What will happen during the first appointment?
The first two appointments are used for evaluation. It is highly recommended that both the child/teenager and the parent/caregiver attend. This important step allows us to spend time learning about you (or your child/teenager) which helps us develop a personalized treatment plan and unique therapy goals.
What will you be evaluating?
We’ll be asking a lot of questions while interacting with the client. Some of the evaluation topics include:
- Sensory Processing (sensory modulation, sensory regulation, sensory discrimination and motor planning)
- Auditory Processing
- Gross and Fine Motor Skills
- Social Skills and Behaviors
How often will my child need to have a session?
Usually each child comes for a weekly therapy session. Depending on the needs of the child, every two to six weeks, a consultation session takes the place of a therapy session. During the consultation, we will discuss the progress that is being made and see if we need to adjust the treatment plan. An important part of this session is parent feedback— we want to hear about improvements or challenges your child is facing at home and school.
How long are the sessions?
We offer client therapy sessions for 30, 45 and 60 minutes long. Parent or caregiver sessions may be scheduled for one hour or more.
Do I need to be present during sessions?
We request that a parent or caregiver is present during each session. Parents often play an active role in the therapy session.
Our goal in treatment is to work with you, the parent or caregiver, to facilitate your goals for your child. All sessions include a measure of evaluation as we will be observing your child’s postural and behavioral responses as he or she interacts with me and you, the parent (as well as how he interacts with the therapy equipment.)
Why do you give homework?
During each session you will receive recommendations for following through at home which we prefer to call homeplay rather than homework. The homeplay we give includes simple interventions which are often fun for both child and parent. It also may include recommendations for communicating with your child, as well as other simple recommendations which support and reinforce the progress we make during therapy at The Thrive Group sensory gym. Children whose therapy is reinforced at home generally progress more rapidly.
How do we track progress?
Within 8 weeks of starting sessions, a parent meeting is set up between your child’s therapist and 1 or both parents to discuss implementation of the home program as well as progress.
May I bring siblings to the sessions?
Please arrange child-care for siblings during all therapy sessions, as it is important that you be able to give your full attention to your child and the therapist. (Except in cases of urgent need.)
What payment methods do you accept?
For payment of services, we accept check, Visa, and MasterCard.
What are your payment policies?
Payment is due at each therapy session.
Do you take insurance?
The Thrive Group does not accept insurance. However, depending on your insurance plan and benefits, you may be eligible for reimbursement for services used outside of your network.
You can also request a gap exception from your insurance company. A network gap exception (also known as a clinical gap exception) is a tool that health insurance companies use to compensate for gaps in their network of contracted health care providers. When your health insurer grants you a network gap exception, it allows you to get health care from an out-of-network provider while paying the lower in-network cost-sharing fees.
Please see The Thrive Group Insurance Reimbursement Recommendations for helpful recommendations.
What if I get denied by my insurance company?
Here are the steps to take if you get denied by the insurance company:
- Find out the insurance company’s appeal process and follow it the T.
- Keep meticulous notes every time you contact them. This includes the full name of the person you spoke with, the time and date you called, and what you were told.
- As a last resort you may appeal to your state’s insurance commission who will need a complete file.
- Ask to see the Master Policy. All insurance companies must have one. If they deny it tell them it is your legal right. The policy contains all the coverage details and will let you know if coverage should be granted.
- Persevere.
- See a pediatric neurologist or a neurodevelopmental pediatrician for an diagnoses and convincing letter along with a letter from this office explaining whether the issue is neurological vs developmental.
What is your cancellation policy?
The Thrive Group has a 2 business day cancellation policy. You will be charged a cancellation fee (50 percent of the regular rate) for any cancellations and/or missed appointments unless you give us prior notice of 2 business days. We will make exceptions for illness and family emergencies.
Please call us at 973-602-7744 or email us at info@thethrivegroup.co. If you reach our voice mail, please leave a message.
I’m ready to schedule an appointment—what do I do next?
Please visit our evaluation scheduling page.
Disclaimer
This website and blog content are for informational purposes only. Nothing on this web site is intended to be a substitute for professional therapeutic or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for you or your child. Never delay in seeking advice and/or never disregard medical advice because of something you have read on this web site or blog.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by The Thrive Group or Miriam Manela or by any person or professional appearing on our website is solely at your own risk. The Thrive Group and Miriam Manela are not liable for any advice or information provided on the site, all of which is provided on an “as-is” basis. No warranties, either express or implied, are made on the information we provide. The Thrive Group and Miriam Manela do not endorse any specific tests, therapists, doctors, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on our website. Our recommendations should be considered opinion, only.
