Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services
Behavior challenges can make everyday life tough – but with the right strategies, positive change is possible.
Our ABA services bring evidence-based behavior support to individuals and families, guided by compassion and ethics every step of the way.
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to understanding and improving behavior. In simple terms, ABA helps us figure out why a behavior is happening and how to encourage more of the helpful behaviors (like communicating, following routines) and reduce those that are harmful or disruptive.
ABA is well-known for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, but its tools can benefit anyone learning new skills or coping with challenges. Our BCBA uses positive reinforcement, visual supports, and other proven techniques – always tailored to the person’s unique needs and personality.
What is ABA?
SHC’s ABA services are led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Oregon. (Joslynn Bigelow, M.Ed., BCBA, brings years of clinical experience to this role.)
We adhere strictly to the BACB ethical code, meaning client welfare and dignity come first. We work on goals that truly matter to the client and family – and we welcome input from all team members (parents, teachers, therapists) to ensure a consistent, respectful approach.
Direct ABA Services (Oregon)
If you’re in Oregon, we can provide direct ABA therapy and consultation. This includes:
We start with a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to understand what’s behind challenging behaviors or skill deficits. Through observations, data, and conversations with you, we identify triggers, needs, and motivations for the individual.
Based on the assessment, we create a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) or support plan. This outlines specific strategies: what skills to teach (for example, communicating “I need a break” instead of having a meltdown), what positive reinforcements to use, and how to respond consistently to behaviors.
Our team can work directly with the individual (child or adult) on implementing the plan. This might look like play-based teaching for a young child, or coaching a teenager through role-play scenarios to handle anxiety. We usually involve a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for day-to-day sessions, under BCBA supervision. Sessions can take place in the home, community, or via telehealth as appropriate.
A cornerstone of our approach is training and empowering caregivers. During direct service cases, we regularly meet with parents/caregivers to share progress, teach you the techniques we’re using, and ensure you feel confident continuing strategies outside of sessions. Consistency is key – we’ll all work as a unified team.
We can coordinate with schools, speech therapists, or other professionals on your behalf (with consent) to make sure everyone is on the same page. Our goal is a holistic support system around the individual.
Geographic Note: We currently offer direct ABA services within Oregon. If you’re outside Oregon, see our indirect service options below – we can still support you through consultation.
Consultative & Indirect Services (Beyond Oregon)
Even if you’re not in our direct service area, you can tap into our expertise:
We offer remote consultation to equip you with ABA-based strategies. In these coaching sessions (via video call), you’ll learn how to handle specific behaviors, set up routines, or teach new skills at home. Think of it as having a personal behavior coach – we guide you, and you carry out the day-to-day strategies with our support. This is great for families on waitlists for services or who have mild issues that don’t require full therapy.
If you already have a behavior plan from elsewhere and want a second pair of eyes, we can review it and provide feedback or suggestions. We ensure plans are compassionate, up-to-date with best practices, and culturally respectful.
We can advise schools or adult programs on behavioral supports for a specific participant (with appropriate permissions). For example, a teacher might be struggling with a student’s behavior plan – we can consult with the staff to adjust strategies for better success.
For groups of parents or community organizations, we can host educational workshops on topics like “Positive Behavior Supports at Home” or “ABA Strategies for Daily Life.” This is an indirect way to spread useful techniques to many people at once, beyond our one-on-one clients.
Professional Supervision Services
Are you an RBT, BCBA trainee, or BCaBA seeking supervision? SHC can help professionals-in-training too:
BCBA/BCaBA Supervision
For those pursuing certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, we provide remote supervision meeting BACB requirements. You’ll get constructive feedback, case review, and guidance on developing your clinical and ethical skills.
RBT Supervision
If you’re a Registered Behavior Technician needing oversight, we can provide the required supervision hours and support to ensure you’re delivering high-quality ABA services in your role.
Note: For supervision services, please contact us to discuss availability and fit. We tailor supervision to your caseload and learning goals.
Professional Supervision Services
ABA has the most impact when it’s done ethically and respectfully.
We want to be very clear: we do not do “cookie-cutter” ABA and we reject any approaches that diminish a person’s individuality or rights. Our practice is:
Goals are chosen based on what improves the person’s quality of life – often communication, independence, and social connection. We do not aim to “normalize” individuals or suppress harmless self-expression.
We use positive reinforcement far more than any consequences, and any intervention is as gentle as possible. No aversive punishments, ever.
We work with families and respect client autonomy. If something isn’t working or a client is uncomfortable, we pause and reassess. Consent and assent matter.
We explain our methods and data openly. You will always know what we’re doing and why. And if at any point we feel a different service (like counseling, OT, etc.) would better serve you, we’ll say so and help you find it. Remember, we stay within our scope and refer out beyond it – your well-being comes first.
Getting Started with ABA Support
Every behavior challenge is an opportunity for growth – sometimes you just need the right guide.
If you’re in Oregon and seeking ABA services, or anywhere and interested in behavior consultation or training, reach out to us. We’ll begin with an initial discussion about your needs and determine the best way we can help:
- Families looking for direct ABA: We’ll talk about the individual’s situation and explain our intake process, scheduling, and any insurance/payment questions.
- Those seeking consultation or coaching: We’ll set up a short free consult to define the issues and then arrange a consultation package (one-time or ongoing, depending on need).
- Professionals needing supervision: We’ll discuss your current training status and supervision requirements to see if it’s a match.
Contact us today to take the first step. With evidence-based strategies and heartfelt support, we’ll help you create positive changes that last.
(Behavior change is a journey – but you don’t have to travel it alone. Let’s chart a path forward together, one small step at a time).