How to Choose the Right ABA Provider for Your Child

Choosing the right Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provider for your child is a big decision—and we know it can feel overwhelming. The right provider can make a life-changing difference, helping your child build communication, social, and daily living skills. But not all ABA providers are created equal. The quality of services your child receives depends heavily on the company’s values, training standards, and how they treat their employees.

It’s easy to focus on concerns like whether a company takes your insurance or how long their waitlist is—and while those things matter, finding the right fit goes much deeper. A poor-quality ABA program can cause more harm than good, leading to frustration, slow progress, and even unethical treatment. To ensure your child receives the best possible care, take the time to research and ask the right questions. To help you feel confident in your decision, we’ve put together some key factors to consider when choosing an ABA provider.

A company that values its employees is more likely to provide consistent, high-quality care. After all, happy, well-supported therapists are more engaged, motivated, and better equipped to help your child succeed.

Check out employee reviews on sites like Indeed or Glassdoor. Look for patterns in reviews—if multiple employees mention high turnover, poor training, or lack of support, this could be a red flag. Consistent mentions of supportive management and comprehensive training are positive indicators

The person overseeing your child’s therapy—the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)—sets the tone for the entire program. That’s why it’s essential to verify their certification through BACB.com. This ensures they’ve met the required training and ethical standards.

But don’t stop there. Ask about their experience with children who have similar needs to your child. A BCBA who has worked with similar challenges will have valuable insights into effective strategies and approaches.

Behavior Technicians (BTs) are the ones working directly with your child during therapy sessions, so their training matters—a lot. Make sure to ask questions like:

• What does the onboarding process look like? Are new BTs given hands-on training, or are they thrown into sessions too soon?
• Beyond the required 40-hour training, what additional support is provided? The basic 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training is an essential starting point, but high-quality companies offer additional mentorship and supervision to ensure BTs are competent before working one-on-one with children.
• Do they require a bachelor’s degree? While it’s not mandatory, companies with higher hiring standards tend to attract more experienced and knowledgeable candidates.

High turnover among BTs and BCBAs can lead to inconsistent treatment and slower progress for your child. Ask the company about their employee retention rates and what they do to keep staff happy and engaged.

A provider that values and supports its staff creates a more stable environment for your child—and consistency is key when it comes to ABA therapy.

If you're considering center-based ABA services, it’s a good idea to ask if you can observe a session—or even request an in-home visit. Watching your child interact with the BCBA and Behavior Technician (BT) gives you a chance to see how they connect and whether the provider’s approach feels right for your child.

A trustworthy provider should be open to this. Transparency is key in quality ABA, and as Dr. Greg Hanley puts it, ABA must “prioritize safety, rapport, and the televisibility of what we do above all else.” (Read more here.)

Taking the time to observe a session can give you peace of mind. It helps you understand how the provider handles challenges, how they adjust to your child’s needs, and whether they treat your child with the respect and dignity they deserve.

we specialize in providing therapy in the comfort of your home, at school, and in the community. We actively encourage parents to observe and participate in sessions because we know that therapy is most effective when families are involved. Partnering with you helps us create a more meaningful and lasting impact for your child.

You don’t have to become an expert but understanding the basic ethical guidelines that govern ABA therapy will help you advocate for your child. The BCBA Ethics Code outlines what’s considered best practice—and recognizing these standards will help you spot anything concerning.

ABA therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right provider will take the time to understand your family’s culture, values, and preferences to create a program that truly fits your child’s needs. You might find that in-home services work better for your family, or that a center-based approach is a better fit. 

Larger ABA companies can give you the flexibility to switch therapists if the fit isn’t right, which is a big plus. But they often struggle with high turnover and inconsistent care, and some may fall short when it comes to properly training their RBTs. Many large practices are backed by private equity investors who aren’t bound by the BACB Ethics Code and may focus more on quantity than quality. On the other hand, smaller providers tend to offer more personalized attention and consistent care, but they might have fewer resources to draw from. Finding the right balance is key to making sure your child gets the support they need.

Active parent involvement is crucial for the success of ABA therapy. If you choose a center-based ABA program, ask whether the BCBAs are willing to provide parent consultations in the home or community. A crucial part of ABA is ensuring that the skills a child learns in therapy sessions generalize to their natural environment—home, school, and community settings. Without this, progress may be limited to the therapy room rather than becoming meaningful in daily life. Choose providers who encourage and facilitate parent participation and provide guidance on integrating strategies into daily routines.

Caregiver training is also essential for behavior reduction strategies and skill-building. ABA is not a magic pill—lasting behavior change does not end with the BCBA and RBT. Significant support from parents and caregivers is necessary to reinforce skills and maintain progress over time. A strong ABA provider will empower families with the knowledge and tools they need so that, eventually, the child can graduate from ABA, and the family can confidently support their continued success.

We believe that empowering parents is just as important as working with their children. 

Choosing the right ABA provider is a big decision, and it’s important to trust your instincts throughout the process. We may be experts in behavior, but YOU are the expert on your child. Taking the time to research employee experiences, verify credentials, and ask about training can make all the difference in finding high-quality, ethical, and effective care. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions—your child’s progress depends on it. Your involvement and advocacy are powerful tools in helping your child thrive.

This advice comes not only from professional experience but also from personal experience. As a BCBA and a parent of a 12-year-old who has participated in both center-based and in-home ABA therapy for the past 10 years, I understand how overwhelming this process can feel. If you have any questions about ABA, or autism, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to chat about ABA and help where I can! 

Want more information about starting ABA services with us? 

If From Roots to Wings Behavioral Consulting isn’t the right fit for your family, that’s completely okay! I’d be happy to provide you with a list of trusted ABA providers in the York/Lancaster/Chester County, South Carolina or Charlotte, North Carolina Areas. I’ve had the privilege of working with many local agencies and also have personal experience as a parent navigating ABA services. Plus, I have colleagues who can recommend (or steer you away from) certain companies. Just reach out — I’m here to help you find the right fit for your child!

-Stephanie Clemente, M.S., BCBA

*DISCLAIMER: Because Stephanie Clemente, BCBA, provides services with several other ABA companies in the area, she’s unable to accept clients she has directly worked with while at those agencies. This is due to ethical guidelines and non-solicitation agreements. Thanks for understanding — we’re happy to answer any questions!