How to Find Pediatric Speech, Occupational, or Physical Therapy for Your Child

If you’re worried about your child’s development and trying to figure out where to start, you’re not alone.

Many parents notice something feels “off” long before they know what kind of help their child might need. Speech, occupational, and physical therapy can all support development, but figuring out how to actually find care can feel overwhelming.

Below, we walk through the most common ways families find pediatric therapy, what to consider when choosing care, and what to do if you’re unsure which type of support your child needs.

Where can I find pediatric therapy for my child?

Parents typically find pediatric speech, occupational, or physical therapy through a few main pathways. Each option has benefits and limitations, and many families use more than one over time.

The right path depends on your child’s age, your concerns, insurance coverage, and how quickly you want support to begin.

Common ways parents find pediatric speech, occupational, or physical therapy

Early Intervention (Birth to Age 3)

Early Intervention (often called EI) is a state-run program that provides developmental evaluations and services for children under age three.

Pros

• Services are often low-cost or free
• Focused on early developmental support

Things to know

• Waitlists can be long
• Services are usually limited in frequency
• Availability varies by state and region

School-Based Services (Preschool and School Age)

Public schools can provide therapy services if a child qualifies through an evaluation process.

Pros

• Provided at no direct cost to families
• Integrated into the school day

Things to know

• Services are tied to educational impact, not all developmental needs
• Sessions may be infrequent
• Not all children qualify

Pediatrician Referrals

Many parents start by talking with their pediatrician, who may refer them to therapy providers.

Pros

• Helpful starting point
• Can guide next steps

Things to know

• Referrals don’t always come with specific provider availability
• Families often still need to navigate scheduling and insurance

Private Pediatric Therapy (Clinic or In-Home)

Private therapy is another common option for families seeking more consistent or flexible care.

Pros

• Greater flexibility in scheduling and frequency
• Often shorter wait times
• Can take place in a clinic or at home

Things to know

• Insurance coverage varies
• Finding the right provider can take time

What to consider when choosing pediatric therapy

When exploring options, families often think about:

• Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs
• Waitlists and how soon services can begin
• Location, including travel time
• Frequency of sessions
• Setting, such as in-home versus clinic-based care
• Your child’s comfort, especially with transitions and new environments

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice is the one that works for your child and your family right now.

How Coral Care fits in

Coral Care is one option for families looking for private pediatric therapy.

We help parents find local, licensed speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists who provide in-home care. Sessions take place in your child’s natural environment, and services are covered by insurance in many cases.

Rather than asking families to search provider by provider, Coral Care focuses on matching children with clinicians who fit their needs and availability.

What if I’m not sure which therapy my child needs?

Many parents aren’t sure whether their child needs speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or something else entirely.

That’s common.

If you’re unsure, a developmental screener can help you understand:

• Which areas of development may need support
• Whether an evaluation could be helpful
• What type of specialist to explore next

Coral Care offers a free online screener designed to guide parents through this first step.

Next steps for parents

If you’re navigating concerns about your child’s development, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

You can:

• Explore your therapy options
• Talk with your pediatrician
• Or take a short developmental screener to better understand your child’s needs

Taking the first step doesn’t mean committing to therapy. It simply gives you clarity.

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