How to Get a Pediatric Therapy Evaluation
A step-by-step walkthrough of the process — from initial concern to evaluation report — so you know exactly what to expect.
Once you decide to pursue a pediatric therapy evaluation, the process is more straightforward than most parents expect. Here's exactly what to do, in order, with realistic timelines and tips along the way.
Step 1: Decide what you're evaluating for
You don't need certainty — but having a sense of which area concerns you helps clarify which type of evaluation to pursue. Common categories:
- Motor concerns or sensory regulation → Occupational Therapy evaluation
- Speech, language, or social communication concerns → Speech-Language evaluation
- Both → Comprehensive evaluation across both disciplines
Step 2: Free consultation (optional but recommended)
Most clinics, including ours, offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. It's an easy, no-commitment way to talk through your concerns with a therapist and confirm whether a full evaluation makes sense.
During the consult, share what you've been noticing, your child's age, and any specific concerns. The therapist will ask clarifying questions and recommend next steps.
Step 3: Insurance verification
Before scheduling, your insurance benefits should be verified. Our team will run a benefits check on our end — calling your plan, confirming coverage, and explaining costs in plain language. Expect this to take 1–3 business days.
We strongly recommend that you also call your insurance directly to confirm. Plans differ in subtle ways, and what a representative tells you over the phone can differ from what we get back. Two confirmations from two sources gives you the clearest picture of your out-of-pocket costs.
Step 4: Schedule the evaluation
Evaluations typically take 60 minutes. We schedule based on family availability — including after-school slots when possible. Some evaluations are completed in one session; complex cases may take two.
Step 5: The evaluation itself
During the evaluation, the therapist will use a combination of parent interview, play-based observation, and — when clinically appropriate — standardized assessments. You'll be present (or nearby) and able to share context the therapist needs.
Tip: bring any prior reports (school evaluations, IEPs, previous private evaluations, pediatrician notes) — they save time and provide important background.
Step 6: Review the results
After the evaluation, the therapist puts together a written report covering clinical observations, identified strengths and challenges, and specific recommendations.
Step 7: Decide on next steps
You're not committed to therapy by getting an evaluation. You can take the report and decide what to do — start therapy, get a second opinion, share with school for IEP planning, or simply have the information for reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until we can schedule an evaluation?
Do I need a doctor's referral?
What if my child won't cooperate during evaluation?
Can my child be evaluated in their school?
Related Free Resources
Continue Reading
Getting an evaluation is the most concrete step toward clarity. Whatever the result, you'll walk away with information you can act on.