Unique opportunities for special situations. Telehealth offers more flexibility and greater access to care.
Life is full of unexpected situation and surprises. Teletherapy is a flexible model that can work around these unique scenarios instead of impeding on them. Our remote Occupational Therapy visits consist of a 1:1 caregiver-child interaction joined remotely by one of our certified specialists. Our goal is to establish effective communication between caregivers and clinicians through a virtual platform to optimize caregiver proficiency in occupational therapy and children’s learning. Goals are geared toward understanding the basic principles of occupational therapy and teaching new skills.
How does Teletherapy work?
The only equipment needed is a device with a built-in camera and microphone (e.g., laptop, desktop computer, tablet, iPad, phone) and reliable internet connection! The scheduling department will communicate with you to coordinate a convenient time for therapy appointments. You will then receive a link to access the video conferencing software, which is entirely free for families and also compliant with privacy standards (HIPAA). To set up for the therapy session, you will ensure the camera and microphone are working, and that the camera is in an area that allows the therapist to view you and your child.
What will Teletherapy look like?
Teletherapy appointments look just like a face-to-face appointment in many ways. They are fun, informative and likely to involve many different activities. Having said that, virtual (Internet based) therapy looks different for every child, just like face-to-face therapy does based upon the child’s needs.
The common features are:
- You may be emailed (or hard copy mailed) some resources in advance that you are asked to have ready for your child (e.g worksheets) where appropriate. Alternatively, you may simply use standard household items (e.g. paper and pencils) or even no resources at all.
- Your therapist will carry out a clear activity plan just as they would in the clinic.
- Your therapist will verbally report on observations and progress noted during the activities just as though you were in the clinic face-to-face.
- The therapist will provide you with written home program strategies, to practice until your next appointment
- The appointment will be just as fun and engaging (albeit in a different way) to face-to-face therapy.
Is Teletherapy covered by insurance?
Most teletherapy services are covered by insurance due to COVID. All Medicaid Plans are covering this service at this time. If you have commercial insurance, the office will check your plan to see if it is covered. If not, we will work with you on a special rate given the circumstances. We also accept self-pay.
Can my child access a combination of Teletherapy and center-based therapy?
Yes, following our clinics self-isolation, you can use a combination of Teletherapy and clinic-based therapy. In fact, our therapists believe that in many cases you will get a better quality of therapy via Teletherapy where we are able to have some regular face-to-face appointments as well. Talk with our specialist to work out the best plan for you and your child.
What are the benefits of Teletherapy?
- Convenient and flexible
- Provides more scheduling options amidst your busy schedule
- Reduces travel time and expense
- No need to spend time or money driving to the clinic
- Increases consistency and regularity
- Allows your child to have the opportunity to receive therapy despite obstacles such as sickness, extreme weather conditions, or vehicle breakdowns
- Increases progress and reduces possibility of regression
- Promotes better carryover of skills into the child’s typical environment by allowing the therapist to apply strategies to the home setting (at a distance!)
- Empowers families via parent education/coaching and modeling (this is our typical focus when working with toddlers and younger children)
- Technology is fun!
- Provides the ability to provide fun, engaging digital materials, game-based activities, videos, and more
- Observes proper social distancing protocols
- Allows your child to continue progressing while maintaining his/her health