Feeding Therapy

FAQs

• What types of Feeding Therapy does Westside have?

  We offer 3 types of feeding therapy – (1) Picky Eating, (2) Medically-Based, (3) Pre and Post Frenectomy Care.

  The first type of feeding therapy is for picky eaters. This therapy is conducted by specially trained Speech or Occupational therapists in diverse philosophies of feeding therapy. The goal of this therapy is to reduce mealtime aversions and increase overall food repertoire for proper nutritional intake.

  The second type of feeding therapy is for children with medically-based feeding conditions. Feeding therapy for this area focuses on increasing safe oral intake, reducing aspiration risk, increasing weight gain and food tolerance, increasing motor skills, and aiding in acquiring age appropriate feeding milestones in infancy through 18 years of age.

  The third type is a specifically designed program that encompasses pre and post care and exercises for tethered oral tissue releases or revisions. This program includes evaluation, pre and post operative care/training for releases or revisions of tongue ties, lip ties, and any other tethered oral tissues.

• What warrants my "picky eater" needing feeding therapy?

  “Picky eaters” need feeding therapy when they are eating less than 30 different foods, are having extreme difficulties when new or non preferred foods are presented, or when feeding your kiddo has become an extreme stressor for your family.

• Which insurances do you accept?

  We work with a wide variety of insurance companies and HMO networks. We are always expanding our network – click here to view the list of our currently accepted insurances.

  While cost varies by insurance plan, number of therapy hours, and other factors, we still inform you on what you’ll expect to pay after your child’s evaluation.

• Why is Westside considered the best provider?

  Every parent is sent a survey at the beginning, middle, and end of their therapy services. It asks: “On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to refer Westside to your friends and family.”

  Here is what parents say:

  Average Beginning Score: 9.71/10
  Average Middle Score: 9.83/10
  Average End Score: 9.89/10

• How long will my child be in therapy?

  Graduating kids from therapy is our goal. It means that we did our job and that the child’s concerns have been addressed. We do everything we can to achieve progress as quick as possible. When it is agreed that the concerns have been fully addressed, it is time to graduate AND celebrate!

• What is Westside's snack fee?

  Our snack fee is a way for us to purchase, prepare, and provide all the foods needed for our picky eaters during feeding therapy sessions.

  The cost is $150.00 every 12 weeks and is an alternative to bringing in your own foods for therapy.

• Which age ranges do you treat?

  At Westside, we generally treat children birth-18 years old. Our therapists are trained to work to work with infants, kids, and teens.