About Cardinal Pediatric Therapies
Learn more about our history, team, accepted insurance, and the philosophy that guides us in North Carolina & Arizona.
Our History
The Cardinal Pediatric Therapies was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to provide evidence-based behavioral therapy that empowers individuals to reach their fullest potential. Since our founding in 2016, we have been committed to offering high-quality, compassionate, and individualized care to children and families, helping them navigate challenges and achieve lasting success.
Our roots trace back to a small, dedicated team of experienced behavior analysts who recognized the need for specialized services to support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. As we began to serve the community, it became clear that our approach was making a meaningful difference in the lives of families, educators, and healthcare providers.
In the years since, Cardinal has grown into one of the most trusted providers in the community. Through ongoing collaboration with local professionals, and a deep commitment to client-centered care, we have continuously expanded our programs to meet the evolving needs of our community.
We’ve grown to serve multiple communities across multiple states, offering a range of programs and services designed to support children in all areas of life—from classroom readiness and communication development to social skills and family education. Our multidisciplinary team of board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), therapists, and speech and occupational therapists work together to create positive, sustainable outcomes for every child.
Our Core Values
Passion
We are deeply passionate about the work we do and the positive impact we have on the lives of the children and families we serve. Our dedication to behavior analysis is driven by a genuine commitment to helping individuals grow, thrive, and achieve their fullest potential.
Ingenuity
We embrace creativity and innovative thinking in all aspects of our work. Each child is unique, and we understand that finding the right solutions requires flexible and adaptive strategies. Our team of experts continuously explores new approaches, tools, and techniques to ensure that our interventions are effective, individualized, and able to meet the evolving needs of the children we serve.
Professionalism
Our team is made up of highly trained, credentialed professionals who uphold the highest standards of ethical and clinical practice. We are committed to ongoing learning and development, ensuring that our knowledge and skills remain current.
Empathy
At the heart of our approach is a deep sense of empathy for the challenges families face. We listen, understand, and act with compassion in every situation. By putting ourselves in the shoes of those we serve, we foster trust, build strong relationships, and create a supportive environment where families feel heard and valued.
Dedication
We are dedicated to our mission of helping children reach their goals and families build a brighter future. Our commitment to each child’s success is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to ensure that the support we provide is meaningful, effective, and sustainable.
Accountability
We believe in taking responsibility for our actions and outcomes. Our team is committed to delivering measurable results through evidence-based practices, and we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of care.
Most of all, we believe that every child with autism deserves the chance to thrive.
Our Team
Each one of our dedicated staff members at The Cardinal Pediatric Therapies we are committed to providing you with the highest standard of service. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are highly trained and experienced, and together, we build a positive and engaging environment to ensure that your child and your family have the best possible experience possible.
William Evans
Director of Recruitment and Outreach
Alice Okamoto, MA, BCBA
Chief of Staff
Insurance Accepted
Insurance Networks
We are currently in-network:
- in North Carolina with Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, and NC Medicaid.
- in Arizona with Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna and AHCCCS.
Per the North Carolina Autism Insurance Mandate, or SB 676, insurance contracts renewed on or after July 1st, 2016 are required to provide coverage for ABA therapy up to $40,000 per year until the individual turns 18 years old.
Plans that should cover ABA under SB 676 are those sold to employers with over one hundred employees; plans sold to individuals and small groups that have been in effect, and essentially unchanged, since March of 2010; and plans sold to individuals and small groups that were in effect prior to 2014.
Other Funding Sources
Many businesses provide support for ABA services for their employees. To find out if ABA financial assistance is available to you, contact your employer’s human resources department or your group health insurance provider.
In addition, there are also several grants available to cover ABA therapy for your child, including the following:
- Autism Strong Foundation offers two different grants to help families afford ABA therapy.
- United Healthcare Children’s Foundation’s grant helps cover the difference between what your insurance will pay for and the services your child needs.
- Outreach Autism Services Network lists several grants available to help cover autism treatment.
- Autism Speaks has also compiled a full list of autism grants for families.
Have Funding Questions?
Cardinal is dedicated to helping children with autism succeed by becoming your partner in care to ensure that your entire family unit will thrive.
If you have any questions at all regarding ABA funding, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us for additional questions
How long is the intake process?
The intake process typically takes 4-6 weeks, but may be shorter or longer depending on insurance delays, etc.
What is the initial assessment?
The initial assessment is a 1-hour in-person assessment with one of our BCBAs. The assessment (along with a parent phone interview) guides the initial treatment plan for your child. This assessment is NOT a diagnostic evaluation.
What does the initial treatment plan include?
Your child’s initial treatment plan will include demographic information, assessment results and scores, primary goals, service hour recommendations, etc.
How will I know who my child’s therapists are?
Your child’s therapists are assigned at the end of the intake process. Our scheduling team will send you your start date and include who your child’s BCBA and RBT(s) will be.
Who do I talk to about my child’s program goals?
Your child’s BCBA will be your go-to for all programming. You will have the opportunity to have monthly parent meetings/trainings to go over progress, new goals, and any other questions or concerns you may have.
I want my CCBA team to talk with my child’s related providers, how can we get them in touch?
Our intake packet includes a release of information form. Completion of this form allows us to communicate with your child’s other providers for collaboration purposes. Contact your child’s BCBA if this is something you are interested in.
I need to cancel my child’s session, who do I contact?
Please contact our scheduling team at scheduling@cardinalaba.com for all schedule changes. Please refer to the client handbook for fees associated with late cancelations and late arrivals.
I haven’t received an invoice, who do I contact?
Please contact our finance team at office@cardinalaba.com
Can we have additional hours of services during school track outs or during the summer?
We like to accommodate as many families as we can during school track outs and summer schedules. Please inform our scheduling team at scheduling@cardinalaba.com with as much notice as possible if you are interested in additional hours.
*Additional hours are not guaranteed*
Can my child’s therapist work on academics with my child?
Short answer is no, because insurance does not cover academics with ABA. With this being said, if you are interested in additional goals for your child, please work with your child’s BCBA to develop a plan that best suites your family’s needs.