Build the solo practice you actually want.
For the solo or independent BCBA. Caregiver-led, BCBA-direct, or both. No clinic, no team of RBTs, and no one approving your schedule. Just a clear path, in the right order, with me beside you.
Built for BCBAs going solo. Not for opening a clinic, hiring RBTs, or expanding across several states.
This is for you if…
What's really standing in your way.
It isn't your clinical skills. You have those. It's everything nobody taught us in grad school.
Clinical expertise, zero business training
LLCs, BAAs, CAQH, packages, pricing. You were trained to change behavior, not to form a business.
Information without a path
A post here, a podcast there, a thread with 200 opinions. Without the right order, nothing gets finished.
A price you can't say out loud
You say the number, then keep explaining. Most of the time, it isn't a pricing problem. It's a clarity problem.
Hi, I'm Melissa.
I'm a BCBA with nearly 20 years in this field. I was a clinical director, and on paper it was a great job. In real life, it was after-hours texts, rising billable requirements, and notes finished long after my girls were in bed.
So I built something small, on purpose, here in Sacramento. Just me. No RBTs, no clinic, no staff. Today I run a caregiver-led practice, I'm done before my girls get home from school, and I'm still doing the work I fell in love with.
Through Going Independent, I interview independent BCBAs every week and turn what's actually working into a clear path you can follow.
Melissa
From idea to your first families.
Every path follows the same order, so you always know what comes next. The only difference is how much of me you want alongside you.
Set it up
Form your business in the right order, set up a secure, HIPAA-minded workspace, and choose how you'll get paid.
Package and price
Define who you serve, build short- and longer-term packages, and set rates you can say out loud.
Run it and get seen
Build your intake and session structure, choose your tools, and follow a 30-day plan to find your first families.
Four modules. One step at a time.
Self-paced video modules with templates and my personal feedback on each assignment. Included in The Build and Launch Partner.
Set It Up
- A step-by-step business formation guide
- Your business email and phone, set up the right way
- HIPAA basics, with a setup checklist
- Insurance, private pay, and community funding
Package & Price
- Who you'll serve, and who you'll refer out
- Your caregiver-led services and session cadence
- The math behind a sustainable rate
- Short- and longer-term packages, and a service menu
Run It
- Your inquiry-to-intake process, with templates
- How I structure a caregiver session, minute by minute
- Assessment tools that fit a caregiver-led model
- Tracking progress as a solo provider
Your First Families
- Where your first families actually come from
- Explaining your services so it clicks
- Getting visible without burning out
- A realistic 30-day outreach plan
What's included in each path
| Community | The Build | Launch Partner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private community of independent BCBAs | ✓ | 3 months | 3 months |
| Monthly live group coaching with me | ✓ | 3 months | 3 months |
| Monthly expert webinars and recordings | ✓ | 3 months | 3 months |
| 70+ resources and swipe files | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Before You Leap, a 12-week readiness program | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four self-paced video modules | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exclusive templates and Starter Kit | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Written feedback on each module's assignment | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Six 60-minute 1:1 sessions, on your schedule | — | — | ✓ |
| Up to six document reviews | — | — | ✓ |
| Messaging support, Monday to Thursday | — | — | ✓ |
| A launch plan for your first families, built together | — | — | ✓ |
Start where you are.
Explore with the community, build it step by step, or build it with me in your corner.
Community
For the BCBA who's exploring independence, or building it right now.
- Private community and Q&A
- Monthly live group coaching
- Monthly expert webinars
- 70+ resources and swipe files
- Behind the Interviews takeaways
- Before You Leap, 12 weeks
The Build
If you're ready to build but don't know what comes first, this is your path.
- Four self-paced video modules
- Exclusive templates and Starter Kit
- Business Formation Guide
- Personal feedback on each assignment
- Three months of the community
Launch Partner
For the BCBA who wants me in her corner. For 90 days, we build your practice together.
- Everything in The Build
- Six 1:1 sessions, on your schedule
- Up to six document reviews
- Messaging support, Mon to Thu
- A launch plan for your first families
Just want one focused hour?
A 60-minute 1:1 mentorship session for $175, with feedback on one document or business asset. Upgrade to Launch Partner within 30 days and your session fee is credited.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to quit my job before I start?
No. Many BCBAs build while they're still employed. Module 1 walks you through setting your own transition triggers, so the decision to go all-in is based on your numbers, not just a feeling.
Is this for opening a clinic or hiring RBTs?
No. Everything here is built for the solo or independent BCBA doing caregiver-led work, BCBA-direct work with the child, or both.
Which path should I choose?
If you're still exploring, start with the community. If you're ready to build and want a clear order to follow, choose The Build. If you want personal guidance every step of the way, choose Launch Partner.
Can I start small and upgrade later?
Yes. Many people start in the community and move into The Build when they're ready. If you book a 1:1 session and upgrade to Launch Partner within 30 days, your session fee is credited.
Do you offer CEUs?
Not for these programs. The Build and Launch Partner are business education and coaching.
Is this legal, tax, or credentialing advice?
No. I'm a BCBA, not an attorney, CPA, or insurance professional. I'll tell you when it's time to bring one in, and I'm happy to share the referrals I trust.
You have the expertise. Now get the plan.
You don't have to build it alone. Pick the path that fits where you are today.
Programs are for professional education, coaching, and general business strategy. They are not BCBA supervision, clinical consultation, or legal, financial, tax, or credentialing advice, and they don't guarantee clients or revenue. The BACB does not endorse this program.