What is the process if my child needs occupational therapy services?

To begin the process of starting occupational therapy services for your child please contact me by email at alliatwood@gmail.com or by phone at (415) 577-0990 to schedule an initial 15-20 minute phone call. From there we will decide if a full evaluation is necessary. The evaluation is approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours. Depending on the age of your child, and if schedules permit, the evaluation can be done on one day or broken up over two days each lasting one hour. After the in-person evaluation is complete, I will gather information from other disciplines involved with your child if applicable such as teachers, speech therapists, or psychologists. A written report is completed compiling all of the information from the in-person evaluation and interviews. A parent meeting will be scheduled to review the written report and clinical findings and to discuss appropriate treatment goals to achieve over a 6 month period either in person or via Zoom. 

What are your procedures and policies around COVID-19 and seeing a child in person at the clinic?

Please see the attached COVID-19 procedures and policies form for a list of procedures I have adopted based on the SF Health Order to keep everyone safe when visiting the clinic. 

How long will my child need to participate in occupational therapy?

Every child is different but depending on their needs, a child could participate in weekly therapy 1-2 times each week anywhere from 6 months to one year. 

What if my child received an evaluation from a previous clinic and we would like to start treatment with you?

I would review any written reports that have been done with your child within the year and decide from that information if I would need to perform my own evaluation or if the reports and assessments already completed is enough information for me to start weekly treatment. A treatment plan with objectives set for the next 6 months will be formed before starting treatment.

How should I explain to my child why they are going to see you?

First let your child know that they will be going to a fun place that looks like a playground but it is inside. Let them know that I am like a teacher they have at school but some people like to call me a therapist. Inform them about all the fun equipment there is to play on at the clinic such as the suspended swings, crash pads, and art supplies and that I use this equipment to help them build strong bodies and brains. Sometimes we will work on things that are challenging, but with practice and making mistakes they will be able to do things that were once hard for them. 

How can I reinforce what my child is doing with you in therapy at home or my child’s school?

After we have reviewed the evaluation together, I will give you recommendations of what to do at home and/or school with your child. I will also give you home activities at the end of each therapy session to do for that week. We can also schedule an in-person or online session so that I can see the home environment, equipment, toys, and materials you already have that can be used in activities that correlate with your child's therapy goals. I can also schedule an in-person school visit or phone conference with your child’s teachers to review techniques that can help your child succeed in their school environment.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not take insurance but it is possible for you to pay for sessions and submit your paid invoices to your insurance company depending on your insurance plan.