FAQs
Frequently asked questions about telehealth services
Why Telehalth?
Telehealth provides increased access to valuable OT services
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At OT House Telehealth, we are passionate about providing high-quality occupational therapy services to children of all ages. We believe that our telehealth services not only increase access to quality therapy for those who may not have the time or the means to attend sessions in person, but it also has the ability to enhance learning and offers the flexibility to complement a family's chosen lifestyle.
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Who is telehealth for?
Common barriers to accessing in-person OT services
Empowering Children to Reach Their Full Potential
OUR APPROACH
OUR APPROACH
Access to OT services can be limited and don't always accommodate the unique needs of the child and their family. Fortunately, telehealth services are frequently able to meet the unique needs of many children. Here are some common barriers to accessing in-person OT services:
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Living in a rural community
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Students enrolled in a school/homeschool that does not offer OT services
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Children in foster care (transitioning homes may disrupt continuity of care)
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Transportation challenges
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Children with working parents (may not be able to easily accommodate taking their child to a clinic multiple times per week during business hours)
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Children with mental health challenges
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Children with compromised immune systems
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Long waitlists
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As you can see, there can be many barriers to accessing in-person OT services. However, there is no "right" answer for why telehealth may be a good fit for your family. Whatever the reason, we're here for you!
How does it work?
Using video calls, OT services can be provided just about anywhere
Telehealth takes place using video calls, without having to leave the comfort of your own home. During a telehealth session, the therapist will guide the child through activities based on their goals. Telehealth can work remarkably well for children of all ages. Some children engage in telehealth independently, while others require parental/caregiver involvement. Therapists may use fun interactive activities to increase engagement or
guide the child to play therapeutically with everyday objects found in their home. Telehealth can also easily be integrated into daily activities at home (e.g., mealtime, dress time, bathtime, homeschooling, etc.). To add to the benefits of telehealth, if desired parents are able to play an active role in their child's therapy sessions at home which promotes the carryover of skills in the child's natural environment.
How effective is telehealth?
Extensive research supports that telehealth is just as effective as
in-person therapy
Not only does evidence-based research show that telehealth services are effective, but we've personally seen extensive progress with our clients! Telehealth allows our therapists to work with clients in their own environment, increasing the carryover of learned skills. Parents' reinforcement of these skills increases this carryover even more into their daily activities.
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We understand that beginning telehealth services may feel overwhelming. Because of the great success we have seen with our clients, we encourage you to give it a try! We will be there every step of the way.
See below for links to evidenced-based research supporting the efficacy of OT telehealth services:
Wallisch, Anna, et al. “Parent Perspectives of an Occupational Therapy Telehealth Intervention.” International Journal of Telerehabilitation, telerehab.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/Telerehab/article/view/6274.
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Little, Lauren M., et al. “Occupation-Based Coaching by Means of Telehealth for Families of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.” American Occupational Therapy Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, 23 Jan. 2018, research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/72/2/7202205020p1/6416/Occupation-Based-Coaching-by-Means-of-Telehealth?redirectedFrom=fulltext.
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Reifenberg, Grace, et al. “Feasibility of Pediatric Game-Based Neurorehabilitation Using Telehealth Technologies: A Case Report.” Research.Aota.Org, 27 Mar. 2017, research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/71/3/7103190040p1/6326/Feasibility-of-Pediatric-Game-Based?redirectedFrom=fulltext.
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