CentralReach: Autism Care Platform & CEU Training

Company Overview

CentralReach is a healthcare IT company that delivers end-to-end software solutions tailored primarily for applied behavior analysis (ABA) providers, therapy organizations, special education services, and related behavioral health practices. Founded in 2012, they are headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and serve a wide range of clients across the United States. Their platform is designed to meet the needs of clinicians, educators, and administrators by offering tools that streamline operations while supporting evidence-based care. Led by CEO Chris Sullens, the company continues to expand its offerings with a strong focus on innovation and outcomes in autism and IDD care. CentralReach positions itself as a partner for organizations focused on autism and IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities), helping them enhance service delivery, maintain compliance, and manage growing caseloads efficiently.

The company’s platform provides a fully integrated suite of features that includes electronic health records (EHR), practice management, scheduling, clinical data collection, billing automation, payroll tools, and client engagement modules. They also offer specialized solutions for school-based services and employ data-driven tools that help practices track progress, improve outcomes, and remain compliant with both state and federal regulations. CentralReach emphasizes workflow automation, staff productivity, and scalable infrastructure to support multi-location and enterprise-level providers. Their ecosystem includes learning management systems (LMS), continuing education (CE) options, and clinical assessments, aiming to unify care delivery with operational efficiency. Over the years, CentralReach has expanded their offerings through several acquisitions, including Chartlytics (precision teaching), ABPathfinder (data collection), and LiftEd (educational data tracking), enhancing their reach into adjacent segments of behavioral healthcare and special education. This strategic growth has reinforced their ability to offer purpose-built tools for both clinical and educational settings.

In terms of reputation, CentralReach is widely recognized within the ABA and developmental therapy space. They have been featured on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies multiple times and continue to grow their presence in the healthcare IT sector. However, they do not currently maintain a profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Industry perception of CentralReach is generally positive, particularly for their niche focus and commitment to expanding functionality for therapy-focused organizations.

Features & Services

Clinical and data collection

• Clinical data collection: Customizable digital forms support real-time behavior and skill tracking with auto-graphing tools and offline functionality
• ABC data collection: Enables detailed documentation of antecedent–behavior–consequence events using structured fields and free-text options
• Clinical programming: Offers hundreds of flexible programs and thousands of short-term goals, with the ability to upload and customize content
• Custom form builder: Allows clinicians to create tailored data collection forms to fit unique workflows and treatment approaches
• Progress notes: Streamlines SOAP-style note creation with auto-population and summary tools for faster documentation
• Monthly client reporting: Automatically generates progress summaries, visual data charts, and caregiver input reports
• Mobile app: A HIPAA-compliant mobile app supports real-time data entry, electronic visit verification, and session timing, even offline

Practice management and scheduling

• Scheduling and calendar: Supports recurring appointments, availability settings, conflict alerts, and AI-powered optimization for efficient scheduling
• Authorization management: Tracks authorization timelines, utilization rates, expirations, and session linkage to payer requirements
• Client intake and onboarding: Customizable web forms capture essential client and caregiver data during the enrollment process
• Staffing tools: Includes provider availability settings, staff maps for in-home care, and tracking for cancellations and session changes
• Task management: Built-in tools allow administrators to assign, monitor, and track tasks and projects across departments

Billing, claims, and financial tools

• Billing and invoicing: Automates claims generation, supports complex billing scenarios, and allows customized invoices and integrated payment processing
• Claims tracking: Provides real-time insight into claim statuses, denials, and payment cycles with built-in analytics
• Managed billing and auditing: Offers services like BillMax for AI-driven claims auditing, helping practices reduce denials and optimize reimbursement
• Payroll and timesheets: Tracks worked hours, admin time, and travel across sessions to automate timesheet generation and support accurate payroll

Reporting, analytics, and compliance

• Custom reporting: Gives users the ability to build dashboards and visual reports to monitor clinical progress and business performance
• Clinical note auditing: Uses AI to flag incomplete or inconsistent documentation, reducing compliance risks
• Audit trails and permissions: Tracks all user actions and enforces role-based access controls to protect sensitive information

Learning and education

• Learning management system: Offers continuing education courses, RBT/BCBA prep, and training modules for staff development and certification
• Caregiver training: Includes content designed to engage and educate caregivers, reinforcing skill development outside therapy sessions

Client and communication tools

• Client portal: Allows caregivers to view session notes, sign documents, pay bills, join telehealth sessions, and message providers securely
• Secure messaging: ReachMe enables real-time, HIPAA-compliant messaging between staff and families for seamless communication

Infrastructure, integrations, and security

• HIPAA compliance: The entire platform meets federal standards for patient data privacy, with encrypted communications and secure storage
• Document management: Centralized system stores unlimited client and staff files with search, tagging, and version control
• API and integrations: Supports connections to billing clearinghouses, HR systems, and third-party software with API access for custom workflows

Plans & Prices

CentralReach does not publicly list detailed pricing or pre-set plan structures on their official website. Instead, they follow a custom-quote model, tailoring packages based on the size of the organization, number of users, and specific modules required. This modular approach allows providers to choose only the features they need, such as scheduling, billing, data collection, or clinical tools, potentially helping smaller practices manage costs while enabling larger organizations to scale up with more robust tools.

The company offers different product tiers, including their Essentials platform for smaller ABA practices and a more advanced Enterprise suite for large, multi-location organizations. While pricing is not disclosed online, users are encouraged to contact CentralReach directly for a personalized demo and quote. Based on research done, it can be inferred that pricing may vary widely depending on the modules selected and the complexity of implementation.

CentralReach also offers optional services and add-ons such as BillMax (managed billing services), CR Institute (continuing education and staff training), and LiftEd (school-based data tracking). These are typically upsold separately and may carry their own licensing or subscription fees.

There is no mention of free trials or freemium versions, though some educational resources and webinars may be available at no cost. It’s unclear whether CentralReach offers monthly versus annual billing options, but custom contracts typically imply longer-term agreements, particularly for enterprise clients.

Accepted payment methods are not publicly listed, but it is standard in the industry for vendors like CentralReach to accept major credit cards and electronic bank transfers. There is no indication that PayPal or cryptocurrencies are accepted. Information about cancellation policies, hidden fees, or refund terms is not available on their site, so organizations considering the platform should carefully review all contract terms before committing.

For an accurate understanding of costs, payment schedules, and optional services, potential customers will need to schedule a consultation with CentralReach’s sales team.

Advantages

• Tailored tools for ABA and developmental disability providers: CentralReach is purpose-built for organizations serving individuals with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities. This specialization allows therapy and education teams to use tools that align directly with their clinical models, improving treatment fidelity, reducing administrative friction, and enabling outcomes-driven care
• Support for in-home, in-school, and clinic-based services: CentralReach includes features like mobile access, telehealth, and scheduling tools that support multiple service delivery models. With this feature, providers expand access to care, serve clients in different environments, and meet the documentation and coordination needs of mobile teams
• Ongoing staff development through CR Institute: Built-in learning management features offer CEUs, certification prep, and training for RBTs and BCBAs. This way, practices maintain credentialing requirements, onboard staff efficiently, and invest in team growth without relying on external platforms
• Integrated clinical and operational workflows in one system: The platform combines EHR, billing, scheduling, payroll, and data collection in a unified ecosystem. This reduces the need for multiple software vendors and data silos, helping practices streamline operations, minimize errors, and save time across departments
• Customizable programs and data collection formats: Users can upload their own programs, goals, and forms or use built-in libraries and flexible form builders. Clinicians can control how they document and measure progress, allowing practices to personalize care while maintaining consistency and compliance
• Advanced billing and claims tools for behavioral health: The system supports insurance billing with automation, payer-specific templates, and real-time claims tracking. This enables faster reimbursement, reduces denials, and simplifies the billing process for practices working with Medicaid, commercial insurers, and private payers
• Configurable access and compliance safeguards: Role-based permissions, audit trails, and HIPAA-compliant infrastructure are embedded throughout the system. Therefore, sensitive information is protected while allowing staff to access only the data they need, supporting secure, scalable operations
• Mobile-friendly tools with offline capabilities: The CR Mobile app allows data collection, time tracking, and EVV compliance from the field, even without an internet connection. This is essential for therapists working in homes or schools, enabling real-time documentation and reducing after-hours admin work
• Scalable structure for multi-location growth: CentralReach supports enterprise operations with tools for location-specific oversight, enterprise dashboards, and centralized reporting. This allows growing practices to maintain consistency across branches while adapting to the specific needs of each site or region

Disadvantages

• Steep learning curve for new users: CentralReach’s broad functionality and highly configurable features can be overwhelming during onboarding. Clinicians and administrators may require extensive training before they can use the system efficiently, which can slow down adoption and increase upfront labor costs for new teams
• Inconsistent customer support responsiveness: While some users report positive interactions with the support team, others mention long wait times and unresolved tickets. This inconsistency may leave practices without timely help during critical issues, potentially disrupting clinical or billing workflows and affecting service delivery
• Higher overall cost for smaller practices: The modular pricing model and reliance on add-ons for core features can make the platform expensive for small or solo providers. Organizations with limited budgets might struggle to justify the investment, especially if they do not need the full suite of enterprise-grade tools
• Occasional system performance issues after updates: Some users have noted glitches, lag, or minor bugs following platform updates. These disruptions, while often temporary, can affect data entry, scheduling, and other core functions, requiring workarounds that reduce productivity during peak periods

Customer Experience

CentralReach receives moderately positive feedback across major review platforms. On G2, the software holds an average rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on over 60 user reviews. On both Capterra and Software Advice, CentralReach is rated 4.3 out of 5, indicating a higher level of satisfaction among users on those platforms. CentralReach also maintains an active profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and they are currently accredited and hold a BBB rating of A+. 

Positive feedback

Users frequently praise CentralReach for their comprehensive functionality, which allows clinics to consolidate scheduling, data collection, billing, payroll, and reporting into a single platform. Reviewers highlight the software’s ability to support HIPAA compliance and clinical accuracy, noting that their tools are particularly well-suited for ABA and therapy-based practices. The mobile app is well-received for enabling on-the-go data entry, and clinicians appreciate the customizable templates and built-in programs for progress tracking. Several users also report that the platform saves them time and improves workflow consistency across teams.

Critical feedback

Despite their strengths, CentralReach receives criticism for their steep learning curve and interface complexity, especially during onboarding and staff training. Users often mention that the system can feel overwhelming for new users and may require significant time to configure properly. There are also recurring complaints about technical glitches following software updates and occasional lag within the mobile app. Some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the overall cost of the platform, pointing to feature limitations or add-on pricing as unexpected expenses. Customer service reviews are mixed, while some users report helpful support agents, others mention slow response times, unresolved tickets, or a lack of proactive follow-up.

How the company responds to feedback

There is no consistent record of the company replying to reviews on G2, Capterra, or Software Advice. This suggests that while CentralReach may resolve issues internally, they do not appear to actively engage with public-facing feedback across third-party platforms. Prospective clients are encouraged to confirm support response times and escalation processes during the sales and onboarding phases.

Customer Support

CentralReach provides several customer support options to help users manage technical issues and optimize their use of the platform. Support is available via phone at (800) 939-5414 and by email at support@centralreach.com. Logged-in users can also access the company’s in-platform chat feature for direct assistance during regular business hours. While 24/7 support is not advertised, CentralReach maintains dedicated contact methods for ongoing needs, especially during implementation and onboarding.

A key resource for users is the CentralReach Help & Support Center, which houses hundreds of step-by-step articles, video tutorials, and how-to guides covering every module, from scheduling and billing to clinical data collection. These guides are searchable and regularly updated, allowing users to troubleshoot independently or explore advanced features.

For deeper learning, CentralReach offers a robust training and certification hub through the CR Institute. This includes continuing education units (CEUs), RBT and BCBA exam prep, and organization-wide training programs that support staff development and compliance. These courses can be bundled into service agreements or purchased separately, depending on an organization’s needs.

Between their guided learning options and technical support channels, CentralReach offers an ecosystem designed to support long-term adoption and team growth. Users are encouraged to engage with both the live support options and the self-service resources to get the most value from the platform.

Conclusion

CentralReach stands out as a purpose-built solution for applied behavior analysis (ABA), developmental disability services, and therapy practices that require highly specialized clinical and administrative support. Their platform combines electronic health records, billing, scheduling, clinical programming, and data collection into one cohesive system, making it especially valuable for multidisciplinary teams. With tools designed to support in-home, school-based, and clinic environments, CentralReach offers the flexibility and scalability needed to adapt to a variety of care models and organizational sizes.

Key advantages include their ABA-focused programming library, customizable data collection tools, and seamless integration of operations with compliance-focused infrastructure. Features like CR Institute’s built-in staff training, the mobile app’s offline functionality, and robust billing automation help organizations save time, stay compliant, and focus more on client outcomes. However, the platform does come with a steep learning curve, and their modular pricing structure may be cost-prohibitive for smaller practices. Some users have also expressed frustration with inconsistent support responsiveness and occasional system bugs following updates.

For practices considering CentralReach, it’s advisable to conduct a thorough evaluation of the platform’s features against specific operational needs. Exploring our reviews of other medical software providers can offer an added perspective on where CentralReach excels or falls short. You can also use our comparison tool to evaluate them side by side with other EHR and practice management platforms. For more background information and insights into industry trends, visit our medical software blog. Choosing the right solution depends on finding the right balance of functionality, cost, and long-term support for your organization’s goals.