DiscoverBeyond The Science PodcastThe Raw Truth About RBT: Burnout, Pay & Feeling Invisible
The Raw Truth About RBT: Burnout, Pay & Feeling Invisible

The Raw Truth About RBT: Burnout, Pay & Feeling Invisible

Update: 2025-04-17
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Join us for an unfiltered, emotional, and refreshingly honest conversation with three Registered Behavior Technicians. In this groundbreaking episode, RBTs reveal the untold truth about what it’s really like working on the front lines of ABA therapy—from burnout and low pay to joy, purpose, and everything in between.Whether you’re an RBT, BCBA, or someone curious about the field, this episode will challenge your perspective and move you deeply


Discover:

  • Why many RBTs feel invisible, undervalued, and underpaid
  • Shocking behind-the-scenes moments that’ll make you laugh and cry
  • The real emotional cost—and reward—of this work
  • Powerful insights on burnout, passion, and staying in the field
  • What every BCBA needs to hear from their RBTs


This episode is 100% real, unscripted, and guaranteed to change how you see ABA—and the people who make it happen.


Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:40 Special guests & fun facts about them

03:35 April’s journey into ABA and motherhood

07:10 Lily’s story: early intervention and becoming an RBT

09:04 Rob’s path from undergrad to crisis unit

12:09 A day in the life of an RBT

17:48 The burnout and wanting to quit

27:45 Dear BCBA, I wish you knew

21:44 Clients with more challenging behaviors

36:03 RBT Conference announcement and why it matters

39:58 Community, visibility, and raising RBT voices

44:27 Real talk: pay rates, PTO, and cancelations

46:31 Ideas to fix client cancelation challenges

56:40 The future of the field: retention and respect

59:03 Wildest things kids have ever said

1:02:44 Rapid-fire game

1:03:30 Off the clock: love languages

1:06:06 Final advice for new RBTs

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The Raw Truth About RBT: Burnout, Pay & Feeling Invisible

The Raw Truth About RBT: Burnout, Pay & Feeling Invisible

Beyond The Science Podcast