Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) are mental health professionals who utilize data-driven techniques to treat behavioral problems. Their clients have social and emotional issues and include kids with autism, adults battling substance abuse or other addiction, and elderly patients with mental health difficulties. BCBAs meet with clients and observe their behavior, tracking numerous target points for improvement. They then implement a plan based on behavior psychology standards to treat these issues and monitor clients to help them achieve their goals. For example, a 10-year-old may have a history of kicking and biting others. A BCBA documents the number of times the child kicks and bites in a specified time period, then implements a plan to reduce this troublesome behavior. They visit the patient on a regular basis to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and work with other medical staff and caregivers to determine the client’s progress and setbacks.