This comparison draws in part from “Recommended Practices for Supervision and Mentoring of Behavior Analysts” by Linda LeBlanc, PhD, BCBA-D, Lic Psy (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 recommended practices for supervision and mentoring of behavior analysts, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Competency tracking | Minimum compliance: document supervision hours and topics covered per BACB requirements | Recommended practice: maintain phase-specific competency records with assessment method, performance level, and advancement criteria for each supervisee |
| Performance feedback | Minimum compliance: feedback delivered during or after supervision sessions; no specified frequency or format | Recommended practice: specific, immediate, behavioral feedback at every observation; documented frequency; positive-to-corrective ratio tracked |
| Skill training method | Minimum compliance: case review and discussion as primary supervision activity | Recommended practice: BST (instruction, modeling, rehearsal, feedback) for new skill acquisition; case discussion for advanced supervisees with established skills |
| Supervisory relationship | Minimum compliance: professional relationship with appropriate boundaries; supervisee evaluation at required intervals | Recommended practice: developmental relationship with psychological safety, mentoring investment, career guidance, and ongoing attention to supervisee wellbeing |
| Supervisor self-development | Minimum compliance: completion of BACB Supervisor Training requirement | Recommended practice: ongoing engagement with supervision literature, peer observation, self-assessment against recommended practice frameworks, continuing education in supervision |
| Supervisee outcome monitoring | Minimum compliance: supervisee passes BACB exam and receives certification | Recommended practice: systematic tracking of competency attainment rates, supervisee satisfaction, and early-career performance outcomes to evaluate supervision quality |
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 recommended practices for supervision and mentoring of behavior analysts 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.
Recommended Practices for Supervision and Mentoring of Behavior Analysts — Linda LeBlanc · 2 BACB Supervision CEUs · $50
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
224 research articles with practitioner takeaways
200 research articles with practitioner takeaways
2 BACB Supervision CEUs · $50 · 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.