Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) are a set of standardized procedures designed to thoroughly evaluate and understand challenging behaviors, in order to create effective treatment plans. FBAs help to identify situations, emotional states, or other triggers that contribute to the occurrence of challenging behaviors, as well as the factors that serve to maintain these behaviors. By understanding the function that a specific behavior serves for an individual, more targeted and effective interventions can be employed. FBAs are conducted by our office’s own board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), Jessica Savaiano, Psy.D., BCBA.
FBAs include a minimum of 2-3 observations of the individual in the natural environment, as well as input from parents, teachers, caregivers, and the person themselves, as applicable. FBAs may be conducted privately or as part of an independent educational evaluation (IEE), which is completed at the public school district’s expense (pending prior approval from the school district). For private FBAs, please contact our office and our staff will set up an appointment. If you have been approved for an IEE for your child through your local public school district, our office will contract with the school district to complete the evaluation at no expense to the family. Travel time for all observations/meetings is billed at the clinician’s hourly rate ($275/hour, in 15-minute increments) for all required travel/additional observation time.
These evaluations typically require 4-8 hours of observations with the patient, as well as collateral interviews and data gathering. An initial interview (9o minutes) with Dr. Savaiano is scheduled initially, at which time a plan for the rest of the FBA will be made. Cost of evaluation:
- With a doctoral level, certified school psychologist who is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA): $3500+ $275/hour travel (billed in 15-minute increments)
