Teletherapy

 

WHAT IS TELETHERAPY?

Teletherapy is therapy over a video chat app when the therapist and client are not in the same location. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, special instructors and others can provide teletherapy. Many parts of teletherapy are exactly like a regular in-home session. It is an excellent option when a face-to-face therapy session is not possible. Teletherapy is a proven method to meet a child’s goals.

BENEFITS OF TELETHERAPY

  • Helps reduce missed visits due to illness and prevents the spread of illness
  • Families who live in rural areas have access to more providers
  • Families may have access to specialized providers
  • The caregiver takes a more active role in the therapy session, focusing on caregiver-child interactions
  • Convenient

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR TELETHERAPY

  • Computer, laptop, tablet/iPad or smartphone with a webcam
  • Good internet connection
  • A quiet room with good lighting

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR TELETHERAPY

If you are interested in teletherapy, talk to your child’s therapist or contact our office. You’ll need to sign an additional consent form for teletherapy services to begin.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A TELETHERAPY SESSION

  1. Teletherapy sessions may be shorter than our face to face therapy sessions – 30 minutes in length instead of 60.
  2. Prior to the session, the therapist will send you a short “lesson plan” and list of items/toys suggested to have at the ready.
  3. For an infant or toddler, the therapist will demonstrate new activities or techniques and coach the parent through them. For a preschooler, plan to sit next to your child on the floor or at the table and work together closely with the therapist. School age children, depending on their goals, may be able to work independently through the session. However, the parent should remain nearby for assistance.
  4. The therapist is able to share her screen, play games, share handouts, resources and more throughout the session.
  5. At the end of the session, the therapist will discuss how to continue the session activities throughout the week, any concerns you may have and schedule the next visit.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR THERAPY SESSION

  • Be willing to learn new techniques
  • Ask questions
  • Give feedback to your therapist
  • Voice your concerns
  • Look for activities and strategies that you can do to help your child
  • Practice the activities you did during the teletherapy session

Learn about our pricing

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Teletherapy?

Will our personal information and health information be confidential and private?
Yes. The therapist will use a private and secure system.
Do I need to download an app or program for a teletherapy session?
No, prior to the appointment, your therapist will send you a private link to access the session. Just click the link and you’ll be ready to join the session!
What do I do if the teletherapy session is disconnected or has technical problems?
If the audio is lagging, you and your therapist can mute the microphones and use audio via a phone call. If video is lagging, your therapist may end the session and send you a new link to join a new session.
What if my child is not cooperating during the session?
Your therapist will work together with you to give you ideas and strategies to make teletherapy sessions as productive as possible. If at any time, the therapist feels that teletherapy is not helping your child make progress towards her goals, she will let you know and you can discuss ways to support and maintain progress during this time.
I have several children. What if my other children are disruptive?
Because siblings are a part of the child’s natural environment, the therapist will likely want to involve siblings and other family members in the session to reach the set goals.