verbal beginnings logo for aba programs

Early Intervention ABA Therapy in Columbia, MD

Come visit our flagship center, the Verbal Beginnings Center in Columbia, MD! Housing our specialized center-based ABA therapy programs for children aged 1-5 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, our Columbia location prioritizes social skills, interaction, activities, and language development in a dedicated 1:1 therapist setting. Our clinician-led center focuses on clinical outcomes to prepare your child for kindergarten in a preschool-like setting. Whether it’s in our early intervention services, family education, parent support workshops, or special events like Trunk or Treat, our Columbia space is a convenient drive for anyone in the Howard County, Maryland area. Additionally, our Columbia center provides full and half-day programs that now include OT (Occupational Therapy) and SLP (Speech Language Pathology) services. Here’s a brief summary of what you can expect:

What to expect:

  • Enriched social environment with highly trained RBTs and BCBAs.
  • 1:1 and group support for individualized therapy.
  • Peer interaction built into each child’s treatment plan.
  • Caregiver collaboration focused on each child’s progress.
  • Each child works with a dedicated team of licensed and nationally certified professionals
  • Social opportunities to promote critical skills.
  • Flexible full and part-time options available.
  • Family collaboration is a top priority!

Programs offered:

  • Early Beginnings early intervention services
  • Parent groups
  • Special events

Enroll Today!

Please complete this brief form to speak with one of our Care Coordinators about enrolling in our Columbia, MD Center. Immediate openings available for Children ages 1-5!

By submitting your information you agree to receive communications from Verbal Beginnings.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offered in Columbia, MD

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy is a therapeutic approach used primarily to help children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions. The therapy is based on principles of behavior science and aims to improve social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement and systematic intervention.

Here are the key components of ABA Therapy:

  1. Behavior Analysis: ABA focuses on understanding how behaviors work, how they are affected by the environment, and how learning takes place. This involves observing and measuring behaviors to understand the reasons behind them.
  1. Individualized Programs: ABA programs are tailored to the individual needs of each client. Therapists conduct assessments to determine the specific skills and behaviors that need improvement.
  1. Positive Reinforcement: One of the core principles of ABA is using positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors. When a desired behavior is followed by a reward, it is more likely to be repeated.
  1. Data Collection and Analysis: ABA therapists collect data on the client’s progress and analyze it to make informed decisions about the treatment plan. This ensures that the interventions are effective and can be adjusted as needed.
  1. Skill Building: ABA therapy focuses on teaching skills that are important for daily living. This includes communication, social skills, academic skills, and self-care.
  1. Generalization and Maintenance: Therapists work to ensure that the skills learned during therapy are maintained over time and can be applied in different settings outside of the therapy environment.
  1. Parent and Caregiver Involvement: ABA therapy often involves training parents and caregivers to reinforce the skills and behaviors learned during therapy sessions, ensuring consistency and support in the client’s everyday life.

ABA therapy has been shown to be effective for many individuals with ASD, helping them develop essential life skills and improve their overall quality of life. It is often delivered in various settings, including homes, schools, and clinics, and can be adapted to suit individuals of different ages and abilities.

Proudly Serving Columbia and Surrounding Howard County Communities

Families looking for ABA therapy near Columbia, MD can conveniently access our center from communities throughout Howard County and neighboring areas. Our Columbia location is just a short drive from Ellicott City, Clarksville, Fulton, Laurel, Elkridge, Jessup, Savage, Highland, and North Laurel, making it an accessible choice for families seeking compassionate, evidence-based autism services. Conveniently located near Route 175, Snowden River Parkway, and I-95, our center offers easy access for families across the region.

We proudly serve children and families throughout Columbia, Ellicott City, Clarksville, Fulton, Laurel, Elkridge, Jessup, Savage, Highland, and surrounding Maryland communities. Whether you’re searching for ABA near me, ABA therapy near me, or a trusted center-based autism program close to home, Verbal Beginnings is committed to providing individualized care that helps children build meaningful communication, social, and daily living skills.

2024 06 27 14 51 12 VB Centers Overview.pdf Google Drive
We Accept Most Major Insurance

health insurance aba

100x20 blue verbal beginnings scribble

Our Columbia Location

7090 Samuel Morse Dr Suite 100- 300, Columbia, MD 21046

About Columbia, MD

The Verbal Beginnings center in Columbia, MD is located at 7090 Samuel Morse Drive, making it easily accessible for families in Columbia, Ellicott City, Laurel, and surrounding areas. Located in the Columbia Gateway Drive business community, our center is easy to find, especially if you’re coming from Route 175, Snowden River Parkway, or I-95. With plenty of parking and a big, friendly lobby, our facility is close to lots of dining and shopping options. If you’re coming off Route 175 or Snowden River Parkway, take the exit for Columbia Gateway Drive and follow it around until you reach Samuel Morse Drive at the far end of the loop. Our center is located at the end of Samuel Morse Drive next to the Parsons building.

 

Columbia is one of Howard County’s most established and family-friendly communities, and our center sits right at the heart of it. We serve families from across the county and the surrounding region—including the villages of Owen Brown, Long Reach, Wilde Lake, and Kings Contrivance within Columbia itself, as well as families coming from Ellicott City, Clarksville, Fulton, Jessup, and Laurel.

 

For families in Ellicott City, our center is a straightforward drive east on Route 40 or MD-108 to I-95 North, then a quick exit onto Route 175 toward Columbia Gateway. Most families find the trip takes under 20 minutes from the Ellicott City area. Families coming from Clarksville or Fulton can head east on MD-32 to I-95, then follow the same Route 175 exit to Columbia Gateway Drive—typically a 15-to-20-minute drive depending on traffic. For families in Laurel or the southern end of Howard County, I-95 North to Route 175 is the most direct route, with the Columbia Gateway business loop just minutes off the highway.

 

Our Columbia center is also conveniently close to landmarks many Howard County families know well—including The Mall in Columbia, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and the shops and restaurants along Dobbin Road and Snowden River Parkway. If you’re already familiar with the Columbia Gateway corridor from work or daily errands, chances are our center is easier to find than you’d expect.

Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Therapy in Columbia, MD

How do I get ABA therapy for my child in Columbia, MD?

The first step is to complete the enrollment form on this page. One of our Care Coordinators will reach out to discuss your child’s needs, verify your insurance, and walk you through next steps. If your child has already received an autism diagnosis, that typically streamlines the process. If you’re still in the evaluation stage, our team can help point you in the right direction. Immediate openings are available for children ages 1–5 at our Columbia center.

Does insurance cover ABA therapy in Howard County?

In most cases, yes. Maryland law requires most insurance plans to cover autism-related services, including ABA therapy. Verbal Beginnings accepts most major insurance plans at our Columbia center, and our Care Coordinators will verify your benefits when you submit an enrollment inquiry so you know what to expect before your child’s first day.

What ages do you serve at the Columbia center?

Our Columbia center serves children ages 1–5. This early intervention window is when ABA therapy tends to have the greatest impact on developmental outcomes, and our programs are designed specifically for young kiddos in this age range.

What is ABA therapy in Columbia, MD like at Verbal Beginnings?

At our Columbia center, ABA therapy is delivered in a center-based, preschool-like environment where children work with a dedicated team of BCBAs and RBTs. Programs combine 1:1 therapy with group instruction and peer interaction, and every child’s plan is individualized based on their assessment and goals. We also offer Speech Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy at the same location, so families can access multiple services under one roof.

What is the difference between full-day and half-day programs?

Both program options provide access to the same high-quality ABA therapy, speech, and occupational therapy services—the difference is in the number of hours your child attends each week. Our Care Coordinators and clinical team will help you determine which option is the best fit based on your child’s goals, their BCBA’s recommendations, and your family’s schedule.

Are there ABA therapy options near Ellicott City or Clarksville?

Our Columbia center is the closest option for many families in Ellicott City, Clarksville, and Fulton. We’re typically a 15-to-20-minute drive from these communities, and our location just off I-95 and Route 175 makes the commute straightforward from most parts of western and southern Howard County.

What other services are available at the Columbia center?

In addition to ABA therapy, our Columbia center offers Speech Language Pathology (SLP) and Occupational Therapy (OT), as well as parent groups and special events throughout the year. Having these services together in one location means fewer appointments at different offices and a more coordinated approach to your child’s care.

How do I know if my child needs ABA therapy?

ABA therapy is most commonly recommended for children who have received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, though it can also benefit children with other developmental differences. If your child’s pediatrician or developmental specialist has recommended ABA, or if you’ve noticed delays in communication, social skills, or daily living skills, reaching out to our Care Coordinators is a great first step. They can help you understand whether our programs are a good fit and what the process looks like from here.

100x20 blue verbal beginnings scribble
verbal beginnings rockville
rockville aba center 2

A Commitment to Quality Care

Verbal Beginnings is an accredited provider of ABA therapy

2026 Full & TS badge

BHCOE Accredited
Training Site

Promoting Continuous
Learning

Dedication to
Safe Care

Compassionate Care Through
Effective Treatment

Member Logo CASP

Commitment to Best Practices

2026 Full & TS badge

BHCOE Accredited
Training Site

Dedication to
Safe Care

Promoting Continuous
Learning

Compassionate Care Through
Effective Treatment

Member Logo CASP

Commitment to
Best Practice

2026 Full & TS badge

BHCOE Accredited
Training Site

Dedication to
Safe Care

Promoting Continuous
Learning

Compassionate Care Through
Effective Treatment

Member Logo CASP

Commitment to
Best Practice

100x20 blue verbal beginnings scribble

What’s it Like Inside a VB Center?

Want to take a 3D virtual tour of our amazing center? Just click below and have a look around our Columbia, MD Center to see what it’s like to be inside!

Got Questions?
Talk to us Today!