3 Keys to Establishing an Independent ABA Practice

INTRODUCTION

Starting an independent practice can be a daunting endeavor, often leaving you wondering, "Where do I start?” As a BCBA and independent ABA practitioner, I can relate to the challenges ahead. In this article, I will simplify your journey by highlighting three key steps to establish your independent practice successfully.

 

KEY #1: SELF-ASSESS

The first step to establishing your practice is a thorough self-assessment. Your consultation services are the product of your business, making you the most crucial factor. Start by identifying your motivations for offering ABA services independently. This will drive the direction of your business now and in the future.

Key Areas to Explore:

  • What Gives You Joy? Reflect on what truly makes you happy. This will influence the hours you work, your contracts, and how you spend your leisure time.

  • Why Do You Want to Start a Business? Consider aspects of your health, wealth, and relationships that motivate you. Understanding these factors will help you avoid burnout and create a practice that aligns with your values.

  • How Do You Define Success? Success can be measured in various ways, such as improvements in health, quality of relationships, and financial goals.

  • Assess Your Skills and Experience. Identify your strengths to maximize your talents and understand your weaknesses to seek necessary support and training.

  • Evaluate Your Financial Health and Wealth. Ensure you make more than you spend, understand your spending habits, and determine the financial readiness to start your practice.

Tools for Self-Assessment:

  • The Bull's Eye Values Survey (BEVS): Helps identify and clarify core values across different life domains.

  • ACT Conversation Cards: Facilitate meaningful conversations and explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

  • 7-Levels Deep Exercise: Uncovers true motivations by asking "Why?" seven times.

  • StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Gallup and Tom Rath: Focuses on developing natural strengths for personal and professional success.

  • The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey: Guides on managing and improving financial health.


KEY #2: DEVELOP A BUSINESS SUPPORT PLAN

Creating a Business Support Plan is crucial for the success of your independent practice. This plan goes beyond a traditional business plan by providing an outline for assessment, an action plan specific to ABA, and a guide for the next 2-3 years.

Components of a Business Support Plan:

  • Identify the Function of Your Business

  • Define the Behaviors to Change or Improve

  • Determine Your Goals

  • Identify Assessment and Data Collection Tools

  • Select Strategies and Tools

  • Identify Participants (clients, stakeholders, funders)

  • Make Data-Based Decisions

  • Identify the Reinforcement from Your Practice

A Business Support Plan will help refine the problem your services solve and develop consistent language to communicate your services effectively. You can develop this plan while launching your practice. For a free downloadable template, click here: LINK.


KEY #3: SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY 

Independent practice doesn't mean you are alone. Numerous communities of BCBAs operate their own practices and are eager to support you.


Supportive Communities:

Surround yourself with positive individuals or communities that offer encouragement, coaching, and accountability. Evaluate your relationships to identify those who will provide the support you need to launch and operate your practice. Hiring professionals for tasks you can’t do, aren’t good at, or don’t want to do is also essential.

Recommended Professionals:

  • Tax Specialist

  • Bank or Banker

  • Insurance Agent

  • Attorney

  • Business Mentor

  • Accountability Partner

Your team will enable you to focus on what you excel at, increasing your overall success.


NEXT STEPS

To summarize, the three keys to establishing an independent practice are conducting a thorough self-assessment, developing a Business Support Plan, and joining or forming a supportive community. Embark on your journey with confidence by taking the following steps:

  1. Listen to a deep dive into the topic on the IBAB podcast episode here: LINK
  2. Download and utilize the Business Support Plan Template, Independent ABA Practice 12-Month Timeline for Success, and Checklist for Starting an ABA Practice from the Downloadable Tools page here: LINK
  3. Develop goals and objectives for launching your practice. (Hint: use the tools above as a guide for establishing your goals).
  4. Utilize the guidebook The Business of Behavior: The Behaviorist's Roadmap to Independent Practice for step-by-step instructions on how to complete your plan. Author-signed copy available for purchase here: LINK
  5. Obtain ongoing guidance by enrolling in the ABA Business Mentorship Program. Learn more here: LINK


Updated July 23, 2024 - By Charity Steele, MS, BCBA