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Service area

ABA Therapy in St. Pete Beach, FL

MCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in St. Pete Beach, Pinellas County.

ABA therapy in St. Pete Beach

Located on the barrier island of Long Key in Pinellas County, St. Pete Beach is a unique coastal community known as "The Sunset Capital of Florida." Formed in 1957 through the consolidation of smaller towns like Pass-a-Grille and Belle Vista, the city has a distinct identity separate from its larger neighbor, St. Petersburg. For the nearly 8,900 residents who call this beautiful island home, life is centered around the water, with access to the mainland via bridges connecting to South Pasadena and Treasure Island.

For families in St. Pete Beach raising children with autism spectrum disorder, this idyllic setting can also present logistical challenges. According to the 2020 Census, only 6.4% of the population is under 18, meaning resources specifically for children may require travel. Commuting across bridges for consistent therapy appointments can add significant stress and time to a family's schedule. Multicultural Development Services Center (MCDS) understands these challenges and brings compassionate ABA therapy directly to your family's doorstep.

Our approach emphasizes providing services in the child’s natural environment. Whether your home is in the historic Pass-a-Grille district or near the bustling Corey Avenue shops, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) come to you. This in-home model helps children learn and practice new skills in the familiar, comfortable setting where they live and play. We also offer community-based support, integrating therapy into local outings, and telehealth services for added flexibility.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Damaris Baez and our clinical team including Hiram Aguilera, BCBA, MCDS is dedicated to supporting families throughout Pinellas County. By eliminating the need for frequent travel, we empower St. Pete Beach families to build a supportive, consistent therapeutic routine that fits the rhythm of life on the island.

About St. Pete Beach

Population
8879 (2020)
Areas & neighborhoods
Pass-a-Grille · Belle Vista · Corey Avenue · Pass-a-Grille Historic District · Bayway Isles
Local landmarks
Don CeSar · Long Key · Pass-a-Grille Historic District · Corey Avenue · Gulf of Mexico

Services available in St. Pete Beach

Depending on assessment and authorization, MCDS may deliver the following services to St. Pete Beach families:

  • ABA TherapyIndividualized applied behavior analysis therapy for children, informed by more than two decades of behavioral-services experience in South Florida.
  • In-Home ABA TherapyABA therapy delivered where children learn best — inside their home and daily routines.
  • School-Based ABA SupportCollaborative behavioral support that partners with schools and educational teams when clinically appropriate.
  • Community-Based ABA TherapyABA therapy in real community settings so children can practice skills where they use them.
  • Early InterventionIndividualized early intervention for young children showing signs of developmental or behavioral needs.
  • Parent and Caregiver TrainingStructured coaching that equips caregivers to support their child throughout everyday routines.

Insurance for St. Pete Beach families

MCDS works with eligible plans from Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, and TRICARE, plus qualifying Florida Medicaid fee-for-service coverage. Verify your specific plan on the benefits verification page.

Questions from St. Pete Beach families

Does MCDS offer ABA therapy services on the barrier island of St. Pete Beach?
Yes, MCDS provides in-home, school-based, and community-based ABA therapy for families throughout St. Pete Beach. Our team travels to you, serving all neighborhoods from Pass-a-Grille to the northern end of the island.
My family lives in St. Pete Beach. Do you offer parent training?
Yes, parent training and support are core components of our services in St. Pete Beach. We work collaboratively with families to provide the tools and strategies needed to support their child's development in the home environment.
Is telehealth an option for ABA therapy in St. Pete Beach?
Absolutely. We offer telehealth services for St. Pete Beach residents, which can be a convenient option for parent training, supervision, and certain direct therapy sessions, providing flexibility for busy families.

Get in touch

To find out whether MCDS currently has provider availability in St. Pete Beach, call 954-302-8758 or request a call.

DB
Reviewed by Damaris Baez, Executive Director
Executive Director, Multicultural Development Services Center
Last reviewed

This page describes MCDS's stated service area for St. Pete Beach. It does not represent a physical clinic location. Availability of a specific clinician, schedule, service, or service setting may vary based on location, staffing, clinical needs, insurance authorization, and current capacity.