TreSource

INTRODUCTION
The annual demand for individuals holding a BCBA or BCBA-D certification has increased each year since 2010. Although there are more funding resources and ABA agencies providing services today than ever before, there remains a substantial need for services. Independent practice provides a solution to this problem by creating opportunities for clients to access services directly from the BCBA without the necessity of the more traditional, tiered models.
 
TIERED MODELS VS. INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
Many ABA practices employ a pyramidal, or “tiered” model. A tiered model is characterized by two or more people providing different levels of service to a client. For example, a BCBA who provides consultation and a technician who provides direct services to the client. This model may also involve a supervisor who either oversees the technician under the BCBA’s supervision or supervises the BCBA.
 
In comparison, an independent practice model need only be operated by a BCBA. In this case, you would fulfill all necessary roles for a client, including assessment, consultation, caregiver training, or direct services to the client. Similar to organizations that use a tiered model, independent practitioners may address communication and language skills, social skills, self-care, play and leisure skills, motor skills, academic skills, and maladaptive behaviors. 
 
UNIQUE ADVANTAGES OF INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
As an independent practitioner, you also manage your practice. This provides many benefits that may not be available to you as an employee. Here are some of the advantages:

• Complete freedom over decisions that affect your clients and business. You are the boss!
• Flexibility with scheduling. You determine when you work, take time for family or friends, or take leisure time, sick time, or vacation.
• Choice in who you provide services to, contract with for payment, collaborate with and supervise. 
• Choice in where you provide services. This includes the geographic location of clients as well as the environment in which services are provided. For example, services could be provided in the client’s home or school, or in the community.
• Ability to be creative. You have the ability to utilize a variety of behavior analytic approaches and methodologies to meet your client’s needs. 
• Achieve financial freedom. You are not restricted by an hourly wage or salary thus allowing you to determine what you want to make.  
• Ability to practice at an optimal level. You are able to showcase your skills and experiences, work within your scope of practice, and employ best practices at all times.
• Take advantage of tax deductions. There are various tax deductions that come along with owning your own business. Speak to a tax professional about specific benefits for you.
• Help people who aren’t being helped. You are able to extend services to various populations not currently receiving any therapy. This includes individuals waitlisted for services, who don’t qualify for services with local organizations or are in remote areas.

 
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SETTING UP YOUR PRACTICE
With the freedom to design your practice, you are able to structure your services in any way that promotes effective treatment for your clients. Here are some factors to consider:

• Business model. Will you work as the sole owner and operator of your practice (i.e., Sole Proprietor Model) or share ownership of a business with another clinician (i.e., Shared Practice Model)? 
• Service model. What behaviors will services address? Which behavioral analytic treatment methodologies will you specialize in? Will services be provided in person or through synchronous or asynchronous telecommunications? Will you offer individual and group consultation?
• Environment. Will you provide consultation in the client’s home, school, or work, community settings, hospital, or your office?
• Scheduling. When will you work in the business versus on the business? What is your anticipated caseload? How will you handle cancellations?
• Collaboration. Who will you collaborate with? Parents, family members, staff, or teachers, or other professionals (e.g., speech pathologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, etc.)?
• Funding resources. How do you plan to get paid for services? Will you credential with insurers? Pursue private pay? 

 
PREPARE FOR THE JOURNEY
Becoming an independent practitioner may be your dream come true. It may also be as equally terrifying as it is thrilling. Running your own practice requires a level of knowledge and skill in both ABA practices and business. By understanding some of the challenges you may face, you can better prepare for this journey. Consider doing the following:

• Ask yourself “What do I know about independent practice?” and more importantly,  “What do I not know about independent practice?” To learn more, check out our free resources page here: LINK
• Join groups that offer information specific to practicing independently. We invite you to join our Facebook group, Independent BCBA Business Support, and Katie Loring's group, Independent BCBAs. 
• Ask other independent ABA practitioners what they like and don’t like about operating a practice, how challenges can be overcome, and what factors to consider. 
• Attend courses and trainings that will provide the information and tools you need. To learn more about the business-oriented CEU courses we offer, check out our library here: LINK
• Seek out business professionals or mentors who can assist you. Learn more about TreSource's mentorship program here: LINK

 
CONCLUSION
With the annual demand for BCBAs continuing to rise, there has never been a better time for you to form an independent practice. This model has many advantages, most notably your power to make decisions about all aspects of your services. It also creates an opportunity for you to work with anyone who could benefit from ABA therapy, especially those who are not currently able to access services. 
 
Independently practicing does require some business “know-how” and a bit of gumption. Understanding what you know and don’t know, and how to get the information you need will better prepare you for the journey. In the great words of B.F. Skinner, “A scientist may not be sure of the answer, but he's often sure he can find one.” In other words, you’ve got this!

Written March 11, 2021 - Updated November 11, 2023 By Charity Steele, MS, BCBA