Plymouth Meeting, PA — August 29, 2017 — Therapy Source, Inc., the premier provider of in-person and online therapy staffing solutions, has been named an approved provider by the New Jersey Department of Education to offer online therapy services to NJ public schools. Through a carefully vetted process, Therapy Source was one of only a handful of providers to gain this approval. Therapy Source is an online therapy pioneer and has been providing this service throughout the country since 2008.
Online therapy, or “telepractice,” is a delivery model that allows students to receive speech-language, occupational and behavioral therapy online from a licensed and certified therapist. Research has shown that from a clinical and patient satisfaction perspective, outcomes emulate those of traditional face-to-face sessions. Telepractice services are especially impactful in urban areas where many therapists are crucially needed and in rural areas where therapist shortages are frequently the norm.
Previously, New Jersey had not established regulations for any type of telepractice. The ground-breaking decision meant that New Jersey public schools now had a way to receive reimbursement for Speech-Language telepractice services that are provided.
“With the advancement of technology, telepractice has gained significant popularity over the past few years,” commented Ann Marie Geissel, National Special Education Director for Therapy Source. “With these new regulations established, New Jersey schools can finally join the majority of the country in utilizing telepractice as a solution to combat the increasing need for qualified speech therapists.”
What is telepractice?
Telepractice is a method of delivering therapy online, through a live video connection over the internet. The technology used is frequently compared to Skype, or FaceTime, but with a higher level of security and compliance. Through platforms such as TheraWeb®, licensed and certified therapists provide the same services they would otherwise need to deliver in person. To participate in online therapy, all that’s needed is a computer, a secure Internet connection, a built-in or external camera and microphone, and headphones.
“Telepractice is quickly becoming a mainstream treatment method in schools nationwide,” said Joshua Cartagenova, Co-Owner and CEO of Therapy Source. “This is a solution that truly speaks to the current – and future – shortage of therapists to provide services to our children.”
The national shortage of speech and other therapists has created a demand for his company’s telepractice services, Cartagenova added, while also sharing his excitement about finally being able to bring this much-needed solution to NJ.
Interested journalists can reach out to Rachel Ostafi, Therapy Source Marketing Director, at 866.783.5301 x 305, or rostafi@txsource.com.
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About Therapy Source, Inc.
Therapy Source, Inc. is a nationwide therapy provider of comprehensive in-person and online staffing services and solutions. A powerful presence in the educational sector since 2001, Therapy Source’s personalized commitment to service – and ability to facilitate rapid therapist placement – have resulted in partnerships with hundreds of school districts across the US. Therapists, psychologists, BCBAs, and special education teachers seeking placement – and schools seeking an agency to assist with therapist, psychologist, BCBA, or special education teacher positions – can learn more at www.txsource.com.
About Theraweb®
TheraWeb is an easy-to-use, interactive web-based platform providing real-time engagement with students via whiteboard, application sharing, and web touring. TheraWeb is both HIPAA and FERPA-compliant.
Therapy Source employs Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), and behavioral and mental health professionals to deliver online therapy via TheraWeb®. Through this powerful technology, children everywhere can get the assistance they need while therapists providing services benefit from flexible scheduling and maximized impact (as a result of reduced travel).