As an owner of a clinic-based ABA therapy practice in Oklahoma City, you are in a unique position. The demand for your services is higher than ever, and the market for healthcare practices is active. This creates a significant opportunity, but a successful sale requires more than just good timing. It requires a clear strategy, proper preparation, and informed navigation. This guide provides insights into the OKC market and the key steps to consider when planning your transition.
Market Overview: A High-Demand Environment in OKC
The decision to sell your practice is personal, but it happens within a broader market context. For ABA therapy in Oklahoma City, that context is incredibly strong. Buyers are actively looking for well-run practices in growth markets, and OKC fits that description perfectly.
A Growing Need in Oklahoma City
The demand for ABA services in Oklahoma is not just a vague trend. It is a documented reality. With recent data showing that one in 31 children in Oklahoma is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the need for qualified clinical care is immense and continues to grow. This local demand creates a stable and expanding patient base, which is a primary driver of value for potential buyers.
National Tailwinds
This local demand is supported by a powerful national trend. The U.S. Applied Behavior Analysis market is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 4.5% and 4.8% over the next decade. This momentum attracts investment and makes established practices like yours highly attractive acquisition targets.
Key Considerations Before You Sell
A strong market is a great start, but a premium valuation comes from a practice that is buttoned up and ready for scrutiny. Before you enter the market, focusing on a few key areas can dramatically improve your outcome.
- Navigating Oklahoma’s Regulatory Landscape. Buyers and their diligence teams will look closely at your compliance. For your ABA practice, this means strict adherence to the Oklahoma Administrative Code (Title 317). You need to have clean records showing proper BCBA supervision of RBTs, detailed treatment plans with dated signatures, and an efficient process for handling prior authorizations.
- Showcasing a Resilient Team. High therapist turnover can be a red flag for buyers. Highlighting your team’s credentials, experience, and stability is a major selling point. If you have low turnover or strong internal training programs, that story needs to be told. It shows a buyer they are acquiring a sustainable operation, not just a list of clients.
- Demonstrating Operational Excellence. Clean financial records are non-negotiable. Beyond that, buyers want to see efficient systems for billing, scheduling, and clinical documentation. A practice that runs smoothly is less risky and therefore more valuable.
What Is Market Activity Like Today?
The ABA therapy sector is one of the most active areas for investment in all of healthcare. We see significant consolidation happening, where larger strategic buyers and private equity groups are looking to build regional and national platforms. While public data on specific Oklahoma City deals is limited, the national trend is clear and directly impacts our region.
We have seen this next door, with transactions like ACES (a national provider) acquiring CLASS in Tulsa. This shows that sophisticated buyers are already active in Oklahoma and are looking for great practices to partner with. For a practice owner, this means the potential buyer pool is deeper than ever. It is not just another local practitioner. It could be a well-capitalized group ready to pay a premium for a well-run, strategic asset.
Understanding the Sale Process
Selling your practice isn’t a single event; it’s a structured process. Knowing the key phases can help you prepare and avoid common pitfalls, especially during due diligence, where many deals face unexpected hurdles. Preparing for each step is the best way to ensure a smooth, successful transition.
Here’s a simplified look at the journey:
| Phase | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| 1. Valuation & Strategy | Understanding your practice’s true market value and defining your personal and financial goals for the sale. |
| 2. Preparation | Organizing your financial, clinical, and operational documents to present a clean, compelling story to buyers. |
| 3. Confidential Marketing | Reaching out to a curated list of qualified buyers without your staff, patients, or competitors knowing you’re exploring a sale. |
| 4. Negotiation | Evaluating offers, comparing deal structures, and selecting the right partner for your practice’s future. |
| 5. Due Diligence & Closing | Providing detailed information for buyer review and finalizing the legal agreements to complete the sale. |
How Is an ABA Practice Valued?
Many practice owners think about value in terms of revenue or what a competitor sold for. But sophisticated buyers use a more specific metric: Adjusted EBITDA. This stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, with a critical twist. The “adjustment” part is where true value is often found.
We normalize your financials by adding back expenses that a new owner would not incur. This could include your personal car lease, excess owner salary above market rate, or other non-recurring costs. This process gives a clearer picture of the practice’s true cash flow. That Adjusted EBITDA figure is then multiplied by a number (a multiple) that reflects your practice’s risk and growth profile. Factors like your reliance on a single provider, your payer mix, your location, and your growth history all influence this multiple. Getting this right is the foundation of a successful sale.
Planning for Life After the Sale
The final sale price is important, but the structure of the deal and the plan for the transition determine your long-term success and peace of mind. A good advisory partner helps you think through these points long before you get to the closing table.
- Protecting Your Team and Legacy. What happens to your dedicated staff? What happens to the clinical culture you built? The right buyer will value your team and want to preserve what makes your practice special. This is a key negotiating point that protects your legacy.
- Understanding the Financials. Your proceeds are more than a single number. A deal may include cash at close, an “earnout” based on future performance, or “rollover equity,” where you retain a minority stake in the new, larger company. This can create a “second bite at the apple” and allow you to share in future growth.
- Defining Your Future Role. Do you want to continue working clinically for a few years, or are you ready to walk away? A good deal structure defines your role, responsibilities, and compensation post-sale, giving you clarity and control over your next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Oklahoma City a strong market for selling an ABA therapy practice?
Oklahoma City has a growing demand for ABA services due to local demographics, including 1 in 31 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This stable and expanding patient base, combined with national growth trends in ABA therapy, creates a strong and active market for selling ABA therapy practices.
What key regulatory compliance should sellers be aware of when selling an ABA practice in Oklahoma City?
Sellers need to ensure strict adherence to the Oklahoma Administrative Code (Title 317), including proper BCBA supervision of RBTs, detailed and dated treatment plans, and efficient handling of prior authorizations to satisfy buyer diligence teams.
How is an ABA therapy practice typically valued in Oklahoma City?
ABA practices are valued based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, adjusted for non-recurring or personal expenses. This adjusted figure is then multiplied by a variable multiple reflecting the practice’s risk, growth, payer mix, and location to determine the sale value.
What are important considerations for the sale process of an ABA therapy practice in Oklahoma City?
The sale process includes valuation and strategy setting, thorough preparation of financial and operational documents, confidential marketing to qualified buyers, negotiation of offers and deal structure, and due diligence leading to closing. Each step requires careful planning for a smooth transition.
How can a seller protect their team and legacy after selling their ABA therapy practice?
Sellers should negotiate terms that ensure the buyer values and preserves the clinical culture and staff stability. Discussing future roles and arrangement for the transition phase helps protect the legacy and ensures continuity for patients and employees.