If you are new to needing/receiving some type of therapy, including speech therapy services then let me help you weigh out some of your options! Typically, I would google what I'm looking for (e.g. "speech therapy near me") and see what options I find. You will see many brick and mortar or physical locations. While there are pros and cons to every setting, I have experienced that most families see the biggest improvement in the client's natural environment.
What do I mean by natural environment? The place where they feel most comfortable, which tends to be where the spend the majority of their time. This includes their home, daycare/preschool, and for the geriatric population it can include an assisted living facility/nursing home.
Benefits for children:
- No commute necessary! The therapist comes to you. How many times does your child fall asleep in a car ride? Now, can you imagine that happening each time you're taking them to therapy? Trust me, the transition between the car ride with a sleepy child leads to a cranky child that makes a recipe for a difficulty session.
- Scheduling is much more convenient-- no need to leave work early to beat rush hour traffic so that you can make it to therapy on time before they close.
- The child is typically much more interested at home with toys that they are familiar with. It is also much more practical to use materials already found in the home.
- As a parent/caregiver, you can implement the skills taught to you by the therapist in your home more easily with the same materials.
- You get a special type of treatment being at home. The clinician becomes familiar with your family's routines and gives an approach to treatment that it customized to your needs. In a clinic, you are typically rushed out of the session because the next appointment is already in the waiting area.
- You get the most out of the time designated for the session. No need to worry about a busy waiting room, checking in with the secretary, etc.
Benefits for adults:
- No commute necessary! The therapist comes to you. If you work, you can receive therapy after work hours. If you are retired, you do not have to worry about driving, parking, inclement weather commute.
- Therapy is focused on being relevant to your current needs and situation.
- You get a special type of treatment being at home. The clinician becomes familiar with your family's routines and gives an approach to treatment that it customized to your needs.
- You get the most out of the time designated for the session. No need to worry about a busy waiting room, checking in with the secretary, etc.
- Overall, reduced stress and fatigue related to coordinating daily challenges to fit around your schedule. Plus, you get to be comfortable in your own home!
Feel free to contact us if you have more questions about therapy in the natural environment!
Comments