Educational Therapy

Providers of educational therapy, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, must be registered and approved by SEAA to participate in the ESA+ program (Direct Payment schools that offer therapy do not need to register separately as providers).  

What Educational Therapy Services Are Allowed? 

Educational therapy must be adaptive/therapeutic in nature or designed for students with special needs. Examples include: applied behavior analysis therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy. 

Music therapy, art therapy, therapeutic horseback riding lessons/equine therapy: allowable if they are adaptive/therapeutic in nature and administered by someone with a professional credential for their field.  

ESA+ funds can pay for services provided by approved therapists but not necessarily products recommended by the therapist. See the lists of Educational Technology and Curricula to find out if a product is approved.  

 

How Do I Find Approved Educational Therapists? 

SEAA Provider Search Site: enter the search term “therapy” to see a statewide list of authorized therapists. Providers who wish to register should visit the Register a Provider page. 

 

 

Other Considerations

Insurance

• ESA+ Funds can be used for medical insurance co-pays or to cover a service once medical insurance has been exhausted.
• Families may pre-pay for a block of sessions with an educational therapy provider each semester.

 

How Many Times May a Student See an Educational Therapist? 

The ESA+ program does not limit the number of educational therapy visits.

 

Is Proof of Diagnosis Required?

The ESA+ program does not require families to provide a diagnosis to receive educational therapy services.