For Parents

FAQs

• What ages do you serve?

  Westside Children’s Therapy welcomes all children from ages birth through eighteen. However some services, such as ABA therapy we recommend beginning at age 3. Additionally we offer counseling services for adults through parent/caregiver counseling.

• What types of therapy and services do you offer?

  Here at Westside Children’s Therapy we are proud to offer diagnostic testing, Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, child, family, and caregiver counseling, and a variety of pediatric therapies including speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy.

• Do all Westside clinics offer the same services?

  No, each clinic offers a variety of services. Visit our locations page or call (815) 469-1500 to see the clinic near you with the services you are interested in.

• What makes Westside different from other pediatric therapy providers?

  Westside is a culture-first organization. Our values guide every decision we make, from the therapists we hire to the leaders who support each clinic. This creates a team united by one shared belief: delivering therapy the Westside Way.

  We also design therapy to be as convenient as possible for families. We verify insurance and help estimate costs. Most clinics offer multiple services under one roof, so care is easier to coordinate. We schedule with flexibility to shorten commutes and our clinics are intentionally placed in locations where families can run errands nearby.

• How quickly can my child start services?

  Appointment availability will vary based on your location, services needed, and time of day requested. Daytime appointments often have immediate availability while after school and evening hours tend to have a longer waitlist. If you are interested in scheduling services with us our intake team will review the various options available to ensure your child can begin services as soon as possible.

• Do you accept insurance? And what insurance plans do you work with?

  Westside does accept over 100 insurance plans. You can call us at (815)469-1500 for an insurance verification check. Unfortunately we do not accept Medicaid at this time.

• Do I need a referral for therapy?

  Depending on your insurance, you may need a prescription for your pediatrician. Your child will need an official medical diagnosis for autism to begin ABA therapy.

• Where are your clinics located?

  Westside Children’s Therapy offers over 29 locations in the Chicago suburbs including Rockford and DeKalb. Visit our locations page to find a clinic near you!

• Do you offer parent/caregiver support?

  Yes! Westside offers support for parents and caregivers in several ways. We provide training for families of children receiving OT and PT, helping you feel confident and involved in your child’s care. We also offer counseling to support parents and caregivers in managing the stress and emotions that can come with raising a child with unique needs. Additionally, we stay connected with you through regular updates on your child’s progress, so you always know how they are doing.

• Can siblings or caregivers stay during the appointments?

  To ensure each child receives focused, individualized therapy, parents and caregivers are not able to be present in the therapy room. You are welcome to wait in our comfortable lobby, or leave and return when your child’s session is complete. Our therapists will provide updates on progress and are always happy to answer your questions before or after sessions.