Selecting an ABA provider is a deeply personal decision with far-reaching implications for your child’s development. In recent years, private equity firms have increasingly entered the ABA market, creating large, out-of-state companies with locations in multiple states. While these providers may expand access to care, their business models can pose challenges for families seeking high-quality, individualized therapy. This post explores the differences between local and out-of-state providers, the role of private equity in ABA, and what parents should consider when making this critical choice.
Why Local Providers Matter
Local ABA providers often offer several advantages that directly benefit families and children:
1. Personalized Support and Community Ties
Local providers understand the unique needs of the communities they serve. They frequently collaborate with schools, community organizations, and regional resources to ensure holistic support for your child. These connections help create continuity across environments, from therapy sessions to the classroom.
2. Strong In-Person Supervision
Frequent, face-to-face oversight by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is critical to a child’s progress. Local providers ensure BCBAs can observe sessions in real-time, provide immediate feedback to therapists, and make necessary adjustments to therapy plans.
3. Lower Staff Turnover
Local providers often prioritize building strong, long-term teams. This focus results in lower staff turnover, which is vital for maintaining consistency in your child’s therapy and fostering trust between families and therapists.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask prospective providers how often their BCBAs provide in-person supervision and how they involve parents in the therapy process.
The Challenges of Private Equity-Backed, Out-of-State Providers
While private equity-backed providers may expand access to care, their business models can sometimes prioritize financial outcomes over individualized care. Here are some key concerns:
1. Profit-Driven Care Models
Private equity firms often prioritize financial returns, which may lead to:
- Cost-cutting measures that reduce training, resources, or supervision quality.
- Pushing for high therapy hours, even when they may not align with a child’s individual needs.
2. Reliance on Remote Supervision
Out-of-state companies frequently manage local cases via remote supervision. This can limit the effectiveness of therapy in several ways:
- Delayed Responses: Therapists may not receive real-time support for challenges that arise during sessions.
- Reduced Engagement: Remote oversight misses critical non-verbal cues and environmental factors that are important for tailoring therapy.
3. High Staff Turnover
Profit-driven models can result in higher staff turnover due to inconsistent hours, limited growth opportunities, or corporate cost-cutting measures. This inconsistency can disrupt your child’s progress and make it harder to build a stable therapeutic relationship.
4. Limited Community Knowledge
Out-of-state providers often lack the regional connections necessary to effectively collaborate with local schools, therapists, or other community resources. This gap can create missed opportunities for more integrated and effective care.
How to Evaluate a Provider
Whether you’re considering a local or out-of-state ABA provider, it’s essential to ask the right questions and watch for red flags.
Questions to Ask:
- How often will a BCBA provide in-person oversight for my child’s therapy?
- What is your staff retention rate?
- How do you ensure individualized care plans?
- Do you offer parent training and involvement?
- How do you measure and communicate progress to families?
Red Flags:
- Heavy reliance on remote supervision.
- Pushing for one-size-fits-all therapy plans, such as automatic recommendations for 40-hour weeks.
- Limited transparency about therapy goals, methods, or progress tracking.
Balancing Accessibility and Quality
Private equity-backed providers can play an important role in expanding access to ABA services, particularly in rural or underserved areas. However, families should carefully weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks, such as reduced individualization, high turnover, and remote supervision models. Local providers, on the other hand, often prioritize community engagement, personalized care, and consistent oversight.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for providers that combine the strengths of both models—offering the resources you need while maintaining a family-centered approach.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an ABA provider is about more than location or convenience; it’s about ensuring your child receives the highest quality of care. By understanding the differences between local and out-of-state providers, as well as the influence of private equity, you can make an informed decision that puts your child’s needs first.
At Radical Minds, we’re proud to offer personalized, community-driven care that prioritizes your family. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child reach their full potential.
