School vs. Private Practice: Should I Receive Services in Both Settings?

At Parkwood Clinic, we often receive questions about the differences between school-based and private practice speech and language services. Many people wonder how the services differ, why it might be beneficial to receive services in both settings, and how collaboration between professionals works.

These are all important considerations when creating a personalized plan of care. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between these two settings, the importance of collaboration, and what a comprehensive plan of care might look like.

How Are School Services and Private Practice-Based Services Different?

The primary distinction between school-based and private practice speech/language services lies in their funding sources. School-based services are federally funded, while private practice services are typically covered by insurance or require private pay.

Because school-based services are federally funded, there are specific eligibility criteria that must be met, and services are provided only when there is a documented academic impact. In contrast, private practice services don’t have these strict eligibility requirements, though if insurance is being used to cover the costs, clinicians must demonstrate medical necessity for the services through dynamic assessment.

Why Should I Consider Services in Both Settings?

There are many benefits to receiving speech therapy in both school and private practice settings.

First, it provides the opportunity for therapy in a variety of environments, which helps promote generalization of skills. Practicing therapy goals in different settings ensures that progress is made across all areas of life, whether at school, home, or in social situations. This variety is essential for mastering the skills learned in therapy.

Second, school-based services have specific eligibility criteria, which may not cover all of a client’s needs. For example, feeding and swallowing issues are typically outside the scope of school-based therapy. By receiving services both at school and privately, you ensure that all areas of concern are addressed, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to treatment.

Plan of Care: Collaboration is Key

Collaboration between healthcare providers is essential for delivering high-quality, comprehensive care. When clients receive services in multiple settings, it facilitates better communication and teamwork between their providers. This collaborative approach helps streamline the therapy process, ensuring that all aspects of the client’s needs are met.

Working together across settings, such as the school, home, and medical offices, allows for a more cohesive treatment plan. It also helps ensure that progress is tracked consistently across different environments, leading to more successful outcomes.

Conclusion

Incorporating services from both school-based and private practice providers can offer significant advantages for clients, including more comprehensive care, the ability to generalize skills across settings, and greater collaboration among professionals. Ultimately, a personalized plan of care, created with input from multiple providers, is key to supporting the best possible outcomes for the client.

Additional resources: 

• Talk to one of our clinicians and schedule a consultation meeting!
• Parent rights in Oregon for Special Education Services.

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