Pediatric Teletherapy: Personalized Care from the Comfort of Home
What is Teletherapy?
Pediatric teletherapy is the online delivery of therapy services—such as speech, physical, occupational, or behavioral therapy—provided by licensed pediatric therapists through secure video sessions, allowing children and families to receive personalized care from the comfort of home.
Benefits of Pediatric Teletherapy
Convenience & Flexibility
Sessions can be conducted from home, eliminating travel time and scheduling barriers.
Easier to fit into family routines, especially for parents with multiple children or transportation challenges.
Access to Services
Ideal for families in rural or undeserved areas where specialists may not be readily available.
Continuity of care during illnesses, weather closures, or transitions.
Family Involvement
Caregivers can easily observe or participate, leading to better follow-through on strategies at home.
Therapists can coach parents in real-time using the child’s natural environment.
Comfortable Environment
Children may feel more relaxed and focused in their familiar home setting, leading to improved engagement.
Comparable Outcomes
Research shows teletherapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for many pediatric needs (especially speech, behavioral, and OT services).
Why Families Choose Teletherapy Over In-Person?
Teletherapy can be especially beneficial to families who live too far to travel to an in person clinic or do not have access to transportation. It can also be helpful for children who may be ill, homebound, or have compromised immune systems as well as for children who may feel embarrassed about being pulled out of classes to go to therapy, such as adolescents, children with fluency disorders, or children with anxiety. Teletherapy can be done in the comfort of your child’s home, which may be the best and most productive environment for them.
- No commute or waiting rooms
- Flexible scheduling (evenings, lunch hours)
- Reduced exposure to illnesses
- Helps build generalization of skills in the child’s natural setting
- Eliminates barriers like gas costs, childcare for siblings, or time off work
What to expect in a teletherapy session (& what you will need):
You will notified via email with instructions on how to login to the secure platform (usually Zoom or Microsoft Teams). Patients, with guidance from a parent, will use a electronic device to login to our secure platform and work with a trained therapist for their session. The therapist may call on certain materials to have prepared before the session time begins. Visit our list of supplies you might need during a session, that we recommend you keep close to your computer during your scheduled time.
- Acceptable device: computer, tablet or IPAD
- Reliable internet service
- A webcam (either on your computer or an external webcam)
- Microphone
- Online platforms used: Zoom or Microsoft Teams
- Here is a list of supplies you might need for each discipline
How to Prepare for Your First Teletherapy Session
If this is your first teletherapy session, there are some important details you should be aware of—please review our comprehensive list of preparations to make before your initial teletherapy appointment. Being well-prepared and ready will help ensure a smooth and productive session.
- Test Your Technology
- Choose a Quiet, Distraction-Free Space, with Good Lighting
- Have Supplies Ready
- Join Early
- Be Nearby (Especially for Younger Kids)
- Talk to Your Child About What to Expect
- Come With Questions!
- Relax—We’ll Guide You
Supplies you may need for OT teletherapy:
- Crayons, pencils, paper
- Scissors and glue
- Play-Doh, putty, or clay
- Small toys or action figures
- Puzzle pieces or blocks
- Sensory items (fidget toys, textured objects)
- Household items like towels, spoons, buttons, or clothes for dressing skills
Supplies you may need for a SLP teletherapy session:
- Small toys for turn-taking or following directions (e.g., cars, blocks, action figures)
- Favorite toys or books for language modeling
- Mirror (for practicing sounds and mouth movements)
- Paper and pencils/crayons
- Whiteboard and markers (if available)
Supplies you may need for a PT teletherapy session:
- Pillows or couch cushions (for balance or obstacle courses)
- Towels or Yoga Mats (for floor work or stretching)
- Chairs or low stools (for sit-to-stand practice)
- Stairs or step stools (for step-up exercises)
- Toys and balls (to motivate movement or coordination tasks)
- Painters Tape or Masking tape (to mark boundaries or paths on the floor)
FAQ- Addressing Common Concerns and Questions
Q: What if my child struggles with attention or sitting still?
A: Our therapists are trained to keep sessions engaging and interactive. We adjust the length and format based on your child’s needs.
Q: Is my child’s progress tracked the same as in-person therapy?
A: Yes! We use the same goals, documentation, and progress tracking tools in teletherapy as we do in person.
Q: What if I have tech issues?
A: We’re here to help. You’ll receive simple setup instructions, and we can reschedule if you ever run into problems.
Q: What ages can participate in teletherapy?
A: Teletherapy can be effective for children as young as toddlers, all the way through teens. We tailor the session style and level of parent involvement based on your child’s age and developmental needs.
Q: Will my child really stay engaged through a screen?
A: Yes—in many cases! Our therapists use play-based, interactive tools to keep sessions fun and focused. For younger kids or those with attention challenges, we build in breaks and use creative strategies to keep them involved.
Q: Can I switch between in-person and teletherapy?
A: Absolutely. We offer flexible options and can help you find the best mix of in-person and virtual sessions to support your child’s goals and your family’s schedule.
Q: What if my child doesn’t talk or has trouble using a computer?
A: That’s okay! For nonverbal children or those needing more support, a caregiver can assist during sessions. Our therapists are trained to adapt based on your child’s communication style and abilities.
Q: Is teletherapy covered by insurance?
A: Most insurance plans and Medicaid programs cover teletherapy just like in-person therapy. We’re happy to verify your benefits and walk you through the billing process.
Q: What happens if we miss or need to cancel a session?
A: We understand that things come up. Just let us know as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to reschedule and keep your child on track.
Q: Is teletherapy secure and private?
A: Yes. We use HIPAA-compliant video platforms to protect your child’s privacy. Your child’s personal and therapy information is always kept confidential.
Q: What types of therapy can be done via telehealth?
A: We offer teletherapy for:
- Speech & language therapy
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Behavioral therapy / ABA
- Physical Therapy – as needed
- Parent coaching and developmental support
- Some hands-on goals may still be better suited for in-person sessions, and we’ll help you decide what’s best.
Pediatric Speech Language Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy