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Telehealth

Online Autism Therapy for Kids at Home

Telehealth offers similar benefits of meeting within the walls of our autism therapy center, but allows your child to receive care at home.*

A virtual bridge of hope with telehealth

The effects of COVID-19 have reached beyond those who have the coronavirus, as many children with autism spectrum disorder have had to postpone applied behavior analysis and other crucial therapy services in order to protect the health of our communities.

Children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays have challenges moving through their lives with confidence and therapy is a critical part of their daily routine.

In an effort to get your family the help it needs during this time of social distancing, Hopebridge is adding a new service of online, or offline via telephone, autism therapy via telehealth services. This remote option will provide your kids with the necessary therapy within the comfort of your own home. In collaboration with Hopebridge BCBAs, Occupational, and Speech therapists, we are able to transition to video sessions while continuing to customize programs for the needs of each family. From building communication and functional life skills to reducing challenging behaviors, this new service intends to fill in the gap so children can continue to progress toward their goals.

What are the benefits of teletherapy?

Expanded services for ABA therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy will allow your child to get back to their medically prescribed autism treatment. The additional benefits of utilizing telehealth services during this time include:

  • Provide consistency to the plan of care; a key factor of success in autism therapy treatment
  • More opportunities for parent involvement and training
  • Ability to focus on natural environment training
  • Often easy to get started since your child is already familiar with your home environment
  • Easier access for families who no longer need transportation to therapy
  • Flexible session times

Telehealth for Autism FAQs

There are a number of factors to take into account when considering online, or offline via telephone, therapy sessions to supplement your child’s regular interventions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers as it relates to remote therapy at Hopebridge:

  • What is telehealth?
    Telehealth (also known as teletherapy) is the delivery of services using interactive audio and visual electronic systems between a Provider (Hopebridge) and a Patient (or Patient’s caregiver) that are not in the same physical location.
  • Is telehealth covered by insurance?
    Telehealth service authorizations are typically handled on a state-by-state basis and can vary, however all states where Hopebridge currently offers therapy is covering telehealth.
  • Is there a co-pay for telehealth?
    Medicaid is covering telehealth services at 100%. Commercial insurance companies are waiving co-pays during these troubling times. If uncertain, please check with your provider to confirm or reach out to the Hopebridge intake team at 855-324-0885.
  • Do I need special equipment to participate in telehealth autism sessions?
    The minimum requirement for teletherapy with Hopebridge is a device that can access the internet and features a video camera. Additional options for telehealth are telephonic telehealth sessions.
  • Does telehealth cost more than my regular therapy?
    The cost for teletherapy sessions can vary depending on the state, insurance provider and medical needs of the family, however, the cost is not expected to exceed that of center-based therapy.
  • Is telehealth secure?
    Yes, our team has the technology and knowledge to conduct secure and confidential online sessions that continue to be compliant with HIPPA guidelines.
  • How long is a session of telehealth?
    As with center-based therapy, the duration of sessions will vary depending on the needs and insurance guidelines for each family, however, a typical session will last no more than 1 hour.
  • What services does telehealth include?
    Hopebridge services will include direct therapy for ABA therapy, occupational and speech therapy, as well as parent training.
  • Are there any additional requirements? Yes, current Hopebridge patients must complete an additional consent form with an electronic signature for telehealth services. Please call your Clinic Manager to have the unique consent form emailed to you. For future patients, please contact us.
  • How do I get started with telehealth?
    Please reach out to our team at 855-324-0885.