Private Therapy Compared to School Therapy

Are you wondering what the differences are between private therapy and in school therapy? Below are some common questions to help you understand the benefits of adding private therapy to boost your child’s communication success.

My child gets speech at school. Do I need a private speech therapist?

As a school based therapist for most of my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with private clinicians to provide a wholistic therapy plan. Private therapists have a unique position where they are able to work one on one with clients and more closely interact and coach families. This is key to a successful therapy plan: progress at home along with progress at school. The school sessions are important as well, but the reality of school therapy is typically large groups with less direct one on one time. This is great for social skills and social interaction, but in turn leads to less intense one on one therapy time, therefore potentially elongating the amount of time a child needs therapy. 

My child did not qualify for speech at school. Can I get a private evaluation and receive services?

The qualifications to receive speech therapy services at a school are different than the qualifications to receive services at a private practice. In a school setting, a child may present with a speech and/or language disorder but it does not impact their academic performance. For example, a child is receiving straight A’s and also having difficultly producing /r/ sounds, this child might not qualify in a school setting due to the lack of academic impact. This child still has a speech/language disorder. A private clinician would be able to work with this child to provide therapy and help to grow their communication skills. 

Can my private therapist communicate with my child’s school therapist?

Absolutely! A simple release of authorization form can be signed that would allow therapist to communicate and collaborate in order to best service a child. As a school based therapist, I do this all of the time! Working as a collaborative team is very important part of the communication plan.

Do you think adding private therapy might be beneficial for your child? Contact Berry Speech Academy today!