Parent Training as a Side Hustle: Can BCBAs® Really Make It Work?

The Dream of Extra Income Without Extra Burnout

You’re already working long hours—supervising RBTs®, writing treatment plans, fighting insurance denials. By Friday, you’re running on coffee and sheer determination.

But imagine this: What if you could take on meaningful, flexible work that helps families, fits around your current schedule, and contributes to your income—without hiring RBTs® or battling insurance companies for extra hours?

This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Parent training is real work, and it can be challenging, but for many BCBAs®, it’s deeply fulfilling—and it can be combined with other income streams to create more professional freedom.

Still, you might be skeptical:

• “Is it ethical to charge parents directly for this?”

• “Would families actually pay for coaching?”

• “Is this even a good business model—or just a fad?”

The truth? Parent training is not only ethical and evidence-based, but it’s also one of the lowest-overhead ways for BCBAs® to diversify their income. And for the right BCBA®, it can be a flexible, rewarding way to help families while building financial freedom.

So let’s break down what the research says, how to know if this is right for you, and what it takes to make it work.

Key Takeaways

• Parent training is evidence-based and ethical, with research showing significant improvements in communication and behavior (Cheng et al., 2023; Kasari et al., 2015).

• It’s a low-overhead, flexible side hustle that can fit around a full-time job, making it ideal for BCBAs® looking to diversify income.

• It’s not for everyone—if you dislike coaching adults or need high earning potential quickly, other income streams (like CEU courses or digital resources) may be better.

• Funding options matter: private pay is easier to start but limits access and earning potential; insurance requires credentialing but expands reach.

• Structured tools save time—programs like the ACHIEVE Parent Training Curriculum make it easier to start without creating materials from scratch.

• Parent training can be a stepping stone to larger business goals, such as consulting, digital products, or CEU development.

• If parent training isn’t the right fit, programs like Beyond Boundaries: Freedom Frameworks can help BCBAs® explore other ethical income streams.

The Research That Makes This Business Model Legit

Before you even think about turning parent training into a side hustle, you need to know one thing: this isn’t just a “nice-to-have” service—it’s evidence-based.

Parent Training Works (and the Data Proves It)

• A 2023 meta-analysis of 51 studies (Cheng et al., 2023) found moderate-to-large improvements in social communication, language, and behavior when parents were trained to implement ABA strategies.

• A large randomized controlled trial published in JAMA showed a 48% reduction in severe behavior problems after 24 weeks of structured parent training (Kasari et al., 2015).

• Parent coaching also supports generalization—parents naturally reinforce skills during daily routines, which often leads to longer-lasting change than clinic-based sessions alone.

What This Means for Your Business

Because parent training has strong research backing, it’s:
✅ Ethically sound—you’re providing a service with demonstrated benefits.
✅ Marketable—families are more willing to pay for coaching when they know it’s evidence-based.
✅ In-demand—with long ABA waitlists, many parents are desperate for any professional guidance.

So no, you’re not “selling out” or delivering subpar care. You’re filling a gap that insurance-heavy ABA providers often can’t.

Is This the Right Side Hustle for YOU?

Parent training sounds great in theory—low overhead, flexible schedule, real impact. But here’s the truth: it’s not for every BCBA®.

Ask yourself these questions before jumping in:

✅ Parent Training Might Be Perfect for You If…

• You enjoy coaching adults more than managing RBTs®.

• You’re comfortable working with mild-to-moderate cases rather than severe behaviors.

• You want flexible, low-commitment work you can fit around your full-time job.

• You like building relationships with families and empowering them to take the lead.

🚫 Parent Training Might NOT Be a Good Fit If…

• You thrive on direct child interaction or love supervising technicians.

• You don’t enjoy teaching or coaching adults.

• You’re looking for high earning potential fast—parent training caps your income unless you scale (more on that later).

• You’d rather avoid marketing or networking to find clients.

If It’s Not a Fit, There Are Other Options

Parent training isn’t the only way to diversify your income. Many BCBAs® successfully build side hustles through:

• Creating digital resources (e.g., data sheets, parent handouts, social story templates).

• Developing CEU courses—live or on-demand.

• Offering consultation services to schools or clinics.

Want help exploring these other options? Check out the Beyond Boundaries: Freedom Frameworks Program—a step-by-step system designed to help BCBAs® build ethical, sustainable income streams beyond traditional ABA services.

How Parent Training Side Hustles Get Funded

Before you jump into parent training as a side hustle, you need to understand how you’ll actually get paid. There are two main funding options, and each comes with its own trade-offs.

1. Insurance-Funded Parent Training

✅ Pros:

• Higher earning potential—insurance reimbursement rates are often comparable to direct ABA services.

• Increased access—families who can’t afford private pay can still receive services.

🚫 Cons:

• Credentialing required—you’ll need to be in-network with insurers, which takes time and paperwork.

• Medical necessity requirements—you can’t just provide general parent coaching; it must meet specific clinical criteria.

• Administrative burden—progress notes, treatment plans, and prior authorizations are still required.

2. Private-Pay Parent Training

✅ Pros:

• Start immediately—no insurance credentialing or authorization needed.

• Flexible service delivery—you set the schedule, format, and scope of coaching.

• Ideal for telehealth—you can work with families across your state.

🚫 Cons:

• Limited access—families who can’t afford out-of-pocket services are excluded.

• Capped earning potential—most BCBAs® charge $100–$150 per hour, which can add up, but scaling is difficult without expanding into digital products or group coaching.

Which Should You Choose?

Many BCBAs® start with private pay because it’s faster and simpler, then move into insurance-funded parent training as their caseload grows and they want to serve more families.

If you’re just exploring parent training as a small side hustle, private pay is likely the easiest way to get started—especially if you pair it with other income streams like CEU courses or digital resources.

Why Parent Training Is Perfect for a BCBA® Side Hustle

If you’re looking for a way to diversify your income without adding a ton of extra stress, parent training checks a lot of boxes.

1. Low Overhead

You don’t need to hire RBTs®, rent a clinic, or buy expensive materials. A laptop, a secure telehealth platform, and a solid curriculum are enough to get started.

2. Flexible Schedule

Parent coaching typically involves 1–2 hours per week per family, which means you can fit it around your existing job—nights, weekends, or even during your regular workday if your employer allows.

3. In-Demand Service

Long waitlists mean families are desperate for guidance. Many are open to private-pay parent coaching because they don’t want to wait six months for ABA services to start.

4. Ethical & Evidence-Based

Parent training isn’t a “watered-down” version of ABA. Research consistently shows it can reduce severe behaviors, improve communication, and empower families (Cheng et al., 2023; Kasari et al., 2015). You can feel good knowing you’re offering something that truly helps.

5. A Step Toward Financial & Professional Freedom

Parent training may not replace your full-time income, but it’s a great first step into consulting, private practice, or other entrepreneurial ventures. Many BCBAs® pair it with digital products, CEU courses, or school consulting for a more diversified business.

Think of parent training as your first stepping stone into business—not the final destination. Many BCBAs® start here, then expand into other services.

How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to launch a parent training side hustle. Here’s a simple plan to get started:

1. Choose Your Niche

You don’t have to coach on everything. Pick one area where you feel confident and can deliver quick wins for parents:

• Early communication skills

• Toileting or daily living skills

• Picky eating

• Sleep routines

• Reducing mild-to-moderate challenging behaviors

Starting with one focus builds your confidence and helps you market your services more effectively.

2. Set Your Rates and Services

• Private Pay: Most BCBAs® charge $100–$150/hour, often packaged as 4–6 week coaching programs.

• Insurance: If you’re credentialed, rates will vary by state and payer, and you’ll need to meet medical necessity criteria.

Start simple with private pay if you want to test the waters, then consider insurance credentialing as you grow.

3. Pick Your Platform

• Telehealth: The easiest option, allowing you to work with families anywhere in your state.

• In-Home Coaching: Great for building relationships but more travel time.

4. Use a Structured Curriculum

Parents need more than verbal explanations—they need a plan. Don’t waste time creating everything from scratch.

✅ The ACHIEVE Parent Training Curriculum gives you:

• 45+ ready-made lessons (toileting, emotional regulation, sibling interactions, etc.)

• Parent-friendly homework and handouts

• Progress-tracking tools (helpful for insurance or private-pay documentation)

Starting with a structured system saves hours of prep time and gives families a clear path to success.

5. Find Your First Clients

• Leverage existing networks: Pediatricians, early intervention providers, and school counselors often know families who need help.

• Parent Facebook groups & local mom networks: Many families ask for guidance while stuck on waitlists.

• LinkedIn & professional groups: Position yourself as a family-support specialist by sharing helpful tips.

6. Keep It Ethical & Data-Driven

• Collect data (even simple parent-report measures) to track progress.

• Stay within your scope—refer out if a child needs intensive services.

• Be transparent with families about what parent training can and can’t achieve.

The Bigger Picture: Parent Training as the Future of Ethical, Flexible ABA

Parent training isn’t just a way to earn extra income—it’s part of a bigger shift in our field. Families want to be empowered. BCBAs® want more freedom. And our resources—time, staff, and funding—are stretched thinner than ever.

For the right BCBA®, parent training can be:

• Meaningful – You’re teaching parents to create lasting change in their child’s life.

• Flexible – You control when and how you work.

• Ethical – You’re filling a real gap for families who might otherwise wait months for services.

But let’s be honest: it’s not the only way to diversify your income. Parent training can be a great first step, but you might decide to also create digital resources, CEU courses, or consulting packages to build a business that’s truly scalable.

If you’re serious about exploring all your options, check out the Beyond Boundaries: Freedom Frameworks Program—it’s designed to help BCBAs® build multiple income streams without sacrificing ethics or quality.

Whether you choose parent training, digital products, or a mix of both, the goal is the same: more freedom, less burnout, and more families getting the help they need.

So ask yourself:

Is parent training your next step toward creating the career (and life) you want? Or is another path calling you?

Either way, now is the time to start.

References

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2023, July). BACB Newsletter: Ethical considerations in parent-as-RBT models. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BACB_July2023_Newsletter-230913-a.pdf

Cheng, W. M., Smith, T. B., et al. (2023). Effects of parent-implemented interventions on outcomes of children with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. Retrieved from https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/7659/

Council of Autism Service Providers. (2023). Evidence about early intensive ABA treatment for children diagnosed with autism: The impact of treatment intensity on outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.casproviders.org/evidence-intensive-early-aba

Howard, J. S., Sparkman, C. R., Cohen, H. G., Green, G., & Stanislaw, H. (2014). A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 35(12), 3326–3344.

Kasari, C., Kaiser, A., Goods, K., Nietfeld, J., Mathy, P., Landa, R., ... & Almirall, D. (2015). Communication interventions for minimally verbal children with autism: A sequential multiple assignment randomized trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 314(9), 895–906.

Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(1), 3–9.

Master ABA. (n.d.). ACHIEVE Parent Training Curriculum. Retrieved from https://achieve.masteraba.academy/

Master ABA. (n.d.). Beyond Boundaries: Freedom Frameworks Program. Retrieved from https://masteraba.com

Rochester University Medical Center. (2015, May 29). Parent training leads to dramatic gains for children with autism. URMC Newsroom. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/parent-training-leads-to-dramatic-gains-for-children-with-autism