Your First Visit — A Parent’s Guide to Getting Started
We know starting therapy can feel like a big step. Will my child be comfortable? What happens during the session? How do we pay for it? We’ve put this guide together to answer those questions and take the guesswork out of your first visit. If something isn’t covered here, just ask — we’re always happy to talk.
Start With a Free Phone Screen
Before any appointment or commitment, we start with a free 15-minute phone screen. This is a no-pressure conversation with one of our therapists. You’ll tell us what’s going on with your child, ask any questions you have, and we’ll let you know honestly whether an evaluation makes sense.
- •We’ll listen to your concerns and answer your questions
- •We’ll check your insurance benefits so you know what’s covered
- •If therapy sounds like the right path, we’ll schedule a full evaluation
- •If not, we’ll point you to resources that might help
Quick note:We’re a small practice and we’re usually in session with children, so we might not pick up right away. Fill out the form below and we’ll call you back within 24 hours.
Scheduling & Insurance — We’ll Handle the Details
After the phone screen, if we all agree an evaluation would be helpful, we’ll find a time that works for your family. We offer morning, afternoon, and some late-afternoon appointments to fit around school and work schedules.
Insurance We Accept
We accept most major PPO insurance plans. During your free phone screen, we’ll check your specific benefits so there are no surprises — we tell you exactly what your plan covers, what your copay or deductible looks like, and whether you need a referral from your pediatrician. We also offer self-pay optionsfor families who don’t have insurance or prefer not to use it.
Don’t see your insurance listed?Call us anyway. Plans change all the time, and we’re happy to check your specific benefits at no cost.
Do I Need a Referral?
Many PPO plans allow you to see a pediatric therapist without a referral. Some plans require a prescription from your child’s doctor. We’ll check this for you during the phone screen and let you know exactly what you need.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit
We want your first visit to feel comfortable for both you and your child. Here’s what you can do ahead of time:
What to Bring
- •Insurance card and photo ID
- •Any previous evaluation or therapy records (if available)
- •Your child’s favorite comfort item (toy, blanket, stuffed animal)
- •A list of questions or concerns you’ve been noticing
- •Comfortable clothes your child can move and play in
- •A snack and drink, just in case
Helpful Tips
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out paperwork (or we can email it ahead)
- •Try not to overschedule your child the day before — well-rested kids engage better
- •Don’t over-explain the visit to your child. Just say something like, “We’re going to play with a new friend today!”
- •Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down observations and recommendations
- •If your child uses glasses, hearing aids, or other devices, bring them
What to Expect at the First Visit
The first visit is an evaluation. It’s longer than a regular session — about 60 to 90 minutes — because we want to get a thorough picture of your child’s strengths and challenges.
Here’s how it typically goes:
Parent Interview
We’ll start by talking with you. What are your concerns? What have you noticed at home, at school, or on the playground? What does a typical day look like for your child? This conversation helps us understand the full picture.
Play-Based Observation
While we talk, your child will start exploring our space. We observe how they move, how they play, how they communicate, and how they respond to different activities. This natural play tells us more than any formal test can.
Structured Assessment
We’ll guide your child through some specific activities designed to evaluate their skills — things like fine motor tasks, following directions, making sounds, or responding to sensory input. We keep it playful and follow your child’s lead.
Discussion & Next Steps
At the end, we’ll share our initial observations and recommendations. If therapy is recommended, we’ll walk through the proposed plan, talk about frequency (typically once or twice a week), and get your questions answered before we schedule ongoing sessions.
What Regular Sessions Look Like
Once the evaluation is complete and we have a plan, your child will come in for regular therapy sessions. Here’s what you can expect:
Session Length
Most sessions are 45-50 minutes. This gives us enough time for meaningful therapy without overtiring your child.
Play-Based Approach
Every session is built around play. We use games, sensory activities, movement, and creative projects to target your child’s goals. Kids don’t feel like they’re in therapy — they feel like they’re having fun.
Parent Involvement
You’re welcome to observe every session. We typically invite parents to join for the last 5-10 minutes so we can show you what we worked on and give you strategies to use at home. Your involvement is key to your child’s progress.
One-on-One Attention
Every session is one-on-one with a licensed therapist. No group sessions. No assistants running the show. Just your child and their therapist, working together in a focused, caring environment.
Home Program — Making Progress Between Sessions
The real magic happens between sessions. Research consistently shows that children make the most progress when parents are actively involved in carrying over therapy strategies at home. That’s why every treatment plan includes a home program component.
A home program doesn’t mean adding another chore to your day. It’s simple, practical strategies woven into your existing routines:
- •Quick 5-minute activities you can do during bath time, mealtime, or bedtime
- •Small adjustments to your child’s environment (seating, lighting, sensory breaks)
- •Communication strategies to use during everyday moments
- •Recommendations for books, toys, and activities that reinforce therapy goals
We don’t expect you to be a therapist. We give you tools that fit your family’s rhythm. Some families do a lot of home practice, others do a little — and we meet you where you are.
What Menifee Parents Say About Starting Therapy With Us
“I was so nervous about my son’s first appointment. The therapist made us both feel comfortable from the moment we walked in. She explained everything and my son didn’t want to leave!”
— Sarah R., Menifee
“The free phone screen was so helpful. They checked my insurance while we talked, and I knew exactly what to expect before I ever stepped foot in the clinic. No surprises.”
— Marcus T., Sun City
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Can I stay in the room during my child's session?
Absolutely. You can observe from our waiting area or join the session. Many parents prefer to be present, especially for the first few visits. We'll discuss what works best for your child.
How long does it take to see progress?
Every child is different. Some families notice changes within a few weeks. For others, progress is more gradual. We set measurable goals and track them, so you'll always know how your child is doing.
Do you offer teletherapy?
Yes! We offer teletherapy for both occupational therapy and speech therapy. It's especially effective for parent coaching sessions and speech/language goals.
What if my child is having a tough day and won't participate?
That's totally normal, especially at first. Our therapists are trained to meet children where they are. We might adjust the activity, take a sensory break, or just sit and connect. There's no pressure.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Start with a free phone screen. Fill out the form below and we'll call you within 24 hours to find a time that works.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a free phone screen. We’ll listen to your concerns, check your insurance benefits, and help you decide if therapy is the right next step — all with zero commitment and no pressure.
We’re a small practice and we’re usually in session with kids. If we don’t answer right away, fill out the form and we’ll call you back within 24 hours.