Questions to Ask a Potential Provider

You do not have to ask every question on this page.

Choose the questions that matter most for your child and the type of service you are seeking.

• Are you accepting new patients/clients?
• Is there a waitlist?
• What is the estimated wait?
• Do you maintain a cancellation list?
• Are there other locations with earlier availability?
• Do you offer telehealth when appropriate?

• Do you accept my child's exact insurance plan?
• Can you verify benefits before the first appointment?
• Do I need a referral?
• Is prior authorization required?
• Are there costs that may not be covered by insurance?
• What is your cancellation/no-show policy?

• Do you regularly work with children my child's age?
• Do you have experience with my child's diagnosis or needs?
• What training or credentials does the person working directly with my child have?
• Who supervises treatment?
• How frequently will my child see the supervising clinician?

• How do you decide what goals to work on?
• How will I be involved in creating goals?
• How is progress measured?
• How often are goals reviewed?
• What happens if my child is not making progress?
• How are changes to the treatment plan discussed with families?

• Can parents observe sessions?
• Will you teach us strategies to use at home?
• How often will we receive progress updates?
• Who should I contact when I have questions?

• Can you communicate with my child's school if I provide permission?
• Can you collaborate with my child's other therapists or doctors?
• Will you participate in school or team meetings when appropriate?
• Are there additional fees for meetings or reports?

• How do you accommodate children who are minimally speaking or nonspeaking?
• Are AAC devices welcomed and supported?
• How do you accommodate sensory needs?
• What happens if my child becomes overwhelmed?
• How do you approach behaviors that may occur during sessions?
• Can accommodations be made for mobility or medical needs?

Make sure you understand:

• What happens next
• Who will contact you
• Whether additional testing is needed
• Whether insurance authorization is needed
• When treatment may begin
• Who to call with questions