Thanks to trailblazing states like New Mexico, autism insurance reform has swept the nation in the last decade. In 2009, New Mexico became the ninth state to pass comprehensive autism insurance laws requiring applied behavior analysis, among other therapies, to be covered for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
The New Mexico bill requires all insurers operating in the state to cover up to $36,000 a year for services related to the treatment and therapy of autism spectrum disorder. Under the law, ABA therapy must be covered for children up to the age of 19, or 22 if they are enrolled in high school. The law sets a maximum lifetime coverage limit of $200,000 but specifies that no limits can be imposed on the number of visits to an ABA or other provider.
New Mexico State Senator Clinton Harden called the passage of SB 39 a “win for the autism community of New Mexico.”
As a result of ABA earning long-overdue recognition as an evidence-based, medically necessary form of therapy for ASD, many states have either adopted, or are in the process of adopting, legislation aimed at the regulation and licensure of applied behavior analysts. Despite this, as of 2025, New Mexico is among just a few states in the nation to not license behavior analysts.
But that doesn’t mean they haven’t outlined requirements for the practice of behavior analysts for insurance purposes. In July 2024, the New Mexico Health Care Authority was created. This new agency, the result of a merger between the New Mexico Human Services Department, the State Employee Benefits team from the General Services Department, the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division and Division of Health Improvement from the New Mexico Department of Health, and the Health Care Affordability Fund from the Office of Superintendent of Insurance, is focused on the provision of services and resources for all New Mexicans, including behavioral health services.
Under the New Mexico Health Care Authority, professionals who deliver applied behavior analysis (ABA) services (designated as ABA Stage 2- Assessment and ABA Stage 3-Treatment Services) through the Medical Assistance Program system must hold a valid Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) or BCBA-Doctorate® (BCBA-D®) certification.
Earning a Master’s Degree in ABA with the Option to Earn BCBA® Certification
The first step in the BCBA® credentialing process requires earning a master’s or doctoral degree in behavior analysis or in a similar field like education or psychology and completing specific, graduate-level coursework in behavior analysis.
Eligible Graduate Programs for BCBA® Certification
The easiest way to satisfy the educational requirements for certification is by earning a graduate degree that’s been accredited by the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) or accredited/recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Master’s and doctoral programs accredited by either agency meet all educational requirements for BCBA® certification.
But you can also meet the educational requirements by first earning a master’s degree in a similar field and then completing specific, graduate-level coursework in behavior analysis, which includes:
- BACB Ethics Code and Code-Enforcement System; Professionalism: 45 hours
- Philosophical Underpinnings; Concepts and Principles: 90 hours
- Measurement, Data Display and Interpretation; Experimental Design: 45 hours
- Behavior Assessment: 45 hours
- Behavior-Change Procedures; Selecting and Implementing Interventions: 60 hours
- Personnel Supervision and Management: 60 hours
A growing number of colleges and universities offer graduate-level certificate programs that include the required coursework necessary for BCBA® certification, making it easier than ever to meet the educational requirements. The ABAI maintains a list of these programs, called Verified Course Sequences, through an interactive directory.
You can also complete the necessary coursework outside of a VCS, but you’ll need to provide proof to the BACB that you’ve satisfied the requirements. This requires a course-by-course review by your department chair, dean, or BCBA-certified VCS Coordinator, who must then complete and submit a Non-Verified Course Content Attestation to the BACB.
Note: The VCS system is ending on December 31, 2025. Beginning in 2026, coursework verification will need to be completed through your university through a course-by-course review.
Practicum and BCBA® Exam Requirements
The BCBA® certification process also requires completing a period of supervised fieldwork, either as part of your master’s program or independent of it, as well as passing the national BCBA® exam. You’ll need to complete between 1,500 and 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, depending on the level of supervision you receive.
Most ABAI- and APBA-accredited programs include a practicum where you can begin earning the required experience. Many students within these programs are able to satisfy most or all of the fieldwork requirements before they graduate. Your program director will be able to help you locate and secure an approved supervisor and field site where you can begin earning your fieldwork hours.
Just a few of the ABA providers in New Mexico where you may complete the required fieldwork include:
- Proud Moments ABA, Albuquerque
- Cross River Therapy, Albuquerque
- JumpStart Autism Center, Albuquerque
- Proud Moments ABA, Los Lunas
- Mariposa Autism Service Center, Las Cruces
Once you’ve satisfied all required education and experience requirements, you’ll apply to the BACB to take the BCBA® exam. Once the BACB approves your application, they’ll provide you with instructions for registering with Pearson VUE to take the exam. Pearson VUE has testing centers throughout the U.S., including Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Los Lunas, and Roswell in New Mexico.
Click here for detailed step-by-step instructions on the BCBA® credentialing process.
New Mexico’s Largest ABA Providers Making a Difference
The Behavior Change Institute is committed to improving the lives of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by providing treatment based on the principles of ABA. The Behavior Change Institute uses tele-behavioral health technology, which expands the availability of services to individuals and families, even those residing in the most remote locations of the state.
Behavior Change Institute has locations throughout New Mexico:
- Farmington
- Gallup
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe
- Clovis
- Artesia
- Roswell
- Carlsbad
- Alamogordo
- Deming
- Silver City
- Las Cruces
Behavioral Health Works helps individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities reach their potential through collaborations with schools, families, and relevant professionals. Their treatment approach is rooted in applied behavior analysis, along with an emphasis on individualized programs.
Behavioral Health Works’ Diagnostic Center specializes in diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and learning disabilities. ABA services include early intervention services, home-based services, and school-based services.
They also offer a host of ancillary services, including camps, parent’s night out, training and workshops, and global outreach programs.