9 Things Every New Franchise Owner Should Know
Becoming a franchise owner is one of the most exciting steps in an entrepreneur’s journey. You’re buying into a proven
February 19, 2026
Start Your Own ABA Therapy Franchise
Make a Lasting Impact on Children’s Lives
Join a franchise built on collaborative care, proven systems, and ongoing support—so you can focus on serving families in your community.
Franchise info pack included!
Learn About Our Franchise & Get a Free Info Pack
Reach Out Today!
Reach out to our team and let’s get started with your franchise journey.
(346) 423-3078
franchiseinfo@ speechandaba.com
Steps to Owning Essential Speech and ABA Therapy Franchise
Our franchise process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. Each step helps you explore fit, prepare with confidence, and open your clinic with guidance from our team.
1
Explore & Connect
Learn about the Speech & ABA Therapy mission, franchise model, and support — and connect with our team to ask questions and explore alignment.
2
Confirm Fit & Investment
Review requirements, available territories, and investment considerations with the team to confirm alignment and next steps.
3
Train & Prepare to Launch
Participate in comprehensive training, secure your location, and build your team with support throughout the process.
4
Open Your Clinic With Ongoing Support
Launch your clinic, begin serving your community, and continue growing with ongoing operational and clinical support.
Essential Speech and ABA Therapy
Where Children on the Autism Spectrum have a TEAM behind them!
Our Mission & Care Model
Essential Speech and ABA Therapy was founded in 2017 with a mission to provide children with the most comprehensive and compassionate care possible. What began as a single clinic quickly grew to meet the needs of families seeking a more coordinated approach to early intervention.
By bringing ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy together under one roof, we created a collaborative model that supports the whole child—and the entire family.
Founded in 2017
Started as a single clinic providing comprehensive, compassionate care.
Integrated ABA, Speech & OT
Collaborative therapy model supporting the whole child and family.
Franchise Program Launched in 2023
Expanded nationwide, allowing owners to bring our proven model to their communities.
Strong Growth & Demand
Rising need for high-quality therapy services offers both social impact and business opportunity.
Expanding the Mission Nationwide
In 2023, Essential Speech and ABA Therapy launched its franchise program, allowing passionate owners across the country to join our mission and make a difference in their own communities. As an Essential Speech and ABA Therapy franchise owner, you gain access to a proven clinical model, established brand, and comprehensive training that help you deliver life-changing services—without navigating the complexities of business ownership alone.
Why This Matters Now
The need for high-quality ABA and related therapy services continues to rise nationwide, with increasing awareness, growing demand, and expanding insurance coverage. This combination of social impact and financial opportunity makes Essential Speech and ABA Therapy not only a rewarding business venture but also an investment backed by years of operational excellence and measurable outcomes.
Meet the Team Behind Essential Speech and ABA Therapy
At the heart of Essential Speech and ABA Therapy is a story of three women—Amber Lister, Nafisa Obi, and Camila Trevino—who are driven by a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of children with autism.
As mothers ourselves, we understand the depth of love, the fierce advocacy, and the relentless hope that parents carry for their children. This deep understanding is what inspires our mission to provide exceptional, holistic care that supports both the child and the family.
Meet Your Support Team
Our support team is the backbone of every clinic’s success. With expertise spanning clinical care, operations, billing, marketing, and compliance, we’re here to guide and empower each location from the ground up. United by a shared commitment to quality and compassion, our team ensures franchisees have the tools, training, and partnership needed to provide exceptional care to children and families.
Shelby Nelson
PhD, BCBA - Director of Clinical Quality
Jessica Camp
M.S. - Director of Franchise Operations
Jasmine McCaskey
M.A., BCBA - Supervising Director
Supported Every Step of the Way
As an Essential Speech and ABA Therapy franchisee, we build our support around you. From pre-opening and getting the business established to post-opening and managing your clinic, we tailor guidance to fit you and your teams needs.
Years of Experience
0
Join an ABA Therapy Franchise Dedicated to Expanding Access to Care
At Essential Speech and ABA Therapy, our franchise development is guided by a single goal: increasing access to high-quality therapy services for families across the country. We’re looking for motivated, compassionate individuals who share our passion for helping children thrive. While experience in ABA or healthcare is always welcome, it’s not required—our comprehensive training and ongoing support are designed to prepare you every step of the way.
Hands-On Business Guidance
From day one, you’ll receive hands-on guidance through every stage of building your business, including forming your entity, securing and signing a lease, hiring and managing staff, furnishing your clinic, and overseeing daily operations.
Comprehensive Training & Support
Our training program combines in-person instruction, remote learning, and on-demand resources to ensure that both you and your team feel confident and capable.
Ongoing Partnership
You’ll have continuous access to our expert franchise support team, empowering you to focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional care and making a lasting impact in your community.
Hear From Some of Our Current Franchisees
My wife and I are proud to be the first franchise to open under the Essential Speech and ABA umbrella. Not having any other franchises before us to research and discuss the positives as well as the potential challenges was risky, but the opportunity to start a business that truly makes a positive impact on the families in our community was a no-brainer for us and a risk we were willing to take.
We officially opened our doors in January of 2023, and we have watched not only our franchise grow but also the corporate support team. They have built a very strong support team, and they have proven to be an indispensable partner with us. Their clinical and programmatic support has been nothing short of excellent! The tools and resources they provide have really helped us. They have developed really good, standardized protocols and have support "Experts" available to us. Their business development, marketing support, and referral network allow us to focus more directly on the operations of our clinic and staff. Having this support is not just helpful but essential to the daily function and long-term viability of our franchise location.
We look forward to continued collaboration as we grow and serve more families in our community.
Theo HinesOwner Essential Speech and ABA Therapy Friendswood 
I chose Essential Speech and ABA Therapy because of the exceptional leadership demonstrated by Nafisa, Amber, and the rest of the franchisor team. Their experience, guidance, and willingness to share their knowledge have made the process of building a successful clinic seamless and rewarding.
My experience working with the support team and utilizing their systems has been top-tier—their responsiveness and proactive leadership have been invaluable. The most fulfilling part of this journey has been witnessing the incredible impact our model has had on so many clients.
Thanks to the organization’s strong systems and outstanding leadership, we’ve been able to expand our clinic within the first 18 months, nearly doubling the number of children we are able to serve.
Roderick BatsonOwner Essential Speech and ABA Therapy Cypress 
Proud Members of Several Organizations
Investment Information
Our general financial requirements to open are at least $75,000 in liquid capital, $350,000 in Net Worth, and a minimum credit score of 680. Essential Speech and ABA Therapy Franchising does not offer any direct financing options, but we work with partners to assist in any of your financing needs.
Initial Franchise Fee
$49,500*
*via Item 5 of our FDD, discounts available for Veterans, Existing Franchisees, and those converting and existing business.
Royalty
5%*
*via Item 6 of our FDD, Royalty is on gross revenue.
Initial Investment Range
$267,500 –
$698,750*
*via Item 7 of our FDD, see below for more details.
Average Unit Volume
$1,113,891*
*via Item 19 of our FDD, see below for more details. Average Unit Volume (AUV) for franchised units billing for all 52 weeks in 2024.
Let’s Chat About Your Franchise Opportunity
Have questions about the franchise, investment, or next steps? Speak directly with Ben Gerding, our Director of Growth, to get answers, understand the process, and see how owning a franchise could work for you.
Latest From Our Blog
Top 5 Financial KPIs Every Clinic Owner Should Track Weekly
In the world of behavioral health, we often say that “quality of care drives the bottom line.” At Essential Speech
February 5, 2026
Building Replicable Systems Without Losing Quality
Building Replicable Systems Without Losing Quality In healthcare franchising, replicability is often the goal. But for us at Essential Speech
February 4, 2026
Start Your Franchise Journey!
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
Have questions about the franchise, investment, or next steps? Connect with our team to learn more, explore fit, and see if bringing Essential Speech & ABA Therapy to your community is the right choice. Fill out the form to receive your info pack straight to your inbox or use the contacts below.
(346) 423-3078
franchiseinfo@ speechandaba.com