Frequent Questions
Comprehensive Answers
I've compiled a list of the most frequent questions that I have received over my career. It’s normal and encouraged for patients to ask many questions when choosing to work with a licensed Children's Occupational Therapist. Here are some answers to the questions I receive the most. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch.
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY? MY CHILD DOESN'T HAVE A JOB
Occupation for a child is play and that occupation changes as a child grows and develops into a young adult. Any developmental milestone or responsibility is an occupation. If your child is struggling in school, unable to do tasks that you have gone over with them a dozen or more times, or feels that they are frequently lost, Occupational Therapy is a good place to start. Like a house, if the foundation is cracked or missing, the house will lean or become weak as time goes on unless the foundation is fixed. Occupational Therapy fixes the foundational skills that children of all ages may have missed when they were younger.
IS BURST THERAPY AVAILABLE DURING THE SUMMER AND HOLIDAYS?
Yes, burst therapy is available when school is out on the break for both summer and holidays. Spots are limited so please let me know if you are interested in coming to therapy 2-3 times a week. Feel free to reach out about pricing.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PATHWAY IS THE BEST FOR MY CHILD?
Due to the complex nature of occupational therapy, the pathways were created as a guide for how your child may receive treatment at Shine Therapies. Each pathway is unique and it is possible to work on all 3 pathways at some point, if needed, during your child's time at Shine. After their evaluation, we will discuss a plan of care.
WHAT IS YOUR ATTENDANCE POLICY?
Due to the high demand for Occupational Therapy in the Treasure Valley, there is an attendance policy. Less than 24-hour cancellation/no-show will result in a $25 charge. More than 2 no-shows within 60 days will result in automatic discharge from therapy. Families will be able to get back on the Occupational Therapy waitlist.
HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD BE IN THERAPY?
The plan of care will be addressed after the evaluation. It is individualized depending on your child's need for support. Your family, along with myself have the right to end therapy when it is deemed not beneficial or if a situation arises where you can no longer attend. Please be in communication with me as concerns come up so that we can problem-solve as a team and optimize your best options.
WHY IS HALF THE CLINIC SET UP AS HOUSE?
What better place to learn everyday life skills than in a house? The clinic has a functional kitchen, bathroom, laundry area, and bedroom with an office space. The clinic model bathroom is only used to teach cleaning techniques. The other half of the clinic has a vented room for art and a separate gym. All are welcome to Shine Therapy's cozy clinic!
An evaluation can take up to 85 minutes as there are several assessments for families and children to complete, along with a face-to-face interview which is the best way for me to get to know your family and child.
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A weekly therapy session is 55 minutes to allow time for cleaning and prep between clients.
HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION TAKE?
WHY ARE YOU ONLY CASH BASED? I HAVE INSURANCE
Please read my "Why See a Cash-Based Occupational Therapist" blog under pricing for my full explanation. In addition to my statement there, cash pay allows me to provide priority scheduling, keeping my waitlist shorter. I can provide a medical letter if you need one to see if services will be covered by HSA. I can also provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance to see if they will cover part of the cost. There is no guarantee that insurance may cover services and payment is due at the time of service, but these are some options we can explore.
HOW DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENTS?
I don't accept payments in cash at this time. When you come for an evaluation, I will ask for a credit/debit card to put on file. This card will be charged same day of service. Please let me know if you need to change the cards on file before an appointment. A statement is sent to you once a month. Please see the details under the pricing section.
DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH?
Yes! This is a great option if you have a sick family member or you are worried about canceling less than 24 hours in advance. This is also an option for Idaho families who live outside of Ada and Canyon County. I am unable to see families outside of Idaho at this time, due to licensing laws.