As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), selecting the right organization to build your career with is more than just a job decision—it’s about aligning with a company that supports your professional growth, personal values, and long-term well-being.
With burnout rates among BCBAs alarmingly high—over 70% report moderate to severe burnout according to Behavior Analysis in Practice (2020)—it’s more important than ever to choose a company that prioritizes both clinical excellence and clinician sustainability. Here’s what to look for.
Billable Hours That Make Sense
A company that balances performance metrics with clinician well-being sets the foundation for long-term success. At Centria, our Pay for Performance (PFP) model rewards high-quality, billable clinical work without punishing you for taking PTO.
In fact, our structure:
- Credits billable hour averages during PTO
- Offers clear thresholds that reward quality and not just volume
- Encourages sustainable caseloads rather than overloaded panels
Work-life balance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Supportive and Accessible Leadership
Leadership can make or break your experience as a clinician. You should never feel like you’re navigating challenges alone.
At Centria:
- Area Directors of Clinical Services (ADCSs) offer regionalized support
- Case escalations are handled proactively
- Supervising clinicians receive feedback and mentorship, not micromanagement
- Clinical Directors focus exclusively on clinical support, since they have an operations partner to handle all the operational tasks and schedules
When leadership is present and invested in your growth, your job becomes a career.
Ongoing Training and Development
The field of ABA is always evolving. A strong ABA company should offer robust continuing education opportunities that keep you growing, learning, and sharpening your skillset.
At Centria, we provide:
- Free access to required CEUs
- Up to $1,500/year in reimbursable training funds
- Company-hosted workshops and leadership development pathways
You deserve a company that invests in your clinical excellence as much as your credentials.
Alignment with Your Values
When your company’s culture aligns with your own values, everything clicks. Whether it’s how clients are treated, how employees are recognized, or how diversity and equity are woven into the workplace—values matter.
At Centria, our culture is:
- Compassion-first, client-centered, and clinician-supported
- Focused on ethical service delivery
- Grounded in teamwork, transparency, and trust
Choose a company where your values are part of the mission—not just marketing.
Respect for Time Off
In a high-demand field like ABA, time off is not a weakness—it’s a necessity. Companies that guilt or penalize clinicians for using PTO fuel the burnout cycle.
Centria’s model supports your time off with:
- PTO credit toward your performance goals
- No punishment for taking necessary time away
- A culture that values rest as a form of resilience
We don’t just talk about balance—we design for it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ABA company means finding a team that empowers you—not exhausts you. From performance incentives and leadership support to development opportunities and respect for your time, the right fit allows you to do your best work and live your best life.
At Centria, we believe in building better systems, not burnout.
Ready to learn more about life as a BCBA at Centria?
Explore Our Careers or contact abarecruiting@centriahealthcare.com to take the first step.
About the Author
This blog was written by Stephanie Buchler, MA, BCBA, LBA. Stephanie Buchler is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in multiple states and currently serves as one of the Area Director of Clinical Services on the De Novo team at Centria Autism. In this role, she leads the launch and development of new centers, establishing strong clinical foundations before transitioning them to the Legacy market leadership. With a background that spans in-home and school-based settings, she brings a well-rounded perspective and deep commitment to quality care and program integrity.