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