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Best ABA Therapy Providers in Lake Forest, CA (2026)

98 ABA therapy providers ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Lake Forest: Center for Skills Development, RP Score 73/100; 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 6

    Most-reviewed: Cortica Irvine, 81 Google reviews at 3.8★, the most of 98 ranked; ranked #6.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

98 Lake Forest ABA therapy providers are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 40 open Saturdays and 6 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 98 rated practices.

Top 10 ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Center for Skills Development735.0★ (8)Bloomington, 5 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Autism Interventions and Resources, Inc734.0★ (4)Laguna Hills, 3 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
3ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center693.5★ (30)Irvine, 9 mi awaySat · Evenings—
4Behavior Frontiers In-Home Autism Care - Orange County674.2★ (23)Garden Grove, 9 mi awayEvenings—
5ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center674.5★ (11)Garden Grove, 15 mi awaySat · Evenings—
6Cortica Irvine673.8★ (81)Santa Ana, 10 mi awayEveningsMost reviews
7Cortica Laguna Niguel674.4★ (15)Laguna Niguel, 9 mi away——
8ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center664.8★ (80)Pomona, 27 mi awaySat · Evenings—
9Behavior One Autism Solutions664.1★ (9)Newport Beach, 10 mi awayEvenings—
10Shine Learning Alliance665.0★ (6)Irvine, 10 mi away——

The 98 best ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Scores below: based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  1. Based in Santa Ana, 10 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.8★ from 81 Google reviews.

    • 3.8★ from 81 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2500 Red Hill Ave #100, Santa Ana, CA 92705
  2. Based in Laguna Niguel, 9 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.4★ from 15 Google reviews.

    • 4.4★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    30131 Town Center Dr #135, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
  3. Based in Irvine, 10 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2082 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
  4. Based in Lake Forest

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8:30 AM–6 PM · Tue 12 AM–12 AM · Wed 8:30 AM–6:30 PM · Thu–Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    23691 Birtcher Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  5. Based in Anaheim, 22 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2569 W Woodland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92801
  6. Based in Stanton, 20 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.6★ from 11 Google reviews.

    • 4.6★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sat 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8022 La Monte Rd, Stanton, CA 90680
  7. Based in Anaheim, 20 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.8★ from 10 Google reviews.

    • 3.8★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    431 N Brookhurst St Ste 130, Anaheim, CA 92801
  8. Based in Tustin, 10 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    315 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780
  9. Based in Ontario, 30 mi away

    62/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 8 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    3450 N Centre Lake Dr Ste 175, Ontario, CA 91761
  10. Based in Riverside, 31 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.6★ from 16 Google reviews.

    • 4.6★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2799 Gateway Dr #225, Riverside, CA 92507
  11. Based in Huntington Beach, 19 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    16541 Gothard St #110, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
  12. Based in Huntington Beach, 21 mi away

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.8★ from 16 Google reviews.

    • 3.8★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5762 Bolsa Ave #100, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

ABA therapy providers ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 98 ranked ABA therapy providers here; the rest are on their profiles.

ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Alongside ABA613.3★ (7)19 mi
27ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center613.8★ (16)29 mi
28ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center615.0★ (3)30 mi
29360 Behavioral Health614.8★ (19)33 mi
30Dream Big Children's Center613.5★ (8)27 mi
31Behavioral Autism Therapies603.7★ (3)31 mi
32ABA Works604.3★ (6)38 mi
33ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center603.9★ (7)32 mi
34Noga Klain and Associates, Inc595.0★ (3)38 mi
35ABS Kids ABA Therapy Center595.0★ (5)33 mi
36ABS Kids ABA Therapy Center594.0★ (4)31 mi
37ABS Kids ABA Therapy Center595.0★ (13)37 mi
38Advanced Behavioral Specialists595.0★ (16)31 mi
39FirstSteps for Kids | West Orange County595.0★ (3)25 mi
40ABS Kids ABA Therapy Center594.0★ (3)32 mi
41360 Behavioral Health584.1★ (9)36 mi
42ABS Kids ABA Therapy Center583.7★ (3)33 mi
43Behavior Frontiers Norwalk Autism Center584.5★ (8)28 mi
44ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center584.4★ (13)39 mi
45Intercare Therapy584.5★ (6)37 mi
46ABS Kids Autism Diagnosis Clinic584.3★ (11)30 mi
47Galaxy Developments - ABA Therapy574.5★ (8)10 mi
48Amada ABA574.5★ (6)30 mi
49Dream Big Children's Center574.7★ (62)39 mi
50360 Behavioral Health573.9★ (9)30 mi

Also serving Lake Forest

20 more ABA therapy providers within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

How we ranked Lake Forest ABA therapy providers

We scored 98 Lake Forest ABA therapy providers on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Lake Forest data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose an ABA therapy provider

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure ABA therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask how many hours a week they recommend and how they set goals with the family.
  4. Ask how often a BCBA observes sessions and meets with parents.
  5. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  6. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  7. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask an ABA therapy provider

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How much of your work is ABA therapy?
  • Is there a waitlist, and do you accept my insurance?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest: frequently asked questions

Who is the best ABA therapy provider in Lake Forest?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked ABA therapy provider in Lake Forest, CA is Center for Skills Development with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Autism Interventions and Resources, Inc (#2) and ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center (#3) follow. We ranked 98 ABA therapy providers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many ABA therapy providers are there in Lake Forest?

RankedPsychologists ranks 98 ABA therapy providers serving Lake Forest, CA. 1 of them is based in Lake Forest; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest work on weekends?

40 of 98 ranked ABA therapy providers post Saturday hours and 6 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Center for Skills Development (#1), Autism Interventions and Resources, Inc (#2) and ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Lake Forest ABA therapy providers have?

The median Google rating among 98 rated ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest is 4.3★, with a median of 8 reviews. Cortica Irvine has the most, 81 reviews, and ranks #6. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank ABA therapy providers?

Each ABA therapy provider gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do ABA therapy providers outside Lake Forest count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Lake Forest city center, our service radius for ABA therapy providers. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can ABA therapy providers pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are aBA therapy providers in Lake Forest ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on ABA therapy and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Who provides ABA therapy?

ABA programs are designed and supervised by board certified behavior analysts (BCBA). Day-to-day sessions are often delivered by registered behavior technicians (RBT) working under that supervision. Many US health plans cover ABA for autism; the rules differ by state and plan, so ask the provider and your insurer.

Can I see an ABA therapy provider online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for Lake Forest

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 98 ABA therapy providers serving Lake Forest.
  2. November 2026: 2 duplicate listings merged.