How Much Does ABA Therapy Cost in Canada? A Complete Guide for Parents

One of the first questions parents ask when exploring ABA therapy is, “How much will it cost?”

Understanding ABA therapy costs in Canada helps families plan their budgets, compare providers and explore funding options. Prices vary depending on weekly therapy hours, clinical supervision and individual support needs.

At Advance Therapy, we believe families should understand the costs before starting. Our published rates include $75 per hour for one-to-one ABA therapy, $150 per hour for BCBA supervision and a $350 initial assessment.

This guide explains our pricing, estimated monthly expenses and ways families can manage therapy costs.

How Much Does ABA Therapy Cost in Canada?

Private ABA therapy rates vary across Canada. Some providers charge separately for assessments, direct therapy, supervision and additional services.

At Advance Therapy, our published pricing is:

Our programs are individualized and supervised by qualified professionals. The total cost depends on your child’s recommended therapy schedule.

The initial assessment is charged separately. Final scheduling, supervision requirements and fees are confirmed in the service agreement.

ABA Therapy Monthly Cost: Real Examples

The number of weekly therapy hours has the greatest impact on monthly expenses.

The following examples use Advance Therapy’s published rates and monthly planning method.

Estimates use four weeks per month and include BCBA supervision calculated at 5% of monthly therapy hours, rounded down to whole hours. The one-time $350 assessment is excluded.

For example, nine therapy hours weekly equal 36 hours over four weeks.

• Direct therapy: 36 × $75 = $2,700

• BCBA supervision: 1 hour × $150 = $150

• Estimated monthly total: $2,850

These figures are budgeting examples, not guaranteed treatment schedules. Your child’s actual program may require different supervision or therapy hours.

What Factors Affect ABA Therapy Costs?

Several factors determine the overall cost of an ABA program.

1. Weekly Therapy Hours

Children have different learning goals and support needs. Some benefit from focused sessions targeting specific skills, while others require broader support.

More hours increase the total cost, but the appropriate schedule should follow an individualized clinical assessment rather than a standard package.

2. BCBA Supervision

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) helps develop treatment plans, monitor progress and adjust teaching strategies.

Advance Therapy publishes a supervision rate of $150 per hour. The amount of supervision needed is determined by the child’s program and applicable professional requirements.

3. Therapy Location

ABA therapy can take place in different environments.

In-home ABA therapy supports communication, routines and independence within the child’s familiar surroundings.

ABA therapy at daycare helps children practise social and communication skills during everyday activities.

Virtual therapy and parent coaching may also be appropriate, depending on family circumstances and treatment goals.

4. Initial Assessment

A clinical assessment helps identify strengths, support needs and suitable learning goals.

Advance Therapy lists an initial assessment fee of $350. Families should confirm what the assessment includes and whether additional evaluations are necessary.

ABA Therapy Costs in Toronto and Mississauga

Families looking for ABA therapy in the Greater Toronto Area should consider both treatment costs and service accessibility.

Advance Therapy provides ABA therapy in Toronto, including in-home support for families across the city.

Our team is based in Mississauga and also provides ABA therapy in Mississauga for families seeking personalized autism services.

Home-based sessions may reduce travel demands for families. However, available schedules, locations and any applicable travel charges should be confirmed before beginning treatment.

How Can Families Pay for ABA Therapy in Canada?

Many Canadian families use a combination of public funding, private insurance and personal payments.

Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

The Ontario Autism Program provides eligible children and youth with access to autism services and supports.

Core clinical services can include ABA therapy, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and certain mental health services.

Families are invited to access core clinical services according to their OAP registration order. Funding allocations depend on assessed support needs and program requirements.

Families receiving eligible funding can use it toward approved services within their funding period.

Our Ontario Autism Program funding guide explains the application process and available support.

Keep invoices, receipts and payment records. Not every charge is eligible for reimbursement.

Jordan’s Principle

Eligible First Nations children may receive support for health, educational and developmental needs through Jordan’s Principle.

Families can review our Jordan’s Principle ABA therapy funding guide to understand the process and explore possible coverage.

Approval depends on the child’s circumstances and the requested services.

Private Health Insurance

Some employer-sponsored insurance plans cover certain autism-related therapies.

Before beginning ABA therapy, ask your insurance provider:

• Does my plan cover ABA therapy?

• Are there professional qualification requirements?

• What is my annual reimbursement limit?

• Are assessments and supervision included?

Request written confirmation wherever possible.

Disability and Medical Expense Tax Credits

Some therapy expenses may qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit, subject to Canada Revenue Agency requirements.

The Disability Tax Credit is a separate tax measure for eligible individuals.

Families should confirm eligibility with the CRA or a qualified tax professional. Neither credit automatically pays for ABA sessions.

Is Cheaper ABA Therapy Always Better?

The lowest hourly price does not necessarily provide the best overall value.

When comparing ABA providers, consider therapist qualifications, clinical supervision, individualized treatment planning and communication with families.

Ask how progress is measured, how regularly goals are reviewed and whether parents receive practical guidance.

A suitable program should explain both its clinical approach and its complete fee structure before services begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Advance Therapy charge per hour?

Advance Therapy publishes a rate of $75 per hour for one-to-one ABA therapy and $150 per hour for BCBA supervision.

What is the minimum weekly commitment?

The published minimum is six therapy hours per week. The actual schedule is discussed with each family based on their child’s needs.

How much is the initial ABA assessment?

Advance Therapy lists a one-time initial assessment fee of $350, charged separately from ongoing sessions.

Can OAP funding cover private ABA therapy?

Yes. Eligible Ontario Autism Program core clinical services funding can be used for qualifying ABA services, subject to program guidelines, professional requirements and the family’s available allocation.

How can I get an accurate ABA therapy quote?

A personalized estimate should consider therapy hours, assessment requirements, supervision and service location.

Get a Personalized ABA Therapy Cost Estimate

Every child deserves a therapy plan built around their individual strengths, goals and needs.

At Advance Therapy, our team helps families understand treatment options, estimated costs and available funding before making a commitment.

Our published rates are $75 per hour for direct ABA therapy, $150 per hour for BCBA supervision and $350 for the initial assessment.

Book a Free Consultation or call +1 519-771-4679 to discuss an individualized program for your child.