ABA therapy in Rapid City, South Dakota
Your little champion's team just arrived
Epic Minds now brings exceptional ABA and autism therapy to Rapid City, with a team that shows up for your child like family.
- Support across the Black Hills
- One steady therapist
- No waiting lists
It's been hard finding help out here, and we get that
Epic Minds Therapy brings ABA therapy to families in Rapid City, Box Elder, Summerset and across the Black Hills. We work with your child at home, at school and out in the community. Sioux Falls is more than 300 miles away, so we bring the therapy to you, handle the insurance and help most families start within 14 days.
Rapid City is the largest city in western South Dakota, yet most of the state's autism services sit on the eastern side. That leaves Black Hills families with fewer providers to choose from and much longer drives when they do find one. You shouldn't have to cross the state to help your child.
You've been told the nearest openings are hours away.
We come to your home in Rapid City and the surrounding towns, so the distance stops being your problem.
Summer changes everything.
Tourist season and the Sturgis Rally fill the Black Hills roads every year. With therapy at home, your child's sessions stay steady while the traffic piles up outside.
You want one person your child can count on.
Each child gets a dedicated RBT who becomes a familiar, friendly face, and your BCBA reviews data from every session to keep the plan on track.
What ABA therapy works on in Rapid City
Every plan is built for your child. For Rapid City families, goals might include:
Outdoor safety.
Your child learns to stay close to you on trails, near water and around parking lots, and to respond when someone calls their name.
Handling a crowd.
We help your child cope with the noise and crowds of summer tourist season, so family outings stay possible all year.
Communication.
Your child practices asking for what they need, saying no safely and letting you know when something is wrong.
Car rides.
Longer drives come with living in western South Dakota, and we can help your child feel calmer and more comfortable on the road.
Daily living.
We work on dressing, toileting, eating at the table and winding down at bedtime, so everyday routines feel a little easier for everyone.
ABA therapy services in Rapid City
In-home ABA therapy.
Sessions happen in your home in Rapid City, Box Elder, Summerset, Black Hawk or Piedmont, around the rhythm of your family's day.
School-based ABA therapy.
With the school's approval, we coordinate with Rapid City Area Schools, Douglas School District in Box Elder or Meade School District, and we're glad to join you at IEP meetings.
Parent training.
We coach you hands-on, so you can use the same strategies all week long and feel ready for whatever the day brings.
Community-based ABA.
Your child practices skills out in the places you love, like a walk along Rapid Creek, the playground or a stop at the store.
Telehealth support.
Video check-ins and parent coaching between in-person visits are especially handy for families who live farther out in the Hills.
How to start ABA therapy in Rapid City
Here's how we'll get your child started
01Reach out.
02Diagnosis.
03Insurance and authorization.
04In-home assessment.
05Sessions start.
ABA therapy insurance in Rapid City
Coverage, made simple
South Dakota Medicaid and CHIP. Both cover ABA for eligible children with an autism diagnosis, with prior authorization renewed every six months. We keep track of the renewals for you.
Private insurance. We accept Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Sanford Health Plan, Avera Health Plans, Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare, plus most other major plans.
Employer plans. If your coverage comes through a self-funded employer plan, it may not follow South Dakota's autism mandate. We'll check exactly what yours includes and explain it in plain language.
IHS and tribal health. Many Native families in the Rapid City area have Medicaid along with IHS services. With your permission, your BCBA can coordinate with your child's IHS or tribal health providers.
Rapid City schools, hospitals and autism resources
- Rapid City Area Schools. The largest district in western South Dakota, with special education services and IEPs across the city.
- Douglas School District. Serves Box Elder and the families around Ellsworth Air Force Base.
- Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. The Black Hills' main hospital, with pediatric care close to home.
- Black Hills Special Services Cooperative. Supports Birth to Three and special education services for families in the region.
- Disability Rights South Dakota. Free advocacy for families who need help with school or services.
- Under age 3. Birth to Three works with Black Hills families of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays. Call 800-305-3064.
What families say about Epic Minds
What one family wanted you to know
"One of the most valuable aspects of Epic Minds Therapy is their emphasis on practical skill-building. The strategies they use are effective and designed to carry over into everyday life."
The questions parents bring to us
Do you really serve western South Dakota?
We do. We provide ABA at home, at school and in the community in Rapid City and nearby towns. Call us with your address and we'll confirm we cover your area.
Can you work with Rapid City Area Schools or Douglas School District?
Yes. With the school's approval, we coordinate with your child's school team.
What if we live out in the Hills?
Give us a call and we'll talk through your options. Telehealth can also support your family between in-person visits.
Does insurance cover ABA in Rapid City?
Usually, yes. South Dakota Medicaid and most private plans cover ABA for children with an autism diagnosis, and we'll check yours for free.
Other South Dakota locations we serve
South Dakota's largest city, on the east side of the state.
The heart of northeast South Dakota.
The Glacial Lakes region.
Home to South Dakota State University.
We can't wait to meet your family
Reach out today, and we'll help you take the first step at your own pace.