Paying for Supervision: Barriers, Solutions, and Opportunities
When supervisees pay you, lock in clear fees, a written contract, and monthly ethics checks to keep training clean.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Slanzi et al. (2023) wrote a how-to paper about paid BCBA supervision.
They list the problems that pop up when supervisees pay you directly.
Then they give step-by-step fixes you can use right away.
What they found
Money can twist the supervision link.
The paper shows clear rules stop the twist.
Written contracts, open fees, and monthly ethics checks keep training honest.
How this fits with other research
MSáez-Suanes et al. (2023) counted all BCBA supervision papers. They found most are talks, not tests. Slanzi adds fresh talk that is ready to use.
LeBlanc et al. (2016) gave early blueprints for any supervision. Slanzi zooms in on the paid kind and updates those blueprints with money safeguards.
Zayac et al. (2021) asked what makes a great BCBA. Their 10-item kindness-plus-skill list fits right into Slanzi’s ethics check-ins.
Why it matters
If you charge for supervision, you now have a short guard-rail list. Post your fee sheet, sign a contract, and set calendar alerts for ethics reviews. These three moves protect the trainee, your wallet, and the field’s good name.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
In some situations, those requiring supervision to meet Behavior Analyst Certification Board supervised fieldwork requirements, maintain certification, or get assistance with a difficult case or ethical dilemma may need to contract with a qualified supervisor and pay them directly. Although it is not considered to be a multiple relationship, the financial component does carry an inherent conflict of interest, which can create barriers to effective and appropriate supervision. In this article we propose a list of barriers that may arise in this particular supervisory relationship and potential solutions to manage each one, with a particular focus on supervised independent fieldwork. We also discuss unique learning opportunities that may arise from this situation that may be beneficial to both the trainee and supervisor.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2023 · doi:10.1007/s40617-022-00727-3