Essential Speech and ABA Therapy Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Essential Speech and ABA Therapy is a healthcare franchise providing speech therapy and applied behavior analysis services to children with developmental delays, autism, and communication disorders.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$49,500
Investment
?
$209,000 - $669,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$5,289,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Essential Speech and ABA Therapy was founded in 2017 in Missouri City, Texas, by three experienced speech-language pathologists. They saw the need for a more streamlined approach to therapy for children on the autism spectrum.
Their solution was to bring Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy together under one roof. This integrated model focuses on early intervention for children aged 18 months to 6 years.
The brand began franchising in 2023 and has grown rapidly, with 15 units now operating across the U.S. The franchise is designed for mission-driven entrepreneurs who want to make a difference.
Essential Speech and ABA Therapy stands out through its collaborative care model. Each clinic employs ABA therapists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists working together.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Essential Speech and ABA Therapy franchise is $209,000 - $669,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$49,500
Onboarding Services Fee
$2,500
Training Expenses
$3,000 – $6,000
Leasehold Improvements
$0 – $100,000
Professional Photography Fee
$500 – $1,000
EMR Services
$850 – $3,320
Furniture and Fixtures
$20,000 – $40,000
Signage
$2,000 – $15,000
Technology
$15,000 – $30,000
Rent (3 months)
$15,000 – $45,000
Security Deposit
$10,000 – $25,000
Utilities
$5,000 – $10,000
Office Supplies
$1,000 – $3,000
Grand Opening Advertising Expenditure
$5,500
Local Advertising Requirement
$300
Software
$4,500 – $9,000
Insurance
$3,000 – $5,000
Permits and Licenses
$2,500 – $5,000
Professional Fees
$1,500 – $4,000
Staffing and Payroll Costs
$40,000 – $150,000
Therapy Materials
$5,000 – $15,000
Credentialing Services
$7,800 – $20,000
Additional Funds (3 months)
$15,000 – $125,000
Total
$209,450 – $669,120
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$49,500
Onboarding Services Fee
$2,500
Training Expenses
$3,000 – $6,000
Leasehold Improvements
$0 – $100,000
Professional Photography Fee
$500 – $1,000
EMR Services
$850 – $3,320
Furniture and Fixtures
$20,000 – $40,000
Signage
$2,000 – $15,000
Technology
$15,000 – $30,000
Rent (3 months)
$15,000 – $45,000
Security Deposit
$10,000 – $25,000
Utilities
$5,000 – $10,000
Office Supplies
$1,000 – $3,000
Grand Opening Advertising Expenditure
$5,500
Local Advertising Requirement
$300
Software
$4,500 – $9,000
Insurance
$3,000 – $5,000
Permits and Licenses
$2,500 – $5,000
Professional Fees
$1,500 – $4,000
Staffing and Payroll Costs
$40,000 – $150,000
Therapy Materials
$5,000 – $15,000
Credentialing Services
$7,800 – $20,000
Additional Funds (3 months)
$15,000 – $125,000
Total
$209,450 – $669,120
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Essential Speech and ABA Therapy's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Essential Speech and ABA Therapy had 8 total units in 2024, of which 4 were franchised-owned and 4 company-owned.
Essential Speech and ABA Therapy provides a structured and multi-tiered training program for franchisees and their teams to ensure consistency and quality across its centers. The training is comprehensive and includes the following components:
Initial Training Program Essential Speech offers a tuition-free initial training program for up to three individuals designated by the franchisee. This includes the franchisee (or a responsible principal) and the center's designated manager. The training may be conducted at the franchisor’s headquarters, at the franchisee’s location, online, or another designated center, and covers operational, administrative, and service-related topics.
Instructional and Proprietary Materials Trainees receive access to Essential Speech’s proprietary instructional materials, including manuals and other documents, which must be reviewed and utilized throughout the training. This ensures alignment with the franchisor’s standards and procedures.
Replacement Personnel Training Any new or replacement personnel must also complete the initial training program. This is subject to the franchisee paying the current training fee and associated expenses for each new trainee.
Territory Protection
Essential Speech and ABA Therapy grants franchisees a Designated Territory, usually a three-mile radius around the center. Within this area, the franchisor agrees not to open or license another center using the same brand, as long as the franchisee complies with the agreement. The size and boundaries may vary based on demographics and location.
However, the territory is not exclusive. Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or services offered under different trademarks. The franchisor also reserves the right to operate in non-traditional locations and through various channels like online platforms.
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