The Difference Between Clinician-Owned and Corporate-Owned ABA Practices

When you begin the search for an ABA provider, the options can feel overwhelming. You are likely looking at location, waiting lists, and insurance acceptance. Most websites look similar, featuring smiling children and promises of quality care.

However, there is a structural difference between providers that isn’t always obvious on the homepage, yet it plays a significant role in how services are delivered: Ownership.

Generally, ABA practices fall into two categories: those owned by private equity firms (corporate-owned) and those owned by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (clinician-owned).

Neither model is inherently “good” or “bad,” but they operate differently. Understanding these differences can help you ask the right questions and find the environment that best fits your family’s values.

1. Who Makes the Decisions?

The primary difference lies in who has the final say on company policies, scheduling, and resources.

In a corporate model: The practice is often part of a larger network of clinics. Strategic decisions are typically made by business executives or investors. Their expertise is in operations and growth. While they rely on clinical directors for day-to-day therapy choices, high-level policies (such as cancellation fees, session minimums, or therapist productivity quotas) are often driven by business metrics.

In a clinician-owned model: The practice is owned and led by someone who is certified in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). These owners have worked directly with children and families. Because they are bound by a professional ethical code, their business decisions are viewed through a clinical lens. They understand that a policy that looks efficient on a spreadsheet might not be practical or compassionate for a family in crisis.

2. Caseload Sizes and Individual Attention

Every child in ABA has a customized treatment plan overseen by a supervisor (a BCBA). The amount of time that supervisor can dedicate to your child depends heavily on their “caseload”—the total number of children they oversee.

In larger corporate entities, there is often pressure to maximize capacity. This can sometimes result in higher caseloads, meaning the supervisor has less time to spend observing each individual child or meeting with parents.

Clinician-owned practices tend to be smaller. Because the owner is a clinician, they intimately understand that high caseloads lead to burnout and lower quality care. Consequently, these practices often cap caseloads at lower numbers to ensure that every child’s program is updated frequently and thoughtfully.

3. Staff Support and Turnover

One of the biggest challenges in the field of ABA is staff turnover. For a child, having their therapist change frequently can be disrupting and can slow down progress.

While turnover happens everywhere, the culture of the workplace dictates how often it happens.

Clinician-owners have worked as front-line therapists themselves. They know how physically and emotionally demanding the job is. As a result, they are often more attuned to the needs of their staff, providing more mentorship, better breaks, and more realistic expectations. When the staff feels supported and heard, they are more likely to stay, providing the consistency your child needs to thrive.

4. Questions to Ask During Your Intake

As a parent, you have the right to know how a practice is run. When you are interviewing potential ABA providers, consider adding these questions to your list:

• “Who owns this practice, and are they a BCBA?”
• “What is the average caseload for your supervisors?”
• “How do you support your staff to prevent burnout?”
• “If I have a concern about my child’s care, who do I speak to, and where are they located?”

Finding the right fit is about more than just a schedule; it’s about finding a team that aligns with your philosophy on care. By understanding who is behind the scenes, you can make the most empowered decision for your child.