This comparison draws in part from “Telehealth: Strategies for Effective Supervision” by Ellie Kazemi, PhD (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 telehealth: strategies for effective supervision, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Observation quality | In-person: full environmental context, body language, physical positioning all visible and immediately accessible | Telehealth: limited to camera field; positioning and framing require deliberate setup; environmental context partially visible |
| Feedback immediacy | In-person: immediate verbal and non-verbal feedback during session; physical demonstration available | Telehealth: immediate via BIE or text messaging; debrief immediately post-session; physical demonstration not available |
| BST delivery | In-person: all components delivered in shared space; modeling can be done live with actual materials | Telehealth: instruction and feedback strong; modeling requires pre-recorded video or synchronous role-play; rehearsal requires technical setup but achievable |
| HIPAA requirements | In-person: standard PHI handling; no electronic transmission of client video | Telehealth: platform BAA required; recording storage policies required; additional consent documentation for client observation sessions |
| Access and geographic reach | In-person: limited to geographic proximity; barrier for rural and underserved areas | Telehealth: expands access dramatically; enables supervision for geographically remote trainees |
| High-risk procedure supervision | In-person: direct observation of physical positioning, safety, and client response; tactile correction possible | Telehealth: observation limited by camera angle; physical correction not possible; higher-risk procedures should be observed in person at least initially |
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 telehealth: strategies for effective supervision 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.
Telehealth: Strategies for Effective Supervision — Ellie Kazemi · 1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $25
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.
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
224 research articles with practitioner takeaways
195 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $25 · 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.