How to Get Your Child Evaluated for Therapy in Arkansas (Step-by-Step Guide)

Quick Summary

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, you can start in one of three ways:

  • Ask your pediatrician for a referral
  • Contact First Connections (if your child is under 3)
  • Call a therapy provider directly

You don’t have to wait for someone to tell you it’s serious enough.

Here’s exactly how to get started, step-by-step.

Real Life Tip

Most parents don’t regret getting an evaluation.
They regret waiting.

 

A lot of therapy providers offer quick, free screenings, so you don’t have to jump all the way in just to get a sense of things.

 

If something has been sitting in the back of your mind for a while, it’s worth looking into.

The 3 Main Ways to Start

Start with your pediatrician.

This is where a lot of families begin.

You don’t have to say anything fancy:
           “I’m a little concerned about my child’s development and would like an evaluation.”

They can send a referral if needed.

Some insurance plans require this, some don’t. If you’re not sure, just ask.

Call First Connections (birth to age 3)

If your child is under 3, this is one of the easiest places to start.

  • No referral needed
  • Evaluations are free
  • They come to your home or daycare

If your child qualifies, services may be provided at no cost.

Call a therapy provider directly

You can also just call a provider yourself.

That might be:

  • An outpatient clinic
  • An EIDT program
  • A private therapy provider

You can simply say:

“I’d like to get my child evaluated.”

 

You can also ask if they offer free screenings, or just have them walk you through what getting an evaluation would look like.

 

 

They’ll tell you what you need from there.

What This Looks Like Step by Step

Step 1: You notice something

It doesn’t have to be major.

Sometimes it’s:

  • Speech not coming in like expected
  • Trouble with coordination
  • Feeding issues
  • Behavior that feels different

If you’re noticing it, that’s enough.

Step 2: You pick a starting point

Pediatrician, First Connections, or a provider.

There isn’t a perfect choice here, just pick the one that feels easiest to start with.

Step 3: You schedule the evaluation

You’ll make a call or fill out a form, share your concerns, and get on the schedule.

Wait times vary depending on where you go.

Step 4: The evaluation

This is usually more relaxed than people expect.

The therapist will:

  • Play with your child
  • Ask you questions
  • Observe how your child is doing

It’s not a pass/fail situation.

Step 5: You get a plan

After the evaluation, they’ll explain:

  • Whether your child qualifies
  • What areas need support
  • What therapy might look like

If your child does qualify, they’ll walk you through next steps.

If your child doesn’t qualify, they won’t just send you on your way.They’ll usually give you ideas of things you can do at home to support development and what to keep an eye on as your child grows.

Step 6: Therapy starts (if needed)

If your child qualifies, the provider will handle next steps like:

  • Insurance or Medicaid
  • Scheduling
  • Getting services started

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for therapy in Arkansas?

In most cases, yes.

  • Medicaid: requires a physician referral/prescription and specific documentation
  • Private insurance: usually requires a referral
  • First Connections: does not require a referral

Even if a referral is needed, you can still call a therapy provider first. They’ll tell you exactly what’s required and help you get what you need.

You don’t have to wait.

You can still:

  • Call a therapy provider directly
  • Contact First Connections
  • Get another opinion

If you’re concerned, it’s okay to move forward and get more information.

You still have options.

  • First Connections (under age 3)
  • TEFRA (can help children qualify for Medicaid)
  • Some providers offer private pay options

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start.

It depends on where you go, but generally:

  • Evaluation: a couple of weeks
  • Therapy start: a few weeks after that

Some places are quicker, and some have waitlists.

Yes.

You can choose what works best for your family:

There isn’t one “right” option, just what fits your child and your day-to-day life.

Helpful Resources

If you’re not sure where to go next, these are a good place to start:

Related Programs on Real Life Resources

Official Information and Next Steps

These links take you to official websites where you can learn more or start the referral process.

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