Comprehensive Therapy for Chicago Families Building Stronger Foundations for Their Children
Your child’s behavior analyst, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist all work in the same building, with daily collaboration. 8 locations across Chicagoland, no waitlist.
Already know your neighborhood? See our 8 Chicagoland locations
Let’s start with a conversation
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We will call you within 24 hours. No waitlists, no runaround.
Real Families Trust CST Academy
“His therapists were all so wonderful and extremely helpful with my son’s development and preparing him for his transition to Chicago Public Schools.”
“The ABA therapists were outstanding. She always went above and beyond, creating a warm and encouraging environment where our son felt safe.”
“CST is the best. They hire the best therapists from the BCBAs to the RBTs. Both our kids were always so happy to get dropped off.”
Comprehensive Therapy Services
18 months to 7 yearsApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Evidence-based therapy using behavioral principles to build communication, social, and learning skills. One-on-one sessions with consistent therapists focused on your child’s real-world progress.
2 years to 12 yearsAutism Evaluations
Comprehensive diagnostic assessments by certified specialists at our Chicago clinic locations. Clear results guide your next steps, whether beginning therapy or planning school transitions.
2 years to 6 yearsTherapeutic Learning Program
Group-based skill-building in structured, supportive environments. Children practice social, communication, and daily living skills in real-world contexts with professional guidance.
18 months to 18 yearsSpeech Therapy (SLP)
Individualized speech and language services targeting communication goals. From expressive language to feeding concerns, our speech therapists work collaboratively with your family.
18 months to 14 yearsOccupational Therapy (OT)
Sessions focused on independence in daily activities. Fine motor development, sensory processing, and adaptive skills that matter in school and at home.
18 months to 14 yearsPhysical Therapy (PT)
Movement, balance, and gross motor skill development tailored to each child. Therapy that builds strength, confidence, and the foundation for active play and learning.
18 months to 18 yearsFeeding Therapy
Specialized support for feeding, eating, and swallowing difficulties. Our feeding specialists work with families to make mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable.
Your Child’s Journey Starts Here
Contact CST Academy
Reach our team by phone, form, or email to discuss your child’s needs and schedule a consultation.
Clinical Consultation
Meet with a member of our clinical team to understand your options and what therapy looks like for your child.
Insurance Verification
Our team handles the details. We verify your coverage and answer all your questions.
Assessment
If needed, we complete a thorough assessment to create a personalized therapy plan for your child.
Therapy Begins
Your child starts with a consistent therapist who becomes a trusted partner in their growth.
What Makes CST Academy Different
A side-by-side look at what most providers offer versus what happens at CST Academy.
At Most Providers
At CST Academy
Step Inside Our Clinics
Every CST Academy location is designed for therapy, sensory regulation, and play. Here is what your child’s day looks like.
What Families Are Saying
My son has attended CST Academy as soon as he hit 2 years old and has just recently graduated this August. He’s received everything from Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapy services as well as ABA. I am so so thankful for CST and its staff. His therapists were all so wonderful and extremely helpful with my son’s development (and mine as a parent) as well as preparing him for his transition to Chicago Public Schools. I highly recommend CST to parents looking for these types of services for their child.
We could not be more grateful for the incredible experience our son had at CST Academy! He started attending when he turned 3, and after years of love, care, and support from the team, he graduated this August. The ABA therapists, in particular, were outstanding. She always went above and beyond, creating a warm and encouraging environment where our son felt safe and empowered to learn.
My two young sons have attended CST for ABA, OT, and speech. I have had experience with most of the big autism companies in the area, and can tell you CST is the best. They hire the best therapists from the BCBAs to the RBTs. Both our kids were always so happy to get dropped off. I’ve always been impressed with their ethics, warmth and child led approach.
Request Your Consultation
Let’s start with a conversation
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We will call within 24 hours to discuss your child’s needs and answer your questions.
Insurance and Financial Information
Insurance Coverage
In-Network: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Coming Soon: Aetna
Every plan is different. CST Academy verifies your benefits and walks you through your costs before therapy begins, so there are no surprises.
Out-of-Pocket Option
Session Cost: $125 per session
Applies to speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and feeding services.
Illinois law requires insurance to cover applied behavior analysis therapy. We verify your coverage and manage all administrative details.
Your Child Deserves to Reach Their Potential
Start the conversation with CST Academy today. No waitlists. No runaround. Just real therapy from real therapists.
CST Academy Locations Across Chicagoland
Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 620-7800
Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 620-7800
Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 620-7800
Chicago, IL 60656 (773) 620-7800
Wilmette, IL 60091 (773) 620-7800
Northbrook, IL 60062 (773) 620-7800
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (773) 620-7800
Gurnee, IL 60031 (773) 620-7800
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ABA therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children with autism develop communication, social, and daily living skills. At CST Academy, our approach is play-based. Your child learns through activities they enjoy, guided by a board-certified behavior analyst who tracks progress after every session and adjusts the plan weekly.
Does my child need an autism diagnosis to start ABA therapy?
Yes, insurance requires a documented autism diagnosis before ABA therapy can begin. If your child has not been evaluated yet, CST Academy provides diagnostic evaluations at our Chicago clinic locations. Once your child is evaluated, your nearest CST location gets started right away.
How many hours a week will my child be in ABA therapy?
Children in our ABA program typically attend 20 to 35 hours per week. Your child’s BCBA recommends the right frequency based on assessment results, treatment goals, and your family’s schedule. Sessions are play-based and structured around routines your child already knows, so even higher-hour programs feel sustainable.
How long before I see results from ABA therapy?
Most families notice early changes within the first two to three months: new attempts at communication, calmer transitions, or smoother mornings. Deeper gains in social confidence, self-regulation, and independence typically build between months 6 and 12 of consistent therapy.
Is parent involvement required during ABA therapy?
Parent coaching is a core part of every ABA program at CST Academy. You learn the same strategies your child’s therapists use so that progress at the clinic carries over to home, school, and everyday life. Families who participate in coaching consistently see stronger, more durable results.
What other therapies does CST Academy offer besides ABA?
CST Academy provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy, and a Therapeutic Learning Program alongside ABA. All therapies are available at our locations, and your child’s therapists coordinate at one building so progress in one area reinforces every other area.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
If your child has fewer words than other kids their age, is hard to understand outside the family, or gets frustrated when trying to communicate, a speech-language evaluation can give you a clear answer. Our SLP team can tell you after one assessment whether therapy is the right starting point. Most families tell us they wish they had called sooner.
Does my child need a diagnosis to start speech therapy, OT, or PT?
No. Unlike ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and feeding therapy do not require a diagnosis or a physician referral. Any family with concerns about their child’s communication, motor skills, sensory processing, or feeding can schedule an evaluation and start therapy based on the results.
Does insurance cover therapy at CST Academy?
Illinois law requires insurance plans to cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. CST Academy is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, and Aetna coverage is coming soon. For speech, OT, PT, and feeding therapy, coverage varies by plan. Our team verifies your benefits and walks you through your costs before therapy begins, so there are no surprises.
Where is CST Academy located?
CST Academy operates 8 locations across Chicagoland: Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park in Chicago, plus Park Ridge, Wilmette, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, and Gurnee in the suburbs. Autism evaluations are available at our Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park locations. All locations share the same phone number, (773) 620-7800, and are open Monday through Thursday 8AM to 6PM, Friday 8AM to 5PM.
CST Academy
Pediatric Therapy Services Across Chicagoland
Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 6 PM, Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
CST Academy is not a medical provider and does not provide medical diagnoses. Treatment planning is developed by our clinical team based on comprehensive assessments.