How to Start an ABA Practice in 2025: 10 Steps for BCBAs
If you’re a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) thinking about starting your own ABA practice in 2025, you’re not alone. Demand for Applied Behavior Analysis continues to rise, but so do regulatory, compliance, and payer challenges.
This article walks you through the 10 key steps to start an ABA practice, highlights common pitfalls, and explores your options for support. Whether you go solo, work with consultants, join a franchise, or partner with an incubator.
Your 10-Step ABA Practice Startup Guide
Step 1: Clarify Your ABA Practice Model
Decide early which model best fits your goals and budget.
In-home or micro-practice: Low cost, faster to launch.
Clinic-based: Greater scale, but higher upfront investment.
Hybrid or school-based: Flexible, but more complex operations.
Many start in-home, then grow into a clinic.
Step 2: Form a Legal Business Entity
Starting an ABA practice requires the right structure:
LLC, PLLC, or PC (check state requirements).
IRS EIN for taxes and payroll.
Consider S-Corp election for tax benefits once profitable.
We recommend starting as an LLC to keep it simple.
Step 3: Obtain State Licensure
Each state has unique rules for ABA practices. Many require:
BCBA state license to practice ABA.
Business entity license to operate as a behavioral health provider.
Check both the BACB licensure map and your state board for current requirements.
Step 4: Apply for NPIs & Choose the Correct Taxonomy
NPI Type 1: Individual BCBA.
NPI Type 2: Your business entity.
Use taxonomy code 103K00000X (Behavior Analyst).
Consistency between NPIs, CAQH, and payer applications prevents credentialing delays.
Step 5: Build a Compliance & HIPAA Program
ABA businesses must meet healthcare compliance standards from day one.
HIPAA Privacy & Security policies.
Business Associate Agreements (BAAs).
Written compliance plan per OIG guidance.
Cybersecurity safeguards (secure email, encrypted devices, backups).
Step 6: Complete Credentialing & Contracting
Payer enrollment is often the longest step when starting an ABA practice.
Maintain an up-to-date CAQH profile (re-attest every 120 days).
Apply to Medicaid and commercial payers in your state.
Expect 60–180 days for approval.
Submit EFT/ERA paperwork early to streamline payments.
Step 7: Set Up ABA Billing & Documentation Systems
Proper billing ensures timely payments:
Learn ABA CPT codes (97151-97158, 0362T, 0373T).
Use correct modifiers per payer rules.
Implement documentation templates for assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.
Step 8: Establish Your Operations Stack
Your ABA practice needs reliable systems to grow:
ABA-focused EHR/practice management software.
Secure messaging, scheduling, and data collection.
HR and payroll software (W-2 vs. 1099 compliance is critical).
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) if required in your state.
Look for an all-in-one solution like VGPM to simplify the thing.
Step 9: Hire & Supervise ABA Staff
Even a solo BCBA practice grows quickly.
Recruit RBTs and behavior techs.
Provide monthly supervision and keep detailed records.
Train staff on compliance, safety, and data collection systems.
Step 10: Launch & Grow Your ABA Business
Build a basic website with services like SquareSpace or Wix.
List your practice online: Google Business Profile, Bing Places for Business, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
Build a referral network with pediatricians, schools, and community agencies.
Monitor KPIs: authorization utilization, denial rates, AR aging, and caregiver satisfaction.
Common Pitfalls When Starting an ABA Practice
Underestimating credentialing timelines, usually 2-6+ months.
Missing modifiers or taxonomy codes on claims.
Weak documentation leading to denials.
Misclassifying staff as 1099 contractors instead of W-2.
Ignoring cybersecurity and HIPAA compliance.
Ways to Get Help Starting an ABA Practice
You don’t have to do everything alone:
DIY: The leanest path, but requires significant time and expertise.
ABA Consultants: Experts for credentialing, billing, and compliance.
ABA Franchises: Provide turnkey systems, branding, and support. Typical startup costs: $300k–$850k+.
Incubators/MSOs (like VG Soft Co’s ABA Practice Incubator): You own your practice and brand while they handle setup, credentialing, HR, billing, and compliance with on-going support.
Final Thoughts
Starting an ABA practice as a BCBA in 2025 is achievable. But only with a clear plan, compliance mindset, and enough runway to survive payer delays. By following these ten steps, you’ll avoid the most common pitfalls and set yourself up for long-term success.
The demand for ABA services continues to grow. Families need access. BCBAs are uniquely positioned to lead. If independence and impact are your goals, now is the time to build your own ABA practice.