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The Ariel Difference
Types of Service
Supports
Locations
Getting Started
FAQs

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The Ariel Difference  |  Types of Service  |  Supports  |  Locations  |  Getting Started  |  FAQs

What are Behavioral Services?

Behavioral services help individuals express themselves in safe, healthy ways by replacing challenging behaviors with positive ones through skill-building and emotional regulation. Available for individuals age 16 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), these services use evidence-based techniques to reduce stress, promote safety, and support lasting growth. Because behavior is communication, our approach focuses on understanding what individuals are trying to express and teaching them more effective ways to meet their needs.

The Ariel Difference

Behavior tells a story—and at Ariel, the focus is on understanding that story with curiosity, empathy, and respect. Rather than simply responding to challenging behaviors, our approach recognizes the impact of past experiences and uses this understanding to reduce stress while promoting growth. Every intervention begins with the least intrusive strategies, building trust and safety before introducing change.

Our team brings specialized expertise through proven Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, with Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and a master’s-level Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)—one of only two on the Western Slope. This clinical excellence combines with close family collaboration to ensure positive changes extend beyond sessions into daily life. The result? Learning spaces where individuals want to be, where growth feels natural, and where real-world progress happens on each person’s own terms.

Types of Behavioral Services

Each plan is personalized to meet the unique needs of the participant, called a “Member” in Medicaid language, and their support team. Here are some of the services we offer:

  • Behavior Assessment & Planning | We look at the “why” behind behaviors and create a custom plan to support positive changes. This might include teaching frustration tolerance or social interaction skills.
  • Skill Building | From communication and hygiene to problem-solving and daily living skills, we focus on what matters most to the individual.
  • Family & Caregiver Support | We offer training, coaching, and tools to help caregivers support progress at home and in everyday life.
  • Positive Reinforcement | Using encouragement, praise, and meaningful rewards, we help individuals build self-confidence and lasting habits.

Our goal is to create a space where people want to be—where learning is fun, personalized, and leads to real-world progress.

Additional support available with Behavioral Services

Participants in Behavioral Services may also access other supports that enhance success, such as:

Case Management

Friendly staff partner with you to set goals, make plans, and connect with the right services. They focus on what matters most—building trust, discovering interests, respecting choices, and helping Members feel included in decisions.

Community Activities

A wide range of opportunities for people to connect with others and participate in community activities they enjoy. From social events to volunteer work, Members can find friendships, feel valued and have fun!

Life Skills Development

Practical skills for daily living like cooking, managing money, using public transportation, and other important tasks. Our coaching helps Members become more independent and confident in everyday life.

Where we provide Behavioral Services

Currently, Behavioral Services are based out of our Grand Junction headquarters. Availability in other areas may vary—please reach out to see if we can serve you locally or remotely.

How to get started with Behavioral Services

For ages 16–20, services are typically funded through Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) program. A diagnosis of I/DD and a provider referral are required.

For ages 21 and up, services are usually covered by the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver. Participants can be referred by their Ariel case manager or reach out directly if not already connected.

Private insurance or private pay options may also be available. Our team is happy to walk you through the process and help you find the right fit.

Give us a call at (970) 245-1616 or reach out via our Contact Form. We’ll listen to your needs, answer your questions, and work with you to build a plan that supports success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you don’t find what you’re looking for below, feel free to ask your question via our Contact Form.

If you’re 16 or older and have an IDD diagnosis, you likely qualify. Call us at (970) 245-1616 to confirm and to get started.

Making sure challenging behaviors are often a form of communication by individuals in distress. Our services focus on understanding the root causes and addressing these behaviors by teaching safe, effective ways to communicate. We aim to reduce restrictive measures while promoting independence.

We address a wide range of behaviors, including but not limited to:

  • Self-harm (e.g., hitting, biting oneself)
  • Aggression (e.g., pinching, hitting others)
  • Elopement or running into unsafe spaces
  • Property damage (e.g., smashing objects, throwing things)

Behavioral Services is very individualized. It may look different depending on the person’s behaviors and needs. It might take place in an office, in the community, or alongside other Ariel services like Day Habilitation. Some participants work with us daily; others benefit from simple changes in their environment or caregiver approaches.

We often start with proactive strategies—like structured routines or planned activities—and build in motivational tools to encourage lasting growth.

Our team approach includes and relies on involvement of families and caregivers who work directly with the Member.

ABA is an evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying triggers, shaping skills, and reinforcing positive behaviors in real-world settings. It’s backed by decades of research and used to improve communication, social interaction, hygiene, safety, and independence.

Caregivers play a central role in ABA success, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.

Our participants gain life-changing skills: expressing their feelings, forming friendships, caring for themselves, and thriving in group settings. Many achieve greater independence, allowing them to stay in less restrictive environments and enjoy healthier, fuller lives.

The short answer is as long as they need to. Most participants engage for several months; adults may take longer due to longstanding habits.

If participants are under 21, services require reauthorization every six months.

If participants are over 21, services require reauthorization annually.

Our team is led by a master’s-level, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and includes certified Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) with 40+ hours of specialized training. All staff receive additional, ongoing training in trauma-informed care, safety, medication administration, and more.

We also provide training specific to the needs of each individual we serve.

Yes, in some cases. While in-person services offer the broadest options, virtual services can be effective, especially for those in rural areas. We’ll help assess whether remote services are a good fit.

>> Unless otherwise noted, all images and names represent real Members but actual images and names have not been used for privacy reasons. <<