How to Choose the Right BCBA in San Francisco (Even If You’re New to ABA)

Beginning ABA therapy can be daunting. There is so much to consider: terminology, providers and options. One of the most essential decisions you will ever have to make is finding the appropriate BCBA in San Francisco to oversee your child's care.

Do not feel overwhelmed if this is your first experience working with a BCBA; in this guide I will outline their role, why it matters, and how to locate one who best fits with your family regardless if your child just received a diagnosis or you need to switch providers.

Let's begin. Let's do this together.

What is a BCBA and Why is it Important?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst is a person who has received the necessary training, certification, and licensing to create and oversee ABA therapy programs.

Your BCBA serves as your team leader, your child's progress monitor and go-to strategist; in addition to being your supervisor. A competent BCBA assists your child in developing useful, meaningful skills by looking both at the reasons for his or her behaviors as well as the behaviors themselves.

Consider your BCBA to be the person responsible for developing your child's ABA plan, while RBTs - often known as RBTs - serve as builders. Doing this keeps the design original and relevant.

Want to know if you’re 

actually getting the support your child deserves?

Download this free checklist: 10 Questions Most ABA Providers Hope You Don’t Ask, and bring it to your intake call.

It’s quick, clear, and could save you months of confusion (and thousands of dollars).

You don’t need to be an expert.

You just need the right questions.

What Qualifies as an Expert BCBA?

Let's discuss what makes a great BCBA before getting into how to locate one. According to Bay Area parents, the following attributes are the ones they cherish the most:

• Open and honest communication (with children and adults)

• Flexibility to modify plans as your child develops

• Creativity in addressing behavioral challenges

• Patience and a composed, encouraging presence

• Collaboration, as ABA is most effective when families are involved

Although there are many highly skilled individuals providing BCBA services in San Francisco, the ideal match will be one who is aware of your child's needs and objectives.

Step 1: Identify the services you want from BCBA

There are various types of providers. Some may provide private or independent consultations, while others work in smaller practices or for large ABA agencies. Thus, ask yourself:

• Do I want a team player or a lone provider?

• Do I prefer center-based therapy or in-home ABA services in San Francisco?

• How frequently would I like to see the BCBA?

• Do I want them to participate in school communications or IEPs?

It is much simpler to reduce your options when you are aware of your preferences.

Step 2: Inquire About Experience and Credentials

Verify the board certification and current standing of BCBA in San Francisco professionals with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The BACB website allows you to look up providers by zip code.

Experience is important as well. For instance:

• Do they have experience working with kids your child's age?

• Do they have experience with the particular difficulties or diagnoses that your child faces?

• Are they new to the area or do they have prior experience?

In addition to having experience, you want someone who can adjust to your child's particular personality.

Step 3: Seek Out Someone Who Incorporates You

Services provided by BCBA in San Francisco are more than just a session. They focus on creating a plan that works for you as well. The top BCBAs don't simply create behavior plans and then vanish.  

• They request your opinion

• Provide helpful advice that you can apply at home

• Help you through difficult times

• Clearly explain things

Don't be scared to inquire about your level of involvement in the process; ABA is most effective when families and professionals collaborate.

Step 4: Inquire About Team Support and Supervision

Most BCBAs oversee teams of therapists who work individually with your child. Therefore, the tone of the entire therapy process can often depend on your relationship with their BCBA.

Ask the following questions to clarify your doubts:

• How frequently will sessions be observed by the BCBA?

• How are RBTs supervised and trained?

• Will the BCBA be accessible for inquiries or check-ins?

Communication and consistency have a significant impact on your child's development.

Step 5: Choose Based on Fit, Not Just a Resume

Even if you find the best BCBA in town, the relationship won't work out if your child or family isn't a good fit for them.

For this reason, a lot of providers of in-home ABA services provide a consultation or initial meeting. This is your opportunity to gauge their communication style, personality, and compatibility with your family.

Observe during the initial conversation:

• Do they pay attention?

• Do they speak directly to your child?

• Are you at ease asking questions?

• Are they clear about their price?

Here, it's acceptable to follow your instincts.

Step 6: Take Scheduling and Location into Account

The Bay Area is a busy place to live. Therefore, families in San Francisco frequently inquire about BCBA services:

• How far is the center from my home or place of employment?

• Do they provide San Francisco in-home ABA services so that people can avoid commuting?

• Do they have flexible hours?

  
  

Only when the schedule truly works for your family can a great BCBA be beneficial. The good news? To meet families where they are, a number of Bay ABA providers are providing weekend sessions, evening hours, and hybrid options.

Step 7: Don't be scared to change

Even with meticulous research, sometimes providers may not always meet our expectations - and that is perfectly okay! No one is forced into any one provider; should your needs change or your child not respond well with his current BCBA in San Francisco, you are free to find another.

Finding a provider who genuinely supports your child's comfort and progress is your top priority.

Questions to Bring Up on the First Call or Meeting

When speaking with a possible BCBA or ABA agency, consider the following useful questions to ask:

• Have you ever worked with kids similar to mine?

• How does the evaluation procedure appear?

• How frequently are you going to watch sessions?

• Will you assist me in setting goals that take into account my child's challenges and strengths?

• How are parents included in the treatment plan?

• Do you provide center-based or in-home ABA services in San Francisco?

• How frequently will we get together to discuss our progress?

  
  

To make comparisons easier later, keep a notebook close at hand to record your responses.

Also, it is vital to be aware of some warning signs because not every provider is made equal. Watch out if you feel hurried or ignored during the call. See if the BCBA is unable to provide a clear explanation of how ABA operates, don't inquire about your objectives or your child's interests, don't bring up parent collaboration or training and don't make any reference to data or progress monitoring. These are the red flags. 

So, you should choose one who respects your role and values the uniqueness of your child.

Choose the Right BCBA in San Francisco

One of the most crucial phases in your ABA journey is selecting the best BCBA provider. The good news is that you have choices, even though it may feel overwhelming.  There are many skilled, caring professionals available to support your child's development. The ideal BCBA will lead you with compassion, understanding, and patience, regardless of whether you opt for clinic-based or in-home ABA services in San Francisco.