Getting Started
How do I get started?
Whether you have been given a referral, recommendation or found out about our services online, the best way to begin your experience with Playworks is by giving us a call. Be sure to leave a detailed message and you will receive a call back within 24 hours. Our phone number is 972-387-1100
What information will I initially need?
We will need to know the reason for the referral, referring physician (if applicable), your insurance coverage, and contact information.
We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and HMO and United Health Care for both occupational therapy and speech therapy. Currently, we are in network with Cigna for occupational therapy. As a courtesy to our families, we file all insurance claims, both in- and out-of-network.
Phone Intake Appointment
We will schedule a phone intake appointment with a therapist to gather patient history and information. This phone call is free of charge and is limited to 30 minutes. If you desire an in-person meeting or appointment longer than 30 minutes, please let us know. These appointments will be scheduled in 15 minute increments at $25 each increment.
Due to the sensitive nature of the questions, please make every effort to take this phone call in a private, quiet, and non-distracting environment. It may also benefit you to take notes on the information discussed during the appointment. During this call, we will schedule an initial assessment appointment.
Our intake form is available for you here to print and fill out. We ask that you complete the intake form prior to the initial assessment appointment.
Initial Assessment Appointment
For the initial assessment appointment, we prefer to see your child “fresh”. This means not after school, hungry or in need of a nap. The most effective evaluation will happen when your child is at his/her best. This appointment will last approximately 90 minutes. Our goal is to get your child’s best possible performance.
Assessments are a time that can be difficult for your child. He/she is meeting a new person and is in a new environment. We make every effort to help your child be at ease and we encourage participation, however sometimes we will need an additional session to make sure that we see your child at their best (there is no charge for the additional time if needed). Typically the child will separate from their parent for the assessment. There are situations when that is not possible or recommended. If your child has difficulty with separation, we would like the parent to join the assessment. Additionally, for our clients under the age of 3 years we prefer for a parent to be available during the assessment or initial appointment.
Results of the assessment are not shared immediately following the initial assessment appointment. The therapist typically needs time to score standardized tests and review information before summarizing results. A follow up appointment will be made within one week. At this time, results will be shared with the parents/guardians and recommendations will be made. Please do not bring children to this appointment.
What’s next?
If individual services are recommended, a weekly appointment will be set up for your child. At times, additional recommendations will also be made, such as further assessment with speech therapy, physical therapy, educational consultant, school placements, or special equipment, just to name a few. We will make every effort to assist with finding resources for those recommendations.
Typically your child will attend therapy on the same day and at the same time each week. Having a predictable schedule assists with consistency in performance. Adjustments can be made for conflicts. Please work with your individual therapist. The frequency of attendance is dependent on your child’s individual needs. The duration of therapy is dependent on many variables:
Current functional needs
Strengths of the child
Consistency in attendance
Compliance with home/school recommendations
Motivation and drive
Playworks is committed to helping the child reach their highest level of functional independence within a reasonable amount of time.
Your child will be assigned to one therapist who will be in charge of your child’s care. At Playworks, we believe strongly in the relationship that is established between the therapist and the child and his/her family. Through a strong, supportive relationship, progress is maximized.