Starting therapy—whether for yourself or your child—can bring both hope and uncertainty. At Eastern Therapy, our goal is to make the process clear and stress-free from the very first step. Here’s what to expect during your initial evaluation, how we determine eligibility, and how to best prepare for your first visit.
Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child or an adult considering therapy for yourself, the first step in getting started at Eastern Therapy is a comprehensive evaluation. This initial session helps our therapists understand your unique needs, determine eligibility for services, and create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals.
Determining Eligibility
Before therapy begins, an evaluation is needed to determine if therapy services are appropriate and covered by your insurance plan. During this process, our team will:
- Review your referral (not always required) and any relevant medical documentation.
- Verify insurance coverage and confirm any requirements (such as a physician’s order).
- Match you with a therapist who specializes in your specific needs.
Our goal is to make the process smooth and transparent so you know exactly what to expect before your first visit.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
Your evaluation is a chance for us to learn about you—and for you to get comfortable with our team and environment. Evaluations typically last between 45–60 minutes and include a mix of conversation, observation, and hands-on assessment.
For children, the therapist may use play-based activities, standardized tests, and parent interviews to assess developmental, sensory, speech, motor, or feeding skills.
For adults, evaluations may focus on strength, coordination, daily activities, voice, cognition, or pain and mobility.
At the end of the session, your therapist will discuss their findings, share whether therapy is recommended, and answer any questions you have.
If Therapy Is Recommended
If therapy is recommended, your therapist will explain the proposed frequency (for example, once or twice per week) and the focus areas for treatment. Our administrative team will assist with scheduling ongoing visits and verifying insurance authorization if needed.
Each therapy plan is personalized to the individual—whether that means helping a child gain independence with self-care skills, supporting recovery after an injury, or improving daily function through targeted exercises and education.
Helping Parents and Adults Prepare
A little preparation can make your first appointment go more smoothly:
For parents:
- Bring your insurance card, and any relevant reports (such as IEPs or medical notes).
- Share your main concerns and goals for your child’s progress.
- Let your child know what to expect in simple, reassuring terms—our therapists specialize in making sessions fun and engaging.
For adults:
- Wear comfortable clothing if movement or exercise may be involved.
- Be ready to discuss your medical history, daily activities, and specific challenges.
- Think about what you’d like to achieve through therapy—whether it’s returning to work, improving mobility, or managing pain.
At Eastern Therapy, we understand that starting therapy can feel like a big step. Our goal is to make the process easy, supportive, and empowering—helping every individual take that first step toward greater independence and quality of life.
