Why Experienced BCBAs Are Choosing Small Practices Over Large ABA Companies

Published on:July 9, 2026

parents giving each other a high five during an ABA therapy session

If you've been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for several years, you've likely experienced both the rewards and the challenges of the profession. Many experienced clinicians entered the field because they wanted to improve the lives of autistic children and their families. Over time, however, administrative responsibilities, large caseloads, and supervising multiple behavior technicians can pull BCBAs away from the clinical work they enjoy most.

At Thrive ABA Therapy, we've built our practice differently.

We're a locally owned, woman-owned ABA company serving families throughout King County, Washington. Our model is intentionally designed to allow experienced BCBAs to spend more time doing what they were trained to do—providing exceptional clinical care directly to children and families.

If you're looking for a BCBA position where quality comes before productivity, we'd love to meet you.


A Different Kind of BCBA Position

Unlike many ABA providers, Thrive ABA Therapy operates using a direct BCBA service model.

That means:

  • No Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
  • No Certified Behavior Technicians (CBTs)
  • No supervising large technician teams
  • No spending your day managing staffing issues

Instead, every child receives services directly from a BCBA.

As the clinician, you'll complete assessments, develop treatment plans, provide one-on-one therapy, coach caregivers, and monitor progress yourself. This allows for greater clinical consistency, stronger relationships with families, and more meaningful outcomes.

Many experienced BCBAs find this model professionally rewarding because it allows them to practice at the highest level of their certification.


Why Work for a Small, Woman-Owned ABA Company?

Large organizations often have hundreds of employees and layers of management. While those environments work well for some clinicians, many experienced BCBAs are looking for something different.

At Thrive ABA Therapy, you'll enjoy the benefits of working in a smaller practice where your voice matters.

Our leadership values:

  • Collaboration over bureaucracy
  • Clinical excellence over productivity quotas
  • Individualized treatment over cookie-cutter programming
  • Long-term relationships with families
  • Professional trust and autonomy

Because we're a small business, your ideas help shape the future of our company. You'll have opportunities to contribute to program development, improve clinical systems, and help us continue growing responsibly while maintaining high-quality care.


We're Looking for Experienced BCBAs

We're seeking compassionate, motivated Board Certified Behavior Analysts with at least five years of experience as a BCBA who enjoy working directly with children and families.

The ideal candidate enjoys:

  • Early intervention
  • Parent coaching
  • Direct ABA therapy
  • Individualized treatment planning
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Building lasting relationships with families
  • Evidence-based, compassionate care

If you're passionate about delivering high-quality ABA services rather than managing large teams, you'll likely feel at home here.


What You'll Do

As a BCBA at Thrive ABA Therapy, you'll provide comprehensive clinical services, including:

  • Conducting functional and developmental assessments
  • Developing individualized treatment plans
  • Providing direct one-on-one ABA therapy
  • Coaching caregivers and family members
  • Monitoring client progress
  • Collecting and analyzing treatment data
  • Collaborating with schools and other providers
  • Completing clinical documentation

Because you'll work directly with your clients, you'll have a deeper understanding of each child's progress and can make treatment decisions based on firsthand clinical observations.


Flexible Scheduling That Supports Work-Life Balance

We understand that flexibility matters.

We offer both part-time and full-time BCBA positions with scheduling designed around both clinician and family needs.

Our full-time positions typically range from 24 to 30 hours per week, with primarily weekday schedules.

To qualify for medical, dental, and vision benefits, full-time employees are expected to maintain at least 1,152 total hours worked during the applicable 12-month measurement period, averaging approximately 24 hours per week over a full year while allowing for vacations, holidays, and other approved leave.


Competitive Compensation

We believe experienced clinicians deserve competitive compensation.

Our BCBA positions offer:

  • $50–$75 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
  • Non-billable administrative hours paid separately at a lower hourly rate
  • Estimated annual compensation of approximately $52,000 to $78,000 or more, depending on hourly rate, hours worked, and caseload

Benefits

Eligible full-time employees receive:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Accrued paid sick leave
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Company-provided laptop
  • Therapy materials

Qualifications

We're looking for clinicians who have both experience and a passion for delivering exceptional ABA services.

Required qualifications:

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • Washington State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
  • CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to travel throughout King County

Preferred qualifications:

  • At least five years of experience practicing as a BCBA
  • Experience providing direct ABA therapy
  • Experience working with autistic children or individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Commitment to family-centered, compassionate care

Serving Families Throughout King County

Our clients receive services throughout King County, including:

  • Renton
  • Kent
  • Auburn
  • Maple Valley
  • Mercer Island
  • Federal Way
  • Surrounding communities

Services are provided in homes and community settings where children naturally learn and grow.


Why Thrive ABA Therapy?

At Thrive ABA Therapy, we believe the best clinical outcomes happen when experienced BCBAs have the time, flexibility, and autonomy to provide individualized care.

Our one-tier, direct BCBA model allows clinicians to focus on meaningful relationships instead of managing large teams or meeting unrealistic productivity expectations.

As a small, woman-owned practice, we're committed to supporting our clinicians while delivering exceptional services to families throughout King County.

If you're looking for a workplace where your clinical expertise is respected and your work truly makes a difference, we'd love to connect with you.


Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Thrive ABA Therapy different from other ABA companies?

We use a direct BCBA service model, meaning all therapy is provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. We do not employ Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) or Certified Behavior Technicians (CBTs).

Do I supervise behavior technicians?

No. Our clinicians work directly with their own clients, eliminating the need to supervise technician teams.

Is this a full-time or part-time position?

We offer both part-time and full-time opportunities with flexible scheduling.

What areas do you serve?

Our clinicians work with families throughout King County, including Renton, Kent, Auburn, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Federal Way, and surrounding communities.

What experience are you looking for?

We are seeking experienced BCBAs with at least five years of experience as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, along with a Washington State Behavior Analyst License and CPR/First Aid certification.

Do full-time employees receive benefits?

Yes. Eligible full-time employees receive medical, dental, vision, a 401(k), mileage reimbursement, accrued sick leave, flexible scheduling, and company-provided equipment.

How do I apply?

If you're an experienced BCBA looking for a position that emphasizes direct clinical work, professional autonomy, and meaningful family relationships, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Thrive ABA Therapy to learn more about our current openings. Click this link to go to our careers page.

We Thrive by Supporting Your Child’s Growth with Compassionate, Effective Therapy