What’s the Difference Between 1-Tier and 3-Tier Models?

If you’ve been researching ABA therapy, you’ve probably come across some confusing terms:

1-tier model

3-tier model

Supervision hours

Program integrity

And somewhere between trying to understand what those things mean and figuring out who’s actually working with your child, you’re probably wondering:

You’re not alone. Most parents learn about how ABA therapy is set up only after weeks of sessions, when the confusion and frustration pile up and they still can't tell who's doing what.

Let’s unpack it from the beginning.

Because understanding who’s actually working with your child matters. Not just for clarity, but for your child’s progress.

The earlier you understand the plan, the better prepared you are to choose what fits your family best.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• The key differences between 1-tier and 3-tier ABA therapy

• Why these models exist (and how they affect your experience)

• The real impact on progress, cost, and consistency

• How to compare providers, even when they all sound the same

• 
  

No pressure. No jargon. Just honest answers so you can make the right call for your family.

Why ABA Therapy Models Matter More Than You Think

When most families start ABA therapy, they’re focused on two things:

1. Will this ABA Therapy help my child?

2. How do I get started quickly?

   
   

Honestly, not everyone realizes that the way therapy is delivered to a family matters just as much as the techniques being used.

Many people believe all ABA teams operate by the same playbook. They don’t. In fact, the delivery model is one of the biggest factors behind whether therapy feels smooth, collaborative, and effective, or disjointed, confusing, and stressful.

It shapes everything, from how much time your BCBA actually spends with your child to how quickly adjustments are made.

And for parents, it can mean the difference between feeling like a true partner… or feeling left out of your own child’s care.

The structure of your provider’s team affects:

• Who builds a relationship with your child

• How quickly your child makes progress

• How informed you are as a parent

• How often your therapy team changes

  
  

But here’s the thing: most providers won’t explain their model unless you ask.

Some will simply tell you the plan is written by a BCBA and delivered by a “trained technician.” Others might assure you that your child is receiving “high-quality services,” without saying who actually shows up at your door.

Understanding the model behind the scenes can help you avoid surprises later. It also gives you a clearer sense of what you’re really paying for.

In the next sections, we’ll break down both models (1-tier and 3-tier) so you can make an informed decision.

What Is the 3-Tier ABA Model?

If you’ve started ABA therapy through your insurance, chances are you’ve experienced the 3-tier ABA model, even if no one called it that.

This is the most common structure used by large ABA agencies. It looks like this:

1. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) writes the therapy plan.

2. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) delivers most (or all) of the sessions.

3. The BCBA checks in occasionally to supervise and make updates.

In theory, this model should let clinics reach more families while keeping costs down. In real life, though, it often feels a bit distant. You might meet the BCBA once at the intake, and after that you get updates only every few weeks in a email.

Meanwhile, almost all the day-to-day work is done by the RBT. They run programs, gather data, and stick to the plan, yet many are fresh to the field and working with limited real-time supervision.

It’s not the RBT’s fault. Many are doing their best. But turnover is high, training is often rushed, and they may be following instructions without fully understanding your child’s needs.

This is why some families feel confused or frustrated:

• You have to repeat information between team members

• Your child’s therapist changes every few months

• You’re not sure who to contact with questions

  
  

The 3-tier model isn’t inherently bad. Some agencies run it well with strong oversight. But it depends heavily on how the team communicates, how experienced the RBT is, and how often the BCBA is involved.

What is the 1-Tier ABA Model?

The 1-tier ABA model takes a different approach. One that prioritizes connection, consistency, and clarity.

In this model, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) doesn’t just write the plan.

They’re the ones delivering it. Every session, every parent conversation, and every update come directly from the same person.

For families, this often means:

• One consistent person in your child’s life

• Real-time adjustments when something isn’t working

• Therapy that aligns more closely with what’s happening at home

• A strong relationship built on trust and collaboration

Because the BCBA sees your child regularly, they’re not just making decisions based on secondhand notes or monthly check-ins. They’re using direct observation, data, and conversations with you to make meaningful changes as your child grows.

The 1-tier model is less common, partly because it requires more from the provider: more time, more training, and fewer clients per clinician. But for many families, it feels more personal, more efficient, and more grounded in their actual goals.

You’re not trying to manage a rotating team. You’re building a relationship with one expert who gets to know your child well.

1-Tier vs. 3-Tier ABA: Side-by-Side Comparison

Still trying to decide which model is right for your family? Sometimes it helps to see the differences clearly laid out. This chart compares the two most common ABA delivery models (1-tier and 3-tier) so you can weigh the pros, the trade-offs, and what matters most in your child’s care.

* Why “Sometimes” and “Varies”? In 3-tier models, quality often depends on how well the team communicates and how often the BCBA is involved. Some providers have strong systems in place to make this work well. Others struggle with turnover or delays between sessions and supervision. It’s not that 3-tier can’t work, it just often depends on the specific provider, not the structure alone.

Neither model is “wrong,” but the experience can be very different. Families who value consistency, connection, and flexibility often prefer the 1-tier model, even if it comes at a higher hourly rate.

Why 1-Tier ABA May Cost More but Actually Save You Time and Stress

It’s easy to look at the hourly rate and think

But ABA therapy isn’t a commodity. You’re not buying the same product from different stores. You’re choosing a team, a strategy, and a relationship that will shape how your child learns, grows, and communicates.

So let’s look at what you’re actually getting for that higher hourly rate in a 1-tier model.

1. Fewer People, Less Confusion

When you’re working with one consistent BCBA, you don’t have to:

• Repeat your concerns to new team members

• Wonder if feedback got passed along

• Wait two weeks for someone to review notes and adjust the plan

  
  

You’re having real-time conversations with the person who’s delivering therapy and making decisions. That means fewer delays. Fewer meetings. Fewer gaps in care.

2. More Progress, Less Red Tape

In a 3-tier model, even small changes, like adjusting a goal or adding a new skill, may require team discussion, written approval, or waiting for the next supervision window.

In a 1-tier model, those changes can happen immediately. The person who sees your child most often is also the one qualified to make clinical decisions.

This kind of agility helps children move forward faster and helps parents feel more confident and informed throughout the process.

3. Emotional Value Matters Too

Families don’t just choose the 1-tier model because it’s efficient. They choose it because it feels better.

You’re not constantly reintroducing your child. You’re not managing a schedule of rotating therapists. You’re building trust with one provider who knows your child well—and who sees you as a partner, not a case number.

So What’s the Real Cost of 1-Tier ABA?

Yes, the hourly rate is higher. But when you factor in:

• Reduced turnover and fewer start-overs

• Less wasted time on miscommunication

• Faster progress from real-time decision-making

• Stronger relationships with your provider

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…the 1-tier model often ends up being more cost-effective and far less stressful.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For in Any ABA Model

Whether you’re looking at a large agency or a smaller provider, you deserve to know what’s actually happening behind the scenes. These red flags can show up in both 1-tier and 3-tier models, but they’re easier to miss when the team structure isn’t clear.

Here’s what to watch for:

1. You Don’t Know Who’s Working With Your Child

If you’re not introduced to the person who will be running the sessions, or you’re told “we’ll assign someone later”, that’s a red flag.

You should always know:

• Who’s delivering therapy

• What their role is (BCBA or RBT)

• How involved the BCBA will be in your case

  
  

If you have to ask three times just to get a name, that’s a problem.

2. You Don’t Meet the BCBA Until Weeks In

In the 3-tier model, it’s not unusual to meet your BCBA once during the intake, then go weeks without seeing them again.

But if no one explains when and how the BCBA will be involved, or worse, if you don’t know when they’re reviewing your child’s progress, that’s a sign of weak oversight.

3. You Keep Getting a “New” Therapist

Turnover happens, especially in larger agencies. But if your child gets a new therapist every few months, it disrupts learning, delays progress, and creates stress for your whole family.

If no one seems concerned or prepared for that transition, it’s a sign the system is stretched too thin.

4. The Plan Feels Generic or Detached

If your therapy goals sound like they could apply to any child… they probably weren’t made with yours in mind.

Every ABA program should be individualized, based on your child’s needs and your family’s values. If the plan feels copy-pasted or doesn’t change over time, you’re not getting what you’re paying for.

5. You Don’t Feel Like a Partner

You should never feel like therapy is happening to your child without your input.

If communication is infrequent, your questions go unanswered, or you don’t know how progress is being measured, that’s not how this should feel.

You’re not just a bystander. You’re part of the team.

Still Deciding What’s Right for Your Family?

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

You can schedule a short call with one of our BCBAs today.

No pressure, no sales tactics, just real answers.

We’ll help you sort through your options, figure out what fits your goals, and connect you with the resources you need, whether you work with us or not.

Because what matters most is that you feel confident in the team supporting your child.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.

FAQs About ABA Therapy Models