Whew. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been thinking about stepping into your Solo BCBA Era—but something’s holding you back. Maybe it’s the fear. The unknown. Or the fact that nobody’s really breaking it down in a way that feels real and doable.
I got you.
When I first went solo, I was still working full-time as a center director. Nights, weekends, early mornings—I was building my systems, my vision, and honestly just trying to figure out what kind of BCBA I even wanted to be. I wasn’t waiting on the perfect time. I was laying the foundation in the background so I could leave when I was ready and stable.
Let me be clear: It wasn’t glamorous. I didn’t have investors. I had an old 401k from my school job and about $5,000. But I had a plan. I transitioned slowly. I gave a 30-day notice after my first client’s assessment was approved, stacked a part-time contract as a cushion, and made that leap.
Now? I still work with clients directly, but I’ve added income streams that let me build something bigger than just me. I sell resources on Payhip. I do professional development trainings, school consultations, CEUs (I’m an ACE provider now, whew!), even merch. My husband is building out automated workflows to streamline onboarding and admin. We’re building this thing on purpose.
But let me also say this: the hardest part about going solo isn’t the paperwork or the credentialing—it’s the mindset shift. You don’t have a boss. No one’s clocking your hours or reminding you to take PTO. You have to learn how to rest and stay disciplined. That’s a balance I’m still learning, but it’s worth it.
So, if you’ve been sitting on the idea… this is your sign. Start writing that mission. Build that folder. Map out your ideal client flow. And when you’re ready? Take that leap scared—but take it anyway.
And when you do? I’ll be right here cheering you on.
🧡
Roe Cooper, M.S., BCBA
@BCBABestie