Pediatric Therapy in Pittsburgh, PA: Finding the Right Support for Your Child

If you're in Pittsburgh and your child has been referred for speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, the first thing you're probably doing is trying to figure out where to start. Waitlists are long. Clinic schedules are rigid. And the early intervention system, while valuable, can feel like a maze.

Here's what you need to know about accessing pediatric therapy in Pittsburgh — and what your options actually are.

How early intervention works in Allegheny County

For children under three, early intervention in Allegheny County is coordinated through The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers. You can reach them at 412-885-6000 to request a developmental evaluation. If your child qualifies, services are provided in your home or community setting at no cost to your family.

Once your child turns three, the system changes. Allegheny County residents connect with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit — the AIU — which runs the Preschool Early Intervention Program for children ages 3 to 5. You can reach the AIU at 412-394-5904 to schedule a free screening. Families who live within the City of Pittsburgh specifically should contact Pittsburgh Public Schools directly at 412-529-4000, as city residents are served through a separate program.

The Intermediate Unit is a regional education agency — Pennsylvania has 29 of them statewide — and the AIU is one of the larger ones, serving Allegheny County's suburban school districts.

What happens after the IEP process

If your child qualifies for an IEP through the AIU or Pittsburgh Public Schools, they'll receive school-based services. But school-based services aren't the right fit for every child or every family.

Some children need more frequency than an IEP provides. Some respond better to therapy at home, where they're most comfortable. Some families are on a waitlist, bridging the gap while IEP services get started. And some children don't qualify for an IEP at all, even though they'd genuinely benefit from continued support.

In-home pediatric therapy in Pittsburgh

Coral Care provides in-home speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children across the Pittsburgh area. Our licensed therapists come to your home — therapy happens in the environment where your child is already learning. There's no clinic commute. No waiting room. Just a therapist who shows up, builds a relationship with your child, and works in the real context of their daily life.

Coral Care accepts most major insurance plans, and many families pay little to nothing out of pocket.

What to do if you're just starting out

For children under 3: contact The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers at 412-885-6000.

For children 3 to 5 in Allegheny County: contact the AIU at 412-394-5904. City of Pittsburgh residents: call Pittsburgh Public Schools at 412-529-4000.

If your child has already been evaluated, has graduated from EI, or you're looking for services in addition to what the school system provides — Coral Care is here.

Continue Your Child's Care with Coral Care →

Frequently asked questions

How do I get early intervention services in Pittsburgh?

For children under 3 in Allegheny County, contact The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers at 412-885-6000 to request a free developmental evaluation. For children ages 3 to 5, contact the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) at 412-394-5904. If you live in the City of Pittsburgh specifically, call Pittsburgh Public Schools at 412-529-4000.

What is the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU)?

The AIU is Allegheny County's regional education agency, one of 29 Intermediate Units across Pennsylvania. It runs the Preschool Early Intervention Program (formerly DART) for children ages 3 to 5 with developmental delays or disabilities across the county's suburban school districts. City of Pittsburgh residents are served separately through Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Is there a waitlist for pediatric therapy in Pittsburgh?

Clinic-based therapy in Pittsburgh often has significant waitlists. In-home therapy through Coral Care is typically available much sooner. If your child needs to start or continue therapy, in-home is often the fastest path to getting services started.

Does insurance cover in-home pediatric therapy in Pittsburgh?

Yes. Coral Care accepts most major insurance plans in Pennsylvania, and many families pay little to nothing out of pocket. If you're unsure whether your plan covers in-home pediatric therapy, we can help you verify coverage before you get started.

Can my child get private therapy while also receiving services through the AIU or Pittsburgh Public Schools?

Yes. School-based and private in-home therapy are not mutually exclusive. Many Pittsburgh families supplement their child's IEP with additional in-home sessions when school-based frequency isn't enough, or use private therapy to bridge the gap while waiting for IEP services to begin.