Files and Resources

Clinical vs. School-Based Therapy

Purpose

Clinical

Supports access to the home and community

Focuses on medical conditions and impairments

Physician makes a referral

Child has a documented medical diagnosis

Assessments and observation in the clinic, home, or community

Therapist's evaluation determines the plan of care, which is shared with the rest of the medical team and caregivers.

School-Based

Supports access to education

Promotes independence, access, and participation in the school setting

Teacher, parent, or other individual requests a team evaluation

Child meets the criteria of one of the special education categories under IDEA and demonstrates a need that impacts his performance in the school setting

Observation in the school environment and standardized tests assessments

Therapist's evaluation is used by the educational team to make decisions about education plan and to write the IEP.

Eligibility

Clinical

Physician makes a referral

Child has a documented medical diagnosis

School-Based

Teacher, parent, or other individual requests a team evaluation

Child meets the criteria of one of the special education categories under IDEA and demonstrates a need that impacts his performance in the school setting

Evaluation & Determination

Clinical

Assessments and observation in the clinic, home, or community

Therapist's evaluation determines the plan of care, which is shared with the rest of the medical team and caregivers.

School-Based

Observation in the school environment and standardized tests assessments

Therapist's evaluation is used by the educational team to make decisions about education plan and to write the IEP.

Service Delivery

Clinical

In the clinic, hospital, or home

Direct, one-on-one treatment sessions (occasionally groups)

Education provided to caregivers/family

School-Based

On school grounds, hallways, playground, buses, classrooms, lunchroom

Direct, one-on-one, group, or classroom sessions

Consultation and collaboration with teachers, support staff, parents, and administrators

Documentation and Payment

Clinical

Documentation is provided based on insurance requirements with use of billing codes

Payment for services is made by family or insurance

School-Based

Progress is monitored for IEP goals and reported at regular intervals throughout the school year

No cost for services, schools may participate in school- based Medicaid programs for reimbursement