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The VA Community Care Network

A Guide for Autism Specialists

In California, independent Physician Assistants (PAs) can bill the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for services provided to veterans, but it’s essential to understand the regulations surrounding this process.

Welcome to Veterans Desk, your trusted resource for connecting dedicated healthcare professionals with opportunities to serve our nation’s veterans. This guide is specifically designed for providers who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—including developmental pediatricians, clinical psychologists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs), and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs). Whether you work with children of veterans or provide adult autism evaluations, this guide gives you everything you need to join the VA Community Care Network (CCN) and support autism-related care through VA-authorized services.

Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN

Verify Your Credentials

  • Developmental Pediatricians – MD with subspecialty training
  • Psychologists – PhD or PsyD with autism expertise
  • BCBAs – Certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
  • SLPs – ASHA certification and state licensure
  • OTs – NBCOT certification and state licensure
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Prepare Required Documents

Gather the following:

  • Proof of certification (e.g., BACB, ASHA, NBCOT)
  • Valid state license
  • Proof of malpractice insurance
  • Updated CV/resume showing clinical experience in autism care
  • Completed and signed W-9

 

Submit Your Application

Apply to the appropriate network based on your region:

Complete Required Training

Complete mandatory VA provider training courses at:

Courses may include HIPAA compliance, billing procedures, and care coordination within the VA system.

Credentialing & Review

The VA or its third-party administrator will:

  • Verify your credentials, background, and experience.
  • Review your clinical setting for compliance and accessibility (if applicable)

Receive and Sign Contract

  • Once approved, you will receive a formal contract with reimbursement terms.
  • You may begin accepting referrals for autism-related services for eligible veterans and their families
VA CCN Enrollment Page
Join the Network – TriWest

Why Autism Specialists Matter to Veterans and Their Families

Although autism is often diagnosed in childhood, the need for consistent, specialized care continues throughout life. Veterans raising children with ASD require access to high-quality developmental, behavioral, and therapeutic services. Additionally, some adult veterans may live with previously undiagnosed or late-diagnosed autism and benefit from formal evaluation and support.

As an autism care specialist in the VA CCN, you can:

 

  • Deliver targeted developmental and behavioral therapies to dependents of veterans.
  • Provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to adult veterans when clinically indicated.
  • Improve quality of life, independence, and social functioning through evidence-based interventions.

Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN

  • Serve a Unique Population: Support both adult veterans and their children with ASD by providing access to specialized care not always available in VA facilities.

  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside professionals such as psychologists, SLPs, OTs, developmental pediatricians, and BCBAs.

  • Streamlined Reimbursement: Receive payment through VA-authorized care plans under TRICARE and Community Care policies.

  • Clinical Flexibility: Offer ABA therapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling services in clinic or home settings, depending on authorization.

  • Professional Growth: Access VA-sponsored training and continuing education in autism care and developmental disabilities.
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Bridging the Gap for Veterans

Educational Support & Professional Growth

  • Participate in VA-sponsored workshops and continuing education related to autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, and family-centered care.

  • Explore potential eligibility for student loan repayment or Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

  • Connect with other professionals in the VA system to advance multidisciplinary autism care.

Transitioning from Military Service

  • Military autism specialists should ensure their credentials align with civilian licensing requirements.

  • Use expedited licensing pathways for transitioning service members when available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I provide ABA therapy under VA CCN?

 Yes. ABA therapy is authorized for eligible dependents of veterans and is covered under the VA Family Member Programs when prescribed.

Yes. If deemed clinically necessary and approved by a VA provider, adult diagnostic assessments and follow-up services are reimbursable.

Absolutely. The VA encourages interdisciplinary care involving BCBAs, SLPs, OTs, psychologists, and developmental pediatricians.

Yes. Telehealth is supported for many autism-related services, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Be sure to indicate telehealth capabilities when enrolling.

HIPAA Compliance Disclaimer

Veterans Desk is not a HIPAA-covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and is not subject to HIPAA privacy or security requirements. We do not collect, store, or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI) on behalf of veterans, healthcare providers, or any other party.

Our platform operates solely as an informational and networking resource. We offer membership access to a publicly viewable directory of VA Community Care Network (CCN) providers, along with educational links and resources. We do not provide direct medical referrals, coordinate patient care, or act as an intermediary between veterans and healthcare providers in any clinical capacity.

All communications, medical information, or personal data exchanged between a veteran and a provider occur outside of Veterans Desk and at the sole discretion and responsibility of the parties involved. Veterans Desk does not monitor, manage, or store these exchanges.

By using this site, you acknowledge and agree that:

  1. Veterans Desk is not your healthcare provider or representative.

     

  2. Veterans Desk does not give medical advice, make treatment recommendations, or guarantee provider performance.

     

  3. Any medical or personal information you choose to share with a provider is done independently and outside our control.

     

If you require medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please contact a licensed healthcare provider directly or use your VA-approved care coordination channels.

No Medical Advice

All content provided by Veterans Desk, including but not limited to articles, guides, directory listings, and linked resources, is for informational and educational purposes only. Veterans Desk does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and nothing on this site should be interpreted as such.

Use of this website does not create a patient–provider relationship between you and Veterans Desk, its staff, or any healthcare provider listed on the site. We strongly encourage all veterans and users to consult directly with a licensed healthcare professional or their VA-approved care coordinator before making any decisions related to their health, treatments, or medical care.

Veterans Desk makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of any information provided. Reliance on any information found on this site is solely at your own risk.