Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) template: what to include and how to write it
A BIP outlines evidence-based strategies for reducing challenging behaviors and teaching replacement behaviors. Here's a complete BIP template for ABA practitioners.
A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is one of the most important documents a BCBA writes — and one of the most consequential if done poorly. A well-written BIP identifies the function of a problem behavior, outlines proactive prevention strategies, defines how staff will respond consistently, and specifies the replacement behavior being taught. This guide provides a complete BIP template with guidance on what to write in each section.
What a good behavior intervention plan template includes
Every section has a purpose. Here's what to include and why.
Client information and background
Client name, age, diagnosis, date of BIP, supervising BCBA, therapist(s) implementing the plan, and the settings in which the plan will be implemented.
Target behavior definition
Precise, observable, measurable definition of the behavior. Not 'aggression' — but 'hitting with an open or closed hand, any body part, with sufficient force to produce sound or physical contact.'
Baseline data
Frequency, duration, or intensity data on the behavior before intervention. Establishes the baseline from which progress will be measured.
Functional hypothesis
The hypothesized function of the behavior from the FBA: attention, escape, access, or sensory/automatic. Must be stated clearly as this drives the entire intervention design.
Antecedent interventions
Proactive strategies to prevent the behavior from occurring: environmental modifications, schedule changes, pre-session warnings, and establishing operations that reduce motivation for the behavior.
Teaching the replacement behavior
The functionally equivalent replacement behavior (FERB) — the appropriate skill that serves the same function as the problem behavior. Teaching procedure, prompt strategy, and reinforcement schedule.
Consequence strategies
How staff will respond if the problem behavior occurs: extinction (withholding the maintaining reinforcer), differential reinforcement, safety procedures if applicable. Must be consistent across all implementers.
Data collection procedures
How and when data will be collected: frequency count, ABC data, or interval recording. Who collects the data. How often the BCBA reviews it.
Crisis protocol
If the behavior has safety implications: specific crisis procedures, escalation protocol, and when to call for additional support.
Template vs. automation
Using a template manually
2–4 hrs
Fill in each section from memory or notes. Format, proofread, export. Repeat for every session.
With Theralyn
BIP in Theralyn
Session data captured live. Report generated automatically when the session ends. Nothing to fill in.
Common questions
Does a BIP have to be based on an FBA?
Yes. Under IDEA in school settings, a BIP must be based on an FBA for any behavior that substantially interferes with learning. In clinical ABA settings, BCBAs are ethically required to base behavior reduction programs on a functional assessment.
Who can write a BIP?
A BIP must be written by a qualified behavior analyst — typically a BCBA. In school settings, the IEP team collaborates on the BIP, but a BCBA should lead the functional assessment and intervention design.
How often should a BIP be reviewed and updated?
A BIP should be reviewed when the behavior changes significantly (increases or decreases substantially), when the function hypothesis appears incorrect, when staff report the plan isn't working, or at scheduled IEP review intervals.