This comparison draws in part from “Private Equity in Behavior Analysis: A Reckoning” by Cody Morris, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For private equity in behavior analysis: a reckoning, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary organizational incentive | Clinician-led: Mission-driven with clinical outcomes as the primary measure of success; financial sustainability serves the clinical mission | PE-owned: Return on investment as the primary measure of success; clinical quality serves the financial mission and brand reputation |
| Caseload determination | Clinician-led: Caseloads set based on clinical complexity, supervision needs, and practitioner capacity; may be lower but less standardized | PE-owned: Caseloads often standardized with productivity benchmarks; may be higher to maximize revenue per BCBA but more consistently tracked |
| Growth trajectory | Clinician-led: Organic growth constrained by revenue reinvestment; slower expansion but typically maintains cultural consistency | PE-owned: Rapid growth through acquisition and new market entry; faster access expansion but risk of cultural fragmentation across sites |
| Technology and infrastructure | Clinician-led: Variable access to technology; smaller organizations may rely on basic tools; limited capital for platform development | PE-owned: Significant capital investment in data platforms, EHR systems, and operational technology; infrastructure may prioritize billing efficiency alongside clinical utility |
| Clinical autonomy | Clinician-led: Clinical decisions typically made by the treating BCBA with peer consultation; fewer layers between clinician and organizational leadership | PE-owned: Clinical protocols may be more standardized; decisions may require alignment with utilization management systems or corporate clinical guidelines |
| Compensation and benefits | Clinician-led: May offer lower base compensation but potentially more flexible schedules, equity opportunities in the practice, and closer alignment between work and values | PE-owned: Often competitive base salaries with structured bonus programs; benefits from scale in insurance and retirement offerings; bonuses may be tied to productivity metrics |
| Long-term organizational stability | Clinician-led: Continuity of ownership and mission over time; risk of leadership succession challenges or financial vulnerability | PE-owned: Ownership changes every three to seven years as PE firms buy and sell; each transition may bring new priorities, leadership, and cultural shifts |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching private equity in behavior analysis: a reckoning in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Private Equity in Behavior Analysis: A Reckoning — Cody Morris · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
194 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · BehaviorLive
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.