Posted 1 month ago Author: 3 Pie Squared Marketing Team

Current Panelists

Jennifer Helten, BCBA

Robin Stone, BCBA

Mallory Stinger, BCBA

Building Resilience in ABA Practices: Lessons in Staffing, Billing, and Growth

In the ever-evolving field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), practice owners face a unique set of challenges, from navigating staffing shortages to managing billing cycles and ensuring sustainable growth. Recently, four prominent ABA leaders came together to share their experiences and insights during a panel discussion. Their stories illuminate not just the struggles but also the solutions that can guide others toward building a resilient and thriving practice.

Key Challenges ABA Practices Face

1. Staffing Shortages and Turnover

Deric Toney, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, shared a vivid account of losing half his staff within a single week due to life events. His advice? Always overprepare by maintaining a strong bench of cross-trained employees and diversifying non-billable responsibilities to keep staff engaged during downtimes. Robin Stone, BCBA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a positive workplace culture to retain staff for the long term.

2. Credentialing and Billing Complexities

Credentialing and recredentialing emerged as a nightmare scenario for many panelists. Mallory Stinger, BCBA, recounted her struggles with updating business addresses and maintaining active contracts with insurance providers. Her takeaway: Document every interaction with insurance companies, ensure regular follow-ups, and don’t underestimate the complexity of recredentialing. Jennifer Helten, BCBA, added that daily billing instead of weekly or monthly cycles significantly improved cash flow and reduced stress related to payroll.

3. Uncontrollable Life Events

Life happens, and even the best-laid plans can go awry. As Stephen and April noted, building resilience into your practice is essential. By prioritizing flexibility and focusing on robust systems for hiring, training, and succession planning, ABA practice owners can mitigate the impact of unexpected events.

Strategies for Success

Prioritize Training: Training is the backbone of a high-quality ABA practice. Deric stressed the need for ongoing training tailored to the specific culture and practices of your organization. This ensures that staff are fully prepared to deliver services aligned with your mission and values.
Be Picky in Hiring: Jennifer and Robin agreed that rushing the hiring process often leads to long-term headaches. They advised being selective, even during staffing crises, and incorporating working interviews or competency assessments into the hiring process.
Stay on Top of Billing and Authorizations: Daily billing cycles and submitting authorization renewals weeks in advance can safeguard your practice’s financial health. As Jennifer noted, keeping detailed records and tracking trends in insurance payouts can further reduce stress and ensure stability.

Final Thoughts

The path to managing an ABA practice is not without its challenges, but with careful planning and intentional systems, practice owners can create a sustainable and fulfilling work environment. Whether you’re navigating staffing shortages, credentialing headaches, or the day-to-day demands of running a practice, these expert insights offer a roadmap for success.