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Is There a Shortage of BCBAs? What Families in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina Need to Know
March 13, 2026
Introduction
If you’ve searched for ABA therapy and found waitlists, limited appointment times, or difficulty securing services, you may have asked: Is there a shortage of BCBAs?
The short answer: in many areas, yes.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are highly trained professionals who design and oversee Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As autism diagnoses continue to rise, the demand for qualified BCBAs has grown significantly, often faster than the workforce.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been identified with ASD. With increasing awareness and earlier diagnosis, more families in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina are seeking services, placing additional pressure on an already stretched system.
In our experience working with families across these states, access challenges are real, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
What Does a BCBA Do?
A BCBA is responsible for:
- Conducting behavioral assessments
- Designing individualized treatment plans
- Supervising
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
- Training parents and educators
- Monitoring data and adjusting interventions
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets national certification standards and ethical guidelines.
Becoming a BCBA requires:
- A master’s degree
- Supervised fieldwork
- Passing a national exam
The training is rigorous, which contributes to workforce limitations.
Why Is There a BCBA Shortage?
1. Rising Demand for Autism Services
As awareness grows and diagnostic practices improve, more children are being identified earlier. Families are seeking ABA therapy sooner, increasing demand for clinical oversight.
2. Intensive Certification Requirements
The BCBA credential requires graduate-level education and thousands of supervised fieldwork hours. This pathway takes time, which limits rapid workforce expansion.
3. Geographic Imbalance
Urban areas may have more providers, while rural communities in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina often struggle with limited access.
We’ve seen families in certain regions wait months for BCBA supervision due to provider shortages.
4. Burnout and Workforce Turnover
ABA can be rewarding but demanding. High caseloads, documentation requirements, and emotional strain can lead to burnout.
Data on BCBA Workforce Growth
The number of certified BCBAs has increased substantially over the past decade. However, demand has grown even faster.
According to BACB workforce reports, job postings for BCBAs have increased dramatically over recent years. This suggests strong demand and continued workforce gaps in many states.
How the Shortage Impacts Families
BCBA shortages can result in:
- Long waitlists for services
- Reduced supervision frequency
- Limited appointment availability
- Delayed assessments
- Geographic barriers
In Maryland and Virginia especially, we’ve seen families travel significant distances to access qualified supervision.
Case Example: Waitlist Challenges
A family in rural North Carolina sought ABA services for their 4-year-old after diagnosis. Although technicians were available, BCBA supervision capacity was limited. The child remained on a waitlist for clinical oversight.
Once services began, progress was strong, but the delay highlights how workforce shortages directly affect families.
Early intervention matters, so delays are significant.
How Schools Are Affected
School districts also rely on BCBAs for:
- Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- IEP consultation
- Staff training
Shortages may lead to:
- Overextended district BCBAs
- Slower evaluation timelines
- Increased workload for special education teams
The U.S. Department of Education emphasizes the importance of evidence-based behavioral support in educational settings.
When BCBA availability is limited, schools may struggle to provide consistent behavioral guidance.
Is the Shortage the Same in All Areas?
Not necessarily.
| Region Type | Typical Access Challenges |
|---|---|
| Urban | High demand, competitive scheduling |
| Suburban | Moderate waitlists |
| Rural | Limited providers, long travel distances |
In parts of North Carolina and western Virginia, rural access remains particularly challenging.
How Providers Are Responding
Many ABA providers are adapting by:
- Expanding telehealth supervision
- Increasing BCaBA utilization
- Hiring and training internally
- Partnering with universities
- Offering flexible service models
Telehealth has improved access in underserved areas, especially for parent training and supervision.
What About BCaBAs and RBTs?
While BCaBAs (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts) and RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) play critical roles, they must work under BCBA supervision.
A shortage of BCBAs affects the entire service structure.
Long-Term Outlook for BCBA Workforce
Despite current shortages, the field continues to grow.
More universities are offering verified course sequences, and the profession remains in high demand. Job growth for BCBAs has consistently ranked among the fastest-growing behavioral health professions.
However, demand is expected to remain strong for years.
What Families Can Do If Facing Waitlists
If you encounter limited availability:
- Ask about telehealth options
- Inquire about interim parent training
- Check neighboring counties
- Explore insurance networks
- Request school-based behavioral support
We’ve seen families successfully begin parent coaching while waiting for full clinical programming.
Signs Your Area May Be Experiencing a Shortage
- Multiple providers report long waitlists
- Limited BCBA supervision hours available
- Schools report difficulty hiring behavior specialists
- Providers are not accepting new clients
These indicators often reflect regional workforce strain.
Conclusion
There is, in many areas, a shortage of BCBAs, particularly in regions where demand for autism services continues to grow faster than the workforce. Families in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina may experience waitlists, limited appointment availability, or geographic barriers due to the intensive training requirements and increasing need for clinical supervision. Despite these challenges, the field of applied behavior analysis continues to expand, and innovative service models such as telehealth supervision are helping bridge gaps in access. While workforce shortages can create temporary obstacles, ongoing growth in training programs and increased awareness of autism services suggest continued improvement over time. For families navigating access challenges, understanding the landscape empowers informed decision-making and proactive planning for support.
At Divine Steps ABA, we provide compassionate, evidence-based ABA therapy in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina with flexible options, including telehealth, to ensure your child receives timely support.
Explore personalized care designed for your family’s needs. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waitlist for ABA therapy in my area?
Waitlists vary depending on the number of available BCBAs and demand in your region. Providers like Divine Steps ABA work to minimize delays through flexible scheduling and telehealth options.
What is ABA therapy and how does it help children with autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-backed therapy that uses structured techniques to improve communication, social skills, and daily living skills. It is widely recognized as one of the most effective interventions for autism.
Can ABA therapy be provided through telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth supervision and therapy sessions are increasingly available, helping families overcome geographic barriers and ensuring consistent access to care. Divine Steps ABA offers telehealth services to support families across Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
SOURCES:
https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html
https://www.bacb.com
https://www2.ed.gov
https://www.reddit.com/r/bcba/comments/188yap3/bcbas_what_does_your_work_entail/
https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-BCBA
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