. Michael Anderson, MD. He offers telehealth. https://lifestance.com/provider/psychiatrist/ga/macon/michael-anderson/
Dr. Audrey Courtney, Ph.D. https://www.gapsychology.org/members/?id=34742631
Providers in the Atlanta area:
Dr. Lesli Rubin, MD is a developmental Pediatrician who also sees adults. (https://www.therubincenterforautism.org/)Â
Children's Autism Assessment Center in Atlanta. www.caacatlanta.comÂ
Magnolia Wellness & Psychology Services. They also assess for ADHD in addition to ASD. (https://www.mwpsychology.com)Â
Dr. George Katsitadze, MD, Ph.D at Pediatric Partners of Gwinnett. You can reach his office at 770-923-6400 and his website at https://gwinnettchildren.org/Â
Dr. Jennifer Poulos, Psy.D., She assesses 0-18 years old. https://intownwellness.org/
Magnolia Psychology Services. THIS IS A PRIVATE PAY PROVIDER. This means the provider will not bill insurance but will collect the whole amount for the assessment from you. Reach out to your insurance to request information on what they cover for out of network providers and how to submit a superbill. Website: https://www.mwpsychology.com/
Center for Psychological &Â Educational Assessment has multiple providers and assesses for a variety of disabilities in addition to ASD. THIS IS A PRIVATE PAY PROVIDERÂ but they will give you a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Reach out to your insurance to request information on what they cover for out of network providers and how to submit a superbill. https://www.atlantachildpsych.com/
Providers in the Savannah area:
Joye Psychology & Wellness. They have several doctors who diagnose ASD as well as ADHD. https://joyepsychology.com P: 912-436-3736
Diana Walther, Ph.D. is located in Brunswick. Phone: 912-265-0007
Dr. Jaclynn Kuchta, Ph.D. Her phone number for appointments is 724-413-5052.
Comprehensive Psych Evals with Drs. Shirley Saar-McPherson and Linda Olson. They assess children and adults. Phone: 912-891-6261 website: comprehensivepsychevals.com
Columbus and South GA areas
Dr. Christine Renaude is an independent practitioner. Phone: 229-551-9300
Dr. Franciska Kocsner, Psy. D. at The Brain Center sees patients from 18 months through adulthood. https://thebraincenterga.com
Dr. Kevin Weis, Psy.D. Phone: 706-507-5444 https://psychologycolumbus.com/
The South Georgia Autism Center https://www.southgeorgiaautism.com/
Mosaic Psychological Services https://mosaicpsychological.com/
Online Evaluation:
As You Are. They diagnose 16 months to 10 years old. (https://asyouare.com/schedule-evaluation/)
It is important to contact a diagnosing provider as soon as possible as most providers have an extensive wait list. It is also a good idea to get on multiple wait lists. You will most likely have to wait months to get an appointment, unfortunately, so don't wait.
If you're still struggling to find a provider to assess your child, check back often as I'm always updating this list.