Before You Leap
12 weeks to know if becoming an independent BCBA is right for you. About 15 minutes a week.
You've been thinking about this…
Here's a fun, doable way to spend the next three months getting ready, before you file a single form or spend a single dollar.
Each week, do one small thing. About 15 minutes. By Week 12, you'll know exactly what kind of practice you want to build, and you'll feel clear and confident about your next step.
There are no wrong answers here. Every question is about designing a practice that fits you, whether that's caregiver-led, BCBA-direct, or a mix of both.
Picture it.
Dream big.
Write out your ideal week as an independent BCBA. When do you start? When do you stop? Who do you see? What do you do with the time you get back?
Inside the Going Independent community, use the Goal Setting guide to turn this picture into real goals.
Notice your energy.
For one normal work week, jot down which moments light you up and which ones wear you down. Does getting on the floor with the child fill your cup? Do you dread RBT supervision? Do you enjoy time spent working directly with families more than the paperwork? Those clues will shape the practice you build.
Name what you're moving toward.
In one sentence, what excites you most about going independent or becoming a solo BCBA? That sentence is your fuel on busy building days.
Do the math.
Write down your yearly take-home pay, add about 25–30% for taxes, insurance, and business costs, then divide by the hourly rate you'd charge. That's roughly how many billable hours a year you'd need. Most people are surprised by how doable it looks.
Community members can use the full Pricing Guide and Pricing Workbook to set rates with confidence.
Try it on.
Choose your model.
Caregiver-led, BCBA-direct, or a mix? If caregiver-led is calling you, ask yourself: do I love coaching parents? In this model, the parent becomes your client, and watching them grow in confidence is the best part.
Community members can use the Build an Offer guide, which walks you through shaping your services.
Test it in real life.
In your current role, lead a parent training session, or run a direct session the way you'd want to in your own practice. Afterward, notice how you feel. Energized is a wonderful sign.
Picture your support system.
As a solo BCBA, you get to choose your people. Write down who you'd call when a case gets tricky, like a mentor, a peer, or a community. Going independent doesn't mean you build this alone.
This is exactly what the community's monthly live office hours and Q&A are for.
Have a coffee chat.
Reach out to an independent BCBA and ask what they love most and what surprised them. The Going Independent Substack is full of real stories from BCBAs who've built their own practices.
Community members can post in the Conversations space to connect with other independent BCBAs.
Get ready.
Read your employment contract.
Highlight any non-compete, non-solicitation, or notice period language so your exit is smooth and friendly. When in doubt, have an employment attorney take a look.
Plan for a steady start.
List the benefits you'll be setting up for yourself, like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement. Then decide how many months of cushion would help you feel calm while your caseload grows. First-year income can ebb and flow (in caregiver-led work, a cancelled session isn't billed), and a cushion makes those months feel easy.
Bring your people in.
Talk with your partner or family about what this season of building will look like and how they can cheer you on. Then practice sharing your story out loud. Telling people what you do is how families will find you.
The Client Acquisition, Marketing, and Social Media guides in the community show you how to get the word out.
Look back.
Reread your Week 1 ideal week. Does it still make your heart beat a little faster? Then you're ready for the next step: the Going Independent Business Formation Guide, a step-by-step walkthrough of forming your business in the right order.
It's waiting for you inside the community.
Come build with us.
Finished your 12 weeks and feeling that spark? The Going Independent community is where you'll find every guide mentioned here, monthly webinars and office hours, and a Q&A where I personally answer your questions as you build.
Melissa
This guide is for professional education and general planning. It isn't legal, financial, tax, or credentialing advice. Please consult the appropriate professional for your situation.