Ep. 83- Ethical Payments for Supervision?

Resources mentioned in this episode

1. 2 CEU course on Solving Clinical Challenges with Research- www.behavioristbookclub.com/solving
2. Transcript- www.behavioristbookclub/blog
3. Slanzi & Sellers, 2023- Paying for Supervision: Barriers, Solutions, and Opportunities | SpringerLink

Please contact Matt @ [email protected] if you have any questions or if you need help accessing the full article!

Full Transcript (Click for downloadable copy)

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Exploring the Challenges and Solutions of Paying for Supervision in Behavior Analysis

Welcome to the Behaviorist Book Club Podcast! We're excited to dive into the world of behavior analysis and discuss important topics that impact practitioners and clients alike. I'm your host, Matt Harrington, and in today's episode, we're delving into an article that sheds light on a crucial aspect of becoming a certified behavior analyst – paying for supervision.

Introduction

Hey there, fellow listeners! Welcome back to another episode of the Behaviorist Book Club Podcast. I'm Matt Harrington, your host, and today, we've got a topic that's close to the hearts of many aspiring behavior analysts – paying for supervision. Yes, you heard it right. If you've ever wondered about the challenges and opportunities surrounding the financial aspect of supervision, you're in for a treat. We'll be dissecting an insightful article by Crystal Slanzi and Tyra Sellers titled "Paying For Supervision, Barriers, Solutions and Opportunities," published in the esteemed journal, Behavior Analysis and Practice.

Unveiling the Inherent Struggles

Picture this: You're on your journey to becoming a certified behavior analyst, and you've put in countless hours of hard work to earn your master's degree. The finish line is in sight, and now it's time to secure those all-important supervision hours. However, as you start to explore your options, you're hit with a harsh reality – the financial burden of paying for supervision. In a world where prices for supervision can range from $50 to $100 per hour, it's easy to see how this hefty bill can quickly pile up. But what if you simply can't afford it?

The Financial Privilege in Certification

Let's pause for a moment and acknowledge a truth that's hard to ignore – there's a degree of financial privilege associated with the ability to pay for supervision. Many individuals, despite their dedication and passion for behavior analysis, are held back by the sheer cost of supervision. A quick glance at social media reveals the staggering rates some supervisors charge, making it an uphill battle for those with limited financial means.

Consider this scenario: You're aiming to complete 150 supervised hours, and at $100 per hour, that's a whopping $15,000 – and that's on top of your master's degree expenses and certification costs. It's an investment that not everyone can comfortably make, especially when juggling other responsibilities like work and family. So, what's the solution? Is there a perfect answer?

The Dilemma of Free Supervision

While some individuals are fortunate enough to access free supervision through their workplace, it's important to acknowledge the limitations that come with this option. Sure, getting supervision at no cost might seem like a blessing, but it's not without its own set of challenges. Consider the case of quality – the supervision you receive might vary greatly depending on your workplace's resources and expertise.

Quality vs. Quantity: The Supervision Conundrum

Now, let's delve into a critical aspect of supervision – the quality and diversity of the experience. You see, paying for supervision offers an interesting dilemma. On one hand, you have the potential for high-quality, specialized supervision that can enrich your skill set and understanding of behavior analysis. On the other hand, free supervision might provide the bare minimum, limiting your exposure to different styles and techniques within the field.

Imagine this: You've completed all your supervision hours at a single site, mastering a particular approach, such as PFA & SBT. While this might give you a strong foundation in that specific area, it could leave you ill-equipped to tackle a broader range of challenges and settings as a certified behavior analyst.

Navigating Conflict of Interest

As we dive deeper into the complexities of paying for supervision, a pertinent question arises – how do we navigate the potential conflicts of interest that emerge when payment is involved? It's a nuanced issue that stems from the duality of our ethical guidelines. On one hand, we're advised not to accept payment from caregivers outside of our regular contracted services. On the other hand, paying for supervision is considered acceptable.

The crux of the matter lies in the delicate balance between offering valuable supervision and ensuring payment for services rendered. When the financial aspect enters the equation, supervisors may face the temptation to compromise the quality of feedback and engagement to safeguard their income. After all, if trainees have the power to switch supervisors based on payment, the potential for bias or watered-down feedback becomes a real concern.

Clear Communication: The Antidote to Conflict

So, what's the remedy? As with most challenges, communication is the key. Before embarking on a supervisory relationship, both trainees and supervisors need to engage in candid conversations to establish clear boundaries and expectations. This means openly discussing the terms of payment, the criteria for receiving supervision hours, and the potential conflicts that might arise.

A proactive approach involves setting up a comprehensive contract that outlines the specific goals and milestones that must be met before payment is exchanged. By aligning expectations from the outset, trainees and supervisors can minimize the risk of conflicts of interest compromising the quality of supervision.

Paying for Meeting Time: A Double-Edged Sword

Moving on, we encounter another challenge in the form of paying for meeting time. While payment might seem like a straightforward way to compensate supervisors for their valuable time, it can inadvertently create a quality-control issue. Imagine this scenario: you arrive for a supervision session, only to find your supervisor preoccupied with administrative tasks, leaving little room for in-depth discussion.

Paying by the hour can incentivize supervisors to prioritize quantity over quality, leading to rushed or superficial interactions. In such instances, trainees might receive subpar feedback or miss out on the opportunity for meaningful dialogue, hampering their learning experience.

A Shift towards Competency-Based Supervision

So, what's the solution here? Enter competency-based supervision goals. This innovative approach involves setting specific checkpoints tied to the trainee's skill mastery. Instead of paying solely for meeting time, payment is contingent on the trainee's successful acquisition of critical skills.

By incorporating competency-based benchmarks, supervisors can ensure that each hour of supervision is a valuable investment in the trainee's professional growth. This approach encourages trainees to focus on skill development rather than simply fulfilling a time requirement.

Addressing Gaps in Supervision Time

Another challenge that arises when paying for supervision is the potential for gaps in supervision time. Real-life circumstances can impact a trainee's ability to consistently afford supervision, leading to interruptions in their learning journey. For instance, a reduction in hours due to a change in client caseload might force a trainee to cut back on supervision to make ends meet.

To mitigate this challenge, supervisors and trainees can explore flexible payment options or reduced fees based on need. By establishing a clear framework for adjusting payment schedules in response to changing circumstances, both parties can maintain a steady flow of supervision without compromising the trainee's financial stability.

Ensuring Alignment in Different Settings

Supervision often brings together trainees and supervisors from diverse settings, each with its unique practices and approaches. This can create potential mismatches between the supervisory experience and the trainee's work environment.

To address this challenge, open communication and role-playing become invaluable tools. Trainees and supervisors should engage in open discussions about their respective settings and methodologies, striving to find common ground and develop a shared understanding. Role-playing scenarios can help trainees bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring a seamless integration of supervisory insights into their work.

The Power of Multiple Supervisors

One of the most intriguing solutions to the challenges of paying for supervision lies in the concept of having multiple supervisors. While it might sound overwhelming, having exposure to different supervisory styles and perspectives can be incredibly beneficial.

Imagine this: You work with two supervisors who offer distinct approaches to behavior analysis. One focuses on precision teaching, while the other specializes in behavior management strategies. This dual experience enriches your skill set, equipping you to handle a broader range of cases and challenges as a future behavior analyst.

However, the key to successfully navigating multiple supervisors is effective communication. Trainees must clearly communicate their progress and learning goals to each supervisor, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive supervisory experience.

Conclusion: Navigating the Complex Terrain of Paying for Supervision

As we wrap up our exploration of the challenges and solutions surrounding paying for supervision in behavior analysis, one thing becomes clear – there are no easy answers. The intricacies of financial considerations, ethical guidelines, and learning experiences create a complex landscape that demands careful navigation.

Through transparent communication, competency-based goals, and a commitment to growth, trainees and supervisors can work together to overcome these challenges. By approaching the process with an unwavering dedication to becoming the best behavior analysts possible, we can ensure that every hour of supervision counts – not just in the ledger, but in the lives of our future clients.

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey through the world of behavior analysis. Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep making a meaningful impact on the lives of those you serve. This is Matt Harrington, signing off from the Behaviorist Book Club Podcast. Stay curious!