72/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Best ABA Therapy Providers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (2026)
87 ABA therapy providers ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Rancho Santa Margarita: Center for Skills Development, RP Score 72/100; 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 9
Most-reviewed: Cortica Irvine, 81 Google reviews at 3.8★, the most of 87 ranked; ranked #9.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
87 Rancho Santa Margarita ABA therapy providers are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 34 open Saturdays and 4 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 87 rated practices.
Top 10 ABA therapy providers in Rancho Santa Margarita 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.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Center for Skills Development | 72 | 5.0★ (8) | Bloomington, 10 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Autism Interventions and Resources, Inc | 71 | 4.0★ (4) | Laguna Hills, 7 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 3 | ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center | 67 | 3.5★ (30) | Irvine, 14 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Cortica Laguna Niguel | 66 | 4.4★ (15) | Laguna Niguel, 10 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center | 66 | 4.0★ (8) | Corona, 16 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 6 | ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center | 66 | 4.8★ (80) | Pomona, 28 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 7 | Behavior Frontiers In-Home Autism Care - Orange County | 65 | 4.2★ (23) | Garden Grove, 14 mi away | Evenings | — |
| 8 | ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center | 65 | 4.5★ (11) | Garden Grove, 20 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Cortica Irvine | 65 | 3.8★ (81) | Santa Ana, 15 mi away | Evenings | Most reviews |
| 10 | Behavior One Autism Solutions | 64 | 4.1★ (9) | Newport Beach, 15 mi away | Evenings | — |
The 87 best ABA therapy providers in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.
Based in Laguna Hills, 7 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based in Irvine, 14 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.5★ from 30 Google reviews.
Based in Laguna Niguel, 10 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.4★ from 15 Google reviews.
Based in Corona, 16 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based in Pomona, 28 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.8★ from 80 Google reviews.
Based in Garden Grove, 14 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.2★ from 23 Google reviews.
Based in Garden Grove, 20 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.5★ from 11 Google reviews.
Based in Santa Ana, 15 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.8★ from 81 Google reviews.
Based in Newport Beach, 15 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based in Irvine, 15 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based in Anaheim, 26 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based in Murrieta, 24 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.8★ from 16 Google reviews.
#14 HEARTS OF ABA
Based in Stanton, 25 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.6★ from 11 Google reviews.
Based in Lake Forest, 7 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Riverside, 27 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.6★ from 16 Google reviews.
#17 Listen-2-Me LLC
Based in Anaheim, 25 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.8★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based in Chino, 26 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.9★ from 8 Google reviews.
#19 ABEDI, INC
Based in Tustin, 14 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based in Santa Ana, 15 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based in Hacienda Heights, 33 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 4.7★ from 28 Google reviews.
Based in Ontario, 29 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based in Riverside, 24 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.5★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based in Murrieta, 28 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based in Orange, 19 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”, 3.4★ from 10 Google reviews.
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 87 ranked ABA therapy providers here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Rancho Santa Margarita
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 Rancho Santa Margarita ABA therapy providers
We scored 87 Rancho Santa Margarita 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.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Rancho Santa Margarita data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose an ABA therapy provider
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure ABA therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask how many hours a week they recommend and how they set goals with the family.
- Ask how often a BCBA observes sessions and meets with parents.
- 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.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- 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 Rancho Santa Margarita: frequently asked questions
Who is the best ABA therapy provider in Rancho Santa Margarita?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked ABA therapy provider in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is Center for Skills Development with an RP Score of 72/100. 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 87 ABA therapy providers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many ABA therapy providers are there in Rancho Santa Margarita?
RankedPsychologists ranks 87 ABA therapy providers serving Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita work on weekends?
34 of 87 ranked ABA therapy providers post Saturday hours and 4 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 Rancho Santa Margarita ABA therapy providers have?
The median Google rating among 87 rated ABA therapy providers in Rancho Santa Margarita is 4.3★, with a median of 9 reviews. Cortica Irvine has the most, 81 reviews, and ranks #9. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 87 ABA therapy providers serving Rancho Santa Margarita.
- November 2026: 2 duplicate listings merged.
More ABA therapy providers and Rancho Santa Margarita pages
ABA therapy providers near Rancho Santa Margarita
- ABA therapy providers in Coto De Caza, CA88 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Foothill Ranch, CA95 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Mission Viejo, CA91 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Lake Forest, CA98 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Ladera Ranch, CA85 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Laguna Hills, CA94 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Laguna Woods, CA93 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Aliso Viejo, CA93 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Laguna Niguel, CA79 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in San Juan Capistrano, CA74 ranked
Other specialties in Rancho Santa Margarita
- Psychologists in Rancho Santa Margarita231 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Rancho Santa Margarita448 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita87 ranked
- Couples therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita223 ranked
- Family therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita189 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in Rancho Santa Margarita22 ranked
- Anxiety and OCD therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita14 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita58 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita35 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Rancho Santa Margarita538 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Rancho Santa Margarita129 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Rancho Santa Margarita425 ranked
- All psychologists in Rancho Santa Margarita