An in-home ABA team usually has two roles. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) assesses your child, writes the plan and supervises. A behavior technician runs the day-to-day sessions under that supervision. In Washington, technicians are credentialed by the Department of Health as Certified Behavior Technicians and may not design or supervise a plan.
The BCBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst in Washington)
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst holds a graduate degree and national certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and in Washington is licensed by the Department of Health as a Licensed Behavior Analyst. The BCBA meets your child, runs the assessment, sets the goals with you, trains and supervises the technician, reviews the data, coaches you and reports progress to the insurer. Every Evergreen Pathways plan is overseen by a BCBA.
The technician (RBT or CBT)
The person who is in your home most often is a behavior technician. Nationally the credential is the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), issued by the BACB. Washington additionally requires the state Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) credential. State law defines a CBT as a paraprofessional who implements a treatment plan under the close, ongoing supervision of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst, and who does not design or supervise the plan.
The assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA or LABA)
Some teams include an assistant behavior analyst, nationally a BCaBA and in Washington a Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst. The LABA practises ABA under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst and can help with assessments, supervision of technicians and parent coaching.
What you can expect from anyone in your home
- Their credential and who supervises them, on request.
- A consistent schedule and advance notice of changes.
- Sessions that look like play and daily routines, with data taken as they go.
- Clear boundaries: no health details by text or email, and respect for your home and family.
Ask any provider how background checks, training and supervision work. You have the right to know who is in your house.
Common questions
Will it be the same technician every time?
Providers aim for consistency because it helps the child. Ask how coverage works when a technician is sick or leaves.
How often does the BCBA come?
Supervision is part of the authorized plan and happens on a regular schedule, with some of it in person and some by video. Ask what your plan includes.
- RCW 18.380.010, Applied behavior analysis definitions
- Washington Department of Health, Applied Behavior Analysis credentials
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board
This article is general information for families in Washington State, not medical advice or a promise of coverage or outcomes. Rules change; check the linked sources and your plan.
Talk to Evergreen Pathways
In-home ABA for ages 2 to 22 across King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, Kitsap counties.
Call (206) 796-4797