How Long Does It Take to Start Therapy in Arkansas?

Quick Summary

It depends on where you go, but in most cases:

  • Evaluation: 1–3 weeks
  • Therapy start: a few weeks after that

It can also depend on how quickly your child’s doctor sends over the referral, if one is needed.

Some places are quicker. Some have waitlists.

Real Life Tip

This part can feel slower than you want it to.

If you’re on a waitlist, it’s okay to call around and get on more than one list. That’s pretty common.

What Affects the Timeline?

A few things can impact how quickly you get started:

  • How busy the provider is
  • Your location
  • Insurance or Medicaid requirements
  • Whether you already have a referral

Some clinics can schedule quickly. Others may take a little longer.

Step-by-Step Timeline

Step 1: You make the call

You call the provider and tell them you’re interested in getting your child evaluated.

They’ll usually ask for:

  • Your child’s basic information
  • Your concerns
  • Insurance information
  • Your child’s doctor’s name

This part can take longer than people expect, especially if paperwork has to go back and forth.

Step 2: They check what is needed

Before they schedule the evaluation, they usually check things like:

  • Whether a referral is needed
  • Whether they accept your insurance
  • What paperwork or documentation is still needed

If they need something from your child’s doctor, this is often the point where they request it or tell you what needs to happen next.

Step 3: The evaluation gets scheduled

Once they have what they need, they’ll get your child on the schedule.

Sometimes this happens quickly. Other times it depends on:

  • How fast the referral is sent over
  • Insurance requirements
  • Provider availability

Step 4: The evaluation

The evaluation usually happens in one visit.

The therapist will:

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

Step 5: You get answers and next steps

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 move forward with scheduling services.

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 and what to keep an eye on as your child grows.

Step 6: Therapy starts (if needed)

If your child qualifies and everything is in place, the provider will move forward with scheduling services.

That timeline can vary depending on:

  • Provider availability
  • Recommended frequency
  • Insurance or Medicaid requirements

If It Feels Like It’s Taking Too Long

You have options.

You can:

  • Call other providers
  • Ask to be added to a cancellation list
  • Check different settings (clinic, EIDT, in-home)
  • Ensure that your PCP has sent over referrals if neccessary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can therapy start the same week as the evaluation?

Sometimes, but not usually.

Most of the time there are a few steps in between.

It can.

 

There are specific prescription requirements and approvals involved, which can add time.  Don’t worry, your therapy provider should be well versed in these!

  • Call providers directly
  • Ask about current availability
  • Be flexible with scheduling

Helpful Resources

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

Related Programs on Real Life Resources

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