Blue Willow ABA | ABA Therapy in Kansas City, Missouri

Services

Therapy that fits into real life

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) helps children build communication, social, and daily living skills, one small step at a time. We offer it in the places and formats that work best for your family.

At home

In-home ABA

Sessions happen in your living room, kitchen, and backyard. We teach skills during the moments that matter most to your family, like mealtimes, getting dressed, and bedtime.

At our center

Clinic sessions

Our Northland clinic in Zona Rosa has quiet therapy rooms, a sensory-friendly play space, and small-group areas where children practice turn-taking and conversation with peers.

Ages 18 months to 5

Early intervention

Play-based programs for toddlers and preschoolers that focus on communication, imitation, play, and early independence. Starting early often makes the biggest difference.

Out and about

School and community support

With your permission, we coordinate with teachers and IEP teams. We can also support your child at school, the park, the grocery store, or the barber.

For caregivers

Parent coaching

Regular sessions with your BCBA where you practice strategies yourself. You leave each one with clear, practical steps to use between visits.

Groups of 3 to 5

Social skills groups

Small groups matched by age and skill level. Children practice friendship skills like sharing, joining a game, and handling it when they lose.

Common goals we work on: asking for what you need, following daily routines, playing with siblings and peers, toilet training, safety skills, coping with big feelings, and reducing behaviors that get in the way of learning.

Getting started

From first call to first session

Starting therapy can feel like a lot of paperwork. We handle most of it and keep you informed at each step.

Free consultation
20-minute call
Tell us about your child and what you're hoping for. We'll answer your questions, explain what ABA looks like here, and give you an honest timeline.
Benefits and authorization
About 1 to 2 weeks
We verify your insurance, explain your costs in plain numbers, and request authorization from your plan. You won't have to chase paperwork.
Assessment
2 to 3 visits
A BCBA gets to know your child through play and everyday routines, uses standard tools such as the VB-MAPP or AFLS, and talks with you in depth about your family's priorities.
Plan and first sessions
Ongoing
We choose goals together. Your child starts with a consistent team, we track progress every session, and we formally reassess every 6 months.

About us

Why we're called Blue Willow

Blue Willow ABA is a Kansas City practice started by behavior analysts who wanted therapy to feel less clinical and more like family life. We named it after the willow tree. A willow bends in strong wind without breaking, and its roots hold the riverbank together.

We think good therapy works the same way. It should be flexible enough to follow your child's lead and steady enough to build skills that last.

We keep caseloads small so your BCBA knows your child well. We keep teams consistent so your child sees familiar faces. And we treat parents as partners, because you know your child better than anyone.

Assent comes firstIf your child tells us no, through words or behavior, we stop, listen, and adjust. Learning should feel safe.
Play and real routinesWe teach through the things your child already loves, so new skills carry over to everyday life.
Progress you can seeYou get regular updates with real data, written in plain language, plus a monthly meeting with your BCBA.
Every family is welcomeWe serve families of every background, language, and structure, and we shape goals around your culture and values.

Who you'll work with

BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

A master's-level clinician licensed in Missouri who leads your child's assessment, writes the treatment plan, supervises sessions, and coaches your family.

RBT

Registered Behavior Technician

A trained, certified therapist who works one-on-one with your child and follows the plan your BCBA designs, with close supervision.

Coordinator

Family care coordinator

Your main point of contact for scheduling, insurance questions, and anything else that comes up along the way.

Each RBT receives at least 1 hour of BCBA supervision for every 10 hours of therapy. That is twice the minimum required for certification.

Insurance and costs

We'll sort out coverage before you start

Missouri law requires many state-regulated health plans to cover ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism. MO HealthNet, Missouri's Medicaid program, also covers ABA for eligible children.

Before your first appointment, we check your benefits, request any authorizations your plan needs, and tell you what you can expect to pay. If something changes with your coverage, we'll let you know right away.

Private pay and monthly payment plans are available for families without ABA coverage.

Plans we commonly work with

MO HealthNet (Medicaid)
Healthy Blue
Home State Health
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
Aetna
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
TRICARE

Don't see your plan? Call us. Networks change often, and we'll confirm your coverage for free.

Questions

What families ask us most

Does my child need an autism diagnosis to start?

For insurance to cover ABA, most plans require a diagnosis from a qualified provider, such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. If you're still waiting on an evaluation, call us anyway. We can explain next steps and start your intake while you wait.

How many hours of therapy will my child need?

It depends on your child's needs and goals. Focused programs that target a few specific skills are often 10 to 15 hours a week. Comprehensive programs are often 20 to 40 hours a week. Your BCBA will recommend a starting point after the assessment, and you'll decide together.

Is ABA just sitting at a table doing drills?

Most of our teaching happens through play and daily routines. Some skills are practiced in short, structured activities, but sessions should look fun, and your child's comfort guides everything we do.

Can I watch sessions?

Yes. Parents are always welcome to observe, and we encourage it. For in-home sessions, a parent or caregiver over 18 needs to be home.

Is there a waitlist?

Availability depends on your location, schedule, and preferred setting. We'll give you a realistic start estimate on your first call and keep you updated while you wait.

What areas do you serve?

Our clinic is in Kansas City's Northland, inside Zona Rosa at 7280 NW 87th Terrace, Suite C-210. In-home services reach most of the Missouri side of the metro, including Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Raytown, Grandview, Liberty, Gladstone, and the Northland.

Contact

Talk with our intake team

Start with a free 20-minute call. You don't need a referral to talk with us.

Phone: (816) 434-7848
Email: hello@bluewillowaba.com
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Clinic: 7280 NW 87th Terrace, Suite C-210
Kansas City, MO 64152
Inside Zona Rosa · Get directions

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Privacy policy

How we handle your information

Last updated October 13, 2026

This privacy policy explains how Blue Willow ABA ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you visit this website or contact us through it. By using this site, you agree to the practices described here.

Information we collect

Information you give us. When you fill out our contact form, call, or email us, we may collect your name, phone number, email address, ZIP code, your child's age range, and anything you choose to include in your message.

Information collected automatically. Like most websites, our site may collect technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and the website that referred you. We collect this through cookies and similar technologies.

How we use your information

To respond to your questions and schedule a consultation
To check insurance benefits, when you ask us to
To send appointment reminders and updates you've agreed to receive
To understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it
To meet our legal and regulatory obligations

Health information and HIPAA

Once your child becomes a client, the health information we create or receive is protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Our Notice of Privacy Practices explains how we use and disclose that information and describes your rights. You can request a copy from us at any time.

This website is not designed for sending medical records or detailed health information. Please don't submit diagnoses, medical history, or insurance ID numbers through the contact form. We'll collect that information securely during intake.

How we share information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share it only in these situations:

With service providers who help us run our practice, such as website hosting, email, scheduling, and customer relationship tools. They may use your information only to provide services to us and must keep it confidential.
When required by law, such as in response to a subpoena or court order, or to protect someone's health or safety.
As part of a merger, sale, or transfer of our practice, in which case your information would remain protected by this policy.

Text messages

If you give us your mobile number and agree to receive texts, we may text you about your inquiry and appointments. Message frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt out, or HELP for help. We never share mobile numbers or text messaging consent with third parties for their marketing.

Cookies and analytics

We may use cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors find and use our site. You can set your browser to block or delete cookies, although some parts of the site may not work as expected. Our site does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals.

How we protect information

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information we collect. No website or method of transmission is completely secure, so we can't guarantee absolute security.

How long we keep information

We keep inquiry information only as long as needed to respond to you and for normal business records. Client records are kept for the periods required by Missouri and federal law.

Children's privacy

This website is intended for parents, guardians, and adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13. If you believe a child has sent us information through this site, contact us and we will delete it.

Your choices

You can ask us to access, correct, or delete the information you submitted through this website, and you can opt out of emails or texts at any time. Some information may be kept when the law requires it.

Links to other websites

Our site may link to websites we don't control, such as insurance providers or community resources. Their privacy practices are their own, and we encourage you to review them.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we'll change the "last updated" date at the top of this section.

Contact us about privacy

Email privacy@bluewillowaba.com, call (816) 434-7848, or write to Blue Willow ABA, Attn: Privacy Officer, 7280 NW 87th Terrace, Suite C-210, Kansas City, MO 64152.