Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) is a healthcare professional who helps people learn helpful behaviors and change problem behaviors. They also help you act more independently using applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA is a way to understand and change your behavior.

What do they do?

A board certified behavior analyst can help you learn ways to change unhelpful behaviors into more positive ones. They might observe you at home, school or work. They’ll help you come up with a behavior plan to make any changes you need. Your BCBA will also help you track your progress to make sure the plan is working.

If you need or want more help, your BCBA can connect you with resources or mental healthcare providers like a psychologist or psychiatrist. They might also suggest occupational therapy or physical therapy if you need help controlling or strengthening your body.

They won’t punish you for “wrong behavior.” They’re focused on helping you learn new skills in ways that are best for you. This can help control behaviors that might negatively affect you or people you interact with.

How to become a BCBA

BCBAs need an undergraduate degree from a college or university, followed by a post-graduate degree in a field that focuses on mental health. Many earn a master’s degree in behavior analysis. Some schools offer a dedicated BCBA program.

How long it takes to become a board certified behavior analyst depends on which degrees you get, and how long it takes you to complete them. It generally takes around four years to complete an undergraduate degree, and two years for most master’s degrees. After completing the educational requirements, you’ll need to pass an exam from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and complete up to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork.

What do board certified behavior analysts specialize in?

BCBAs can help anyone, but often work with children who have:

• Autism
• Developmental delays
• Intellectual disabilities
• Behavioral disorders like ADHD or oppositional defiant disorder

They can help adults, too. Some specialize in helping people with dangerous or stressful jobs. You might work with a BCBA while you recover from a traumatic brain injury.

Many BCBAs specialize in working with one type of issue or behavior.

Where do board certified behavior analysts work?

BCBAs can work anywhere. They might work in a healthcare facility, an independent office or schools. Your BCBA can meet you where you spend time, especially if they need to observe some or all of your daily routine. They can meet you where you live, work or go to school.