How PerformCare Intake Works in NJ: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

What Is PerformCare and Why Does It Matter for ABA Therapy?

If you're a parent in New Jersey seeking behavioral health services for your child-including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for autism-you've likely heard of PerformCare. PerformCare is the state's contracted single point of entry for children's behavioral health services, managed by the New Jersey Children's System of Care. It's designed to simplify access to care by centralizing referrals, so you don't have to call multiple agencies.

For ABA therapy, PerformCare is often the first step if your child is covered by NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) or certain private insurance plans. The process can feel overwhelming, but understanding each step helps you move through it with confidence. This guide walks you through the entire PerformCare intake process, from the initial call to connecting with a provider.

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Who Needs to Use PerformCare?

PerformCare serves children and youth under age 21 who are residents of New Jersey and need behavioral health services, including ABA therapy, counseling, or psychiatric care. It's especially relevant if your child has an autism diagnosis and is seeking ABA therapy through NJ FamilyCare or a participating insurance plan. Private insurance plans may also require PerformCare as a first step, though some allow direct referrals. Check with your insurance company to confirm.

When to Call PerformCare

You should call PerformCare when your child's pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, or school recommends behavioral health services and you don't yet have a provider. If your child is already seeing a provider but needs a change, PerformCare can help with that too. For crisis situations-such as self-harm or aggression-PerformCare offers 24/7 crisis support, and the intake process is expedited.

Step-by-Step PerformCare Intake Process

Step 1: Make the Initial Call

Call PerformCare at 1-877-652-7624. This number is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, but the crisis line operates 24/7. When you call, you'll speak with a care coordinator who will ask for basic information: your child's name, date of birth, address, insurance or NJ FamilyCare ID number, and a brief description of the concerns. Have these details ready to speed things up.

Step 2: Complete the Screening

The care coordinator will conduct a brief screening to understand your child's needs. They'll ask about symptoms, behaviors, and any previous diagnoses. This is not a formal assessment-it's to determine urgency and the type of service needed. Be honest and specific. For ABA therapy, mention the autism diagnosis and any previous recommendations for ABA.

Step 3: Receive a Referral and Provider List

After the screening, PerformCare will generate a referral and provide you with a list of providers in your area who accept your insurance and have availability. The list includes contact information and sometimes wait times. You can also ask for providers who offer in-home or center-based ABA therapy. Keep in mind that PerformCare does not schedule appointments-you must contact the providers yourself.

Step 4: Contact Providers and Schedule an Intake Evaluation

Call the providers on your list. Ask about their current wait times, whether they offer BCBA-led services, and if they accept your insurance. Most ABA providers will schedule an intake evaluation to assess your child's needs and develop a treatment plan. If you find it challenging to get through or face long wait lists, our free service at ABA For My Child can help match you with vetted, BCBA-led providers who have openings.

Step 5: Follow Up with PerformCare (If Needed)

If you're unable to find a provider within a reasonable time, call PerformCare back. They can offer additional options or escalate your case. They also follow up periodically to ensure you're connected. If your child's needs change, you can request a new referral.

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What Information Do You Need for the Intake?

To make the process smoother, gather the following before calling:

• Your child's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number (if available)
• Insurance card or NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid ID number
• Any recent evaluations, such as a diagnostic report from a developmental pediatrician or psychologist
• School records or Individualized Education Program (IEP) if relevant
• A list of current medications and dosages
• Your contact information and preferred times for follow-up

Costs and Insurance Coverage

PerformCare itself is free-it's a referral service funded by the state. The cost of ABA therapy depends on your insurance. NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) covers ABA therapy for children with autism, and private insurance plans in New Jersey are required to cover medically necessary ABA under the state's autism insurance mandate. PerformCare works with both. If you're unsure about coverage, ask PerformCare to verify your benefits, or contact your insurance directly. Our service can also help you understand your insurance options and connect you with providers who accept your plan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Parents often make a few mistakes during the PerformCare intake process. Here's what to watch out for:

• Not having documents ready: Delays happen when you need to call back with information. Prepare everything beforehand.
• Assuming PerformCare schedules appointments: They only provide referrals. You must contact providers yourself.
• Waiting too long to follow up: Providers may have wait lists. Call multiple providers and ask about cancellations.
• Not mentioning ABA specifically: If you want ABA, say so clearly. Otherwise, you might get referrals for other therapies.
• Giving up after one call: If the first provider list doesn't work, call PerformCare again. Persistence pays off.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Call early in the day to avoid long hold times.
• Write down the name and ID of the care coordinator you speak with.
• Ask for a written copy of your referral and provider list via email or mail.
• If you're looking for ABA therapy, consider using our free matching service to supplement PerformCare's list-we connect you with vetted, BCBA-led providers who have current openings.
• Keep a log of all calls, including dates, names, and outcomes.

What Happens After the Intake?

Once you connect with a provider, they will conduct a comprehensive assessment to create a treatment plan. For ABA therapy, this typically involves a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) observing your child and developing goals. Services can begin once the assessment is complete and insurance is authorized. PerformCare may follow up to confirm you're engaged in services, but after that, your relationship is with the provider and your insurance company.

When to Use Our Free Matching Service

PerformCare is a great starting point, but sometimes the provider list is outdated or providers are full. That's where we come in. ABA For My Child is a free service that matches families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA therapy providers. We work with clinics across New Jersey, including those that accept NJ FamilyCare and private insurance. If PerformCare's list doesn't yield a match, or if you want to explore more options, fill out our simple form and we'll connect you with providers who have availability. No cost, no obligation-just a helping hand.