What to Consider When Choosing an ABA Provider

By Stephanie O’Driscoll, MA, BCBA, LBA

Starting ABA services can feel overwhelming. There are waitlists, insurance paperwork, evaluations — and in the middle of all that, you’re expected to choose a provider.

Many websites look similar. Promises sound the same. But behind the scenes, ABA companies can operate very differently.

Here are some key things families should consider — especially when it comes to who is actually leading the organization.

Who Owns and Runs the Company?

One of the most important (and least talked about) questions is:

Is this organization led by clinicians — or by investors and non-clinical business owners?

In recent years, many ABA companies have been bought by private equity firms or run by people with no background in behavior analysis. Their expertise is in growth, revenue, and scaling services — not clinical care.

That doesn’t automatically mean services are poor. But it can shift priorities in ways families should understand.

Why Clinical Leadership Matters

When a company is owned or directed by BCBAs or other clinicians, decisions are more likely to be guided by:

• Ethical standards

• Individualized care

• Staff training and supervision quality

• Reasonable caseloads

• Long-term progress for children

When leadership doesn’t have clinical training, decisions may be driven more heavily by:

• Productivity quotas

• Pressure to fill hours quickly

• High caseloads for supervisors

• Rapid expansion with less oversight

ABA is not a one-size-fits-all service. It requires thoughtful clinical judgment. Leadership that understands the work firsthand makes a difference.

Ask About BCBA Supervision

BCBAs should be actively involved in your child’s care — not just signing paperwork.

Ask:

• How often does the BCBA observe sessions?

• How often will they meet with my family?

• How many clients does each BCBA supervise?

If a BCBA is overseeing a very high number of cases, it can limit how individualized and responsive services are.

Look at Staff Support and Training

Therapists (often called RBTs or behavior technicians) provide most direct therapy hours. Their training and support are critical.

Ask:

• How are therapists trained before starting?

• How often do they receive supervision?

• What happens if my child’s therapist leaves?

High staff turnover can be a red flag and is sometimes more common in large, investor-driven companies where workloads are heavy and support is limited.

Individualized Care vs. “Set Hours”

Be cautious if a provider recommends a large number of hours before completing a thorough assessment or understanding your family’s needs.

Quality ABA should be:

• Individualized

• Based on skill level and goals

• Flexible as progress happens

More hours does not always mean better outcomes. The right hours, with the right support, matter more.

Communication and Parent Involvement

Families should feel like partners, not bystanders.

Look for providers who:

• Offer regular parent meetings

• Encourage observation and participation

• Respond to questions and concerns

• Explain goals in everyday language

If communication feels rushed or discouraged, that’s important to notice.

It’s Okay to Ask Direct Questions

You are allowed to ask:

• Who owns this company?

• Are clinical leaders involved in decision-making?

• How do you ensure quality over growth?

A reputable provider will answer openly and respectfully.

A Final Thought

Choosing an ABA provider is not just about availability or insurance coverage. It’s about trusting a team to support your child’s development during some of their most important learning years.

Clinical expertise, ethical practice, and thoughtful leadership shape the quality of care more than flashy websites or big company names.

You deserve a provider whose primary focus is your child — not just their growth as a business.