We have quite a few who seek additional clinical services. And then they decline for us to use their insurance so they can double up on therapies. I try to explain the EI model and difference between medical model and educational model, but at the end of the day we can’t enforce any specific frequency as the plan is supposed to be individualized. SO with enough using a parent can usually get what ever services they think they need.

Good point, Jennifer. Yes, parents can certainly access private therapy. When I’ve had parents who want therapy through EI plus private, I would talk to them about coordinating between the two therapists. They also needed to check with their insurance provider too to see how this would work. Sometimes treatment can get tricky if the child is seeing two different therapists in the same discipline. Like you said, I didn’t have many families who chose to do both – except when there was a medical reason like when additional medical therapy was needed post-surgery. Offering it as an option so that parents know it’s a possibility can be very helpful.

I know, me too! I agree, that this really starts with referral sources and is an ongoing effort, particularly when the points of contact and physicians change. Like you said, too, digging a little deeper with the family is a great way to approach this rather than saying something like “we don’t do therapy that often” which I’ve heard people say before. The frequency of services is a team decision that’s made with everyone’s input. Helping families and referral sources understand this is key!