In-Home Therapy
In-home therapy services allow children to receive therapy in their own home or another familiar environment such as a daycare or preschool. In this setting, therapists travel to the child rather than the child traveling to a clinic.
Children may receive services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, or behavioral services depending on their needs and the providers available in the area.
Quick Summary
- Therapy takes place in the child’s home or another familiar environment
- The therapist travels to the child for scheduled sessions
- Sessions are often one-on-one with the therapist
- Services may be covered by Medicaid or private insurance depending on eligibility
On this page
What Happens During In-Home Therapy?
During in-home therapy sessions, the therapist works with the child in the home or another familiar setting. Therapy activities are often designed to fit naturally into the child’s daily routines and environment.
For example, therapists may work on skills during everyday activities such as playtime, mealtime, dressing, or moving around the home.
Because therapy takes place in the child’s everyday environment, therapists can also help parents learn strategies that can be used throughout the day to support their child’s development.
In some cases, therapists may also provide services in settings such as daycare centers or preschools if that environment is where the child spends much of their day.
Therapies Commonly Provided Through In-Home Services
In-home therapy providers may offer a variety of services depending on the therapists available and the needs of the child. Services may include:
- occupational therapy
- physical therapy
- speech therapy
- feeding therapy in some cases
- behavioral services such as applied behavior analysis (ABA)
The exact services available can vary depending on the provider and the programs available in the community.
Who May Benefit from In-Home Therapy?
In-home therapy may be a good option for children who benefit from receiving services in a familiar environment.
Some families prefer in-home therapy because it allows therapists to work directly within the child’s daily routines and home environment. It may also be helpful for families who have difficulty traveling to therapy appointments or who prefer services to take place where the child is most comfortable.
For some children, practicing skills in their own environment can make it easier to apply those skills in everyday situations.
In-home therapy may also be helpful for children who are medically complex and/or immunocompromised, since receiving therapy at home can reduce exposure to illnesses that may be present in group environments.
How Children Qualify for In-Home Therapy
Children typically begin in-home therapy after a therapy evaluation shows that services may help support their development.
In most cases:
- a physician referral or prescription is required
- a licensed therapist completes an evaluation
- therapy goals are developed based on the child’s individual needs
Depending on the provider and the child’s situation, therapy services may be covered through Medicaid, TEFRA Medicaid, or private insurance.
Not every therapy provider offers in-home services, so availability may vary depending on the area where a family lives.
Real Life Tip
One advantage of in-home therapy is that therapists can see how a child functions in their everyday environment. This often allows therapists to give parents practical ideas that fit naturally into daily routines such as meals, playtime, or getting dressed.
Because therapists travel between homes, however, scheduling may sometimes be more limited than in clinic-based therapy settings.
Some therapy providers offer both clinic-based (outpatient) services and in-home services, so families may want to ask what options are available and which setting may work best for their child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do parents need to be present during in-home therapy?
Yes. Because therapy takes place in the home, a parent or caregiver is typically present during the session. Therapists often involve parents in activities so they can continue practicing skills with the child between therapy visits.
How often does in-home therapy occur?
The frequency of therapy sessions depends on the child’s needs and the therapist’s recommendations. Many children receive therapy one or more times per week.
Does the therapist bring equipment?
Therapists often bring some materials or therapy tools to sessions, but they may also use items that are already available in the home. This can help children practice skills in ways that fit naturally into their daily routines.
Can in-home therapy happen at daycare or preschool?
Sometimes. Depending on the provider and the child’s schedule, therapy sessions may take place in settings such as daycare centers or preschools if that is where the child spends much of the day.
Helpful Resources
Families exploring In-home Therapy may also find these resources helpful.
Related programs on Real Life Resources
- Types of Therapy & Services - Overview of therapies that support children with developmental or medical needs.
- Choosing the Right Therapy Setting - Learn about the different environments where therapy services may be provided.
- Funding Sources Explained - Programs that may help families cover the cost of therapy services.
- Where to Start A guide for families beginning to explore evaluations and therapy services.
Official information and applications
- American Physical Therapy Association (ChoosePT) - Information about physical therapy and how therapists help children improve movement, strength, and mobility.
- American Occupational Therapy Association Learn more about occupational therapy and how it supports daily living skills, sensory processing, and development.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) - Information about speech therapy, communication development, feeding therapy, and AAC.
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