Deanna Colston, RBT, BCBA, MA

Behavior Analyst

Ms. Deanna Colston is a Behavior Analyst in Virginia Beach, VA with special training and skill in improving patients' quality of life by helping to adjust their behaviors. As a Behavior Analyst, Deanna Colston, RBT, BCBA, MA, LBA performs behavioral assessments, patient parent education, and liaisons with other mental health professionals. Behavior Analysis is a medical specialty centered on improving patients' mental or physical behavioral health by applying the principles of behavioral psychology to structured treatment plans. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Behavior Analysts include autism, drug addiction, eating disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and congenital birth defects. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Behavior Analysts include conducting research and behavior assessments, participating in one-on-one therapy sessions with patients, and formulating and overseeing treatment plans to adjust patient behavior for positive goal achievement.

A behavior analyst is qualified by at least a master's degree and Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification and/or a state-issued credential (such as a license) to practice behavior analysis independently. Behavior analysts provide the required supervision to assistant behavior analysts and behavior technicians. A behavior analyst delivers services consistent with the dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Common services may include, but are not limited to, conducting behavioral assessments, analyzing data, writing and revising behavior-analytic treatment plans, training others to implement components of treatment plans, and overseeing implementation of treatment plans.

Behavior Technician

The behavior technician is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and/or credentialed by a state (such as through licensure). The behavior technician is primarily responsible for the implementation of components of behavior-analytic treatment plans developed by the supervisor. That may include collecting data on treatment targets and conducting certain types of behavioral assessments (e.g., stimulus preference assessments). The behavior technician does not design treatment or assessment plans or procedures but provides services as assigned by the supervisor responsible for his or her work.