Speech Therapy, ABA Therapy, Mental Health
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2 more
Address: 742 Essington Rd
| Joliet, IL
60435
Rating: 4.74
(53 reviews)
Insurances:
Health Net,
HealthPartners,
Humana,
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS),
Optum Health / United Behavioral Health,
Ages Served:
Children to adolescents
Care Settings:
In-clinic,
Virtual,
AboutReviewsServicesInsurancesFAQ
About Westside Children's Therapy - Joliet
About Westside;Westside Children’s Therapy is a family-owned ABA and pediatric therapy provider in Illinois. Our clinics are located throughout the Chicagoland. We are committed to achieving long-term outcomes that sustain beyond childhood, building meaningful relationships with families, and offering convenience to parents.;https://www.westsidechildrensther
Please note that without member information we cannot guarantee that
your specific plan covers these services. We recommend asking the care
provider before beginning services.
Health Net
HealthPartners
Humana
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Optum Health / United Behavioral Health
742 Essington Rd,IL,60435
Get in Contact
(815) 220-5632
joliet@westsidect.com
Reviews
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My daughter absolutely loves her speech therapist my friend Jess. She wants to leave the house 2 hours early for our appointment and will cry when I tell her its not time to leave yet. Shes built such a trust and deep connection with her that shes willing to try and work hard with her - which is something the strong-willed independent kiddo wont do at home for us. So happy with our experience
Amanda Dirienzo
26 May 2024
google review
We informed the person in charge of this establishment but no action was taken. As parents we have a responsibility to ensure our children are treated with the utmost care and respect. If a place cannot accommodate a childs specific needs while allowing parental supervision then it is best to find an alternative. No child should be left unattended in a situation like this. Its disheartening that this establishment failed to protect the childs well-being. As a parent witnessing this firsthand I feel compelled to share this review. Our children deserve better.
D R
22 May 2024
google review
My daughter went in for a speech evaluation today and I cant even put into words how excited me and her are for her to start speech. The clinic is so nice the staff is warm and welcoming and best part I was told right there at the evaluation what theyre game plan was and what the wanted to start working on with her No waiting to hear back about whats wrong with my child no waiting to hear back about scheduling a session. Scheduling her next 2 sessions were done right there and then before we left the clinic. My daughter was saying see you soon to her therapist on our way to the car after only meeting and interacting for an hour. She cant wait to go back and I love that for her
haley yeo
26 March 2024
google review
Giving 3 stars because the therapists are wonderful but be warned their billing department is trash.. and you will get outstanding balances out of no where for services you werent aware hadnt been covered. Again therapist are wonderful billing is trash.
Mackenzie Reed
26 December 2023
yelp review
We love Westside Childrens Therapy everyone that works there is extremely supportive and caring..... I love their positive energy that they give to the...
Lejla B.
17 November 2023
google review
MY SON HAS BEEN RECEIVING ABA FOR 2 YEARS AND HE HAS THRIVED SO MUCH. HE ALSO RECEIVES OT AND ST. He has made a huge 360. I am extremely greatful. He loves his school he started at 3.5 years of age with no words aggressive tantrums crying etc. Now he is able to communicate his wants and needs. Like any child that doesnt get his way he cries but they dont last long. I was definitely scared but I took that leap of faith and its really GREAT I am going to be forever greatful to EVERYONE that has worked directly with him.
Tatiana Y
26 August 2023
google review
Our twins were preemies. We have been with Westside since they exited early intervention services. They are nearing High School now Our kids look forward to seeing and working with their therapists. They are like an extension of our family. Just as they have seen our kids grow we too have watched Westside grow. And although Westside has grown quite a bit they have not lost sight of their initial purpose . . . helping kids and supporting their families. We are so grateful for Westside and their services
Julie Martin
26 May 2022
google review
Westside Childrens Therapy is a wonderful and caring facility. All staff members are courteous and professional but at the same time approach all their clients with warmth and compassion. My daughter has made incredible strides working with her speech therapist Jess. Every week she looks forward to her sessions with her. I highly recommend Westside
Kevin Himmelman
26 May 2019
google review
Westside Therapy has been our saving grace. The therapists are so very patient and kind. They take time to listen and explain. Always providing ideas and solutions to everything that comes our way. Trust confidentiality and hope is what they give. My son has a hard time trusting or feeling comfortable with just anyone. He does not hesitate to work with his therapists.
Kris
26 May 2019
google review
I love this clinic They are so helpful with my son. The therapists and receptionists are kind and patient they work with you to try to figure out a schedule best fitting to what your family needs. They do events and things that are fun And inside they have so many different toys and activities they incorporate into therapy. Love it
Glow With Kristinia
26 May 2019
yelp review
Great facility I love that there is support from so many different types of therapists in one location. I also love the atmosphere and commitment to caring...
Jennifer L.
25 March 2019
yelp review
My daughter was attending Westside twice a week everything was going well until they opened a new location. Our physical therapist was relocating to their...
Ruben N.
11 March 2019
google review
My son currently goes to Westside Childrens Therapy in Frankfort. I love this place and am absolutely blessed we have found it. We have tried CBT and Counseling as well as other several techniques for my sons ADHD We havent had any success until we started to go to Westside Childrens Therapy for EEG and OT. We continue to receive positive results both at home and at school. The staff is so friendly and they have a wonderful waitingplay area for my 3 year old daughter to play and not get bored during his appointment. There are rewards after the session which makes the kids feel great about what they have accomplished. The staff was very helpful when I had questions about insurance and had patience to answer all my questions about his treatment.
Katie Sanchez
26 May 2016
Frequently Asked Questions
Speech therapy is almost always recommended for autistic children since many people with autism have difficulty with social communication. Even if a child is very verbal and says a lot of words, they might need to work on communication skills like:
responding to questions
starting or ending conversation
changing conversation topics
using gestures like pointing
understanding other people's body language
Speech therapy is a big focus in early intervention for autistic children and is usually the starting place for recently diagnosed kids. There is a critical period in the brain for language development and so, it's really important to teach language and communication skills as early as possible, especially if there are any delays in that area. Your child will learn effective ways to communicate which will help them grow into more independent and confident individuals.
It might be obvious when a child struggles with speaking —they are very quiet, say only a few words, or don't speak at all.
Spot speech and language delays like a doctor here.
The goal of speech therapy is to help your child communicate effectively with other people across all environments. This may take the form of using gestures, simple signs, verbal speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Some other common things speech therapists can help with:
Nonverbal skills, such as signs or gestures
Forming speech in a clearer way
Communicating thoughts and feelings clearly
Understanding and responding to questions
Discerning facial expressions and their corresponding emotions
Noticing and understanding body language
Feeding and swallowing
Stuttering
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy rooted in the science of learning and behavior. Using principles of ABA, children and adults can learn to improve their communication skills, social skills, and daily living skills while also addressing problematic or challenging behaviors. The primary goal of ABA therapy is to teach helpful skills that promote independence and reduce harmful behaviors. Here's our complete guide to everything you need to know about ABA therapy.
It's a big decision to make for your family! Applied behavior analysis (ABA) seeks to improve communication skills, introduce productive habits, and reduce harmful behaviors. Watch out for ABA providers who look to "cure" autism.
High quality ABA therapy does exist where the goal is not to “fix” children, make them appear “less autistic”, or change who they are. The goal is to help people learn all that they can so they can live to their potential while embracing their unique, individual personality traits. Here's our complete guide to start and end ABA therapy.
ABA is usually covered by insurance if you have an autism diagnosis. Autism is typically the only diagnosis insurance will authorize for ABA services since its benefits have been researched extensively.
Always check with your specific insurance plan to confirm that ABA is covered for your child’s diagnoses and that the provider you are seeking care at is in-network. Here's our complete guide to everything you need to know about ABA therapy.
The occupational therapy process includes an OT evaluation before care starts. Here are the four steps your family can expect when starting occupational therapy:
Complete OT evaluation. An occupational therapist first identifies your child’s strengths and needs through a thorough OT evaluation, also known as an OT assessment or screening. You’ll answer questions about your child’s skills, and your child will most likely demonstrate their skills via hands-on activities with the therapist. Evaluations can last 30 minutes to a few hours.
Approve OT plan. The therapist develops a care plan with individualized goals and customized interventions based on your child’s needs. You can also share any specific goals or concerns before approving the OT plan.
Start therapy sessions. The therapist works directly with your child and your family, using various strategies and exercises to systematically improve areas of limitations and to build upon a child’s strengths. Some exercises your child might participate in are animal walks, obstacle courses, and therapy swing activities. Your family may learn strategies for supporting your child’s individualized needs at home, such as ways of supporting emotional regulation and sensory processing. The therapist may also recommend tools and techniques to use at home, in the community, or in the classroom to help your child succeed.
Monitor your child’s progress. Parents and caregivers can expect ongoing progress monitoring and communication to ensure the child is achieving their short and long-term goals.
Occupational therapy can also be provided virtually via telemedicine. Virtual therapy is a great option for families in rural areas who may not have access to in-person services, or for families who prefer to have therapy in their child’s home.
Virtual OT allows the opportunity for increased caregiver participation and understanding of a child’s strengths, areas of improvement, and generalization of skills in the child’s home environment. Virtual therapy also provides increased opportunities for caregiver and family education to support the child and the family based on each family’s needs.
Once you find a quality physical therapist you want to work with, here are a few things you need to know:
There will be an evaluation. First, you can expect an assessment to identify your child’s areas of strength and needs. A physical therapy evaluation usually lasts 30 minutes.
You’ll review and approve the care plan. The physical therapist will create a care plan, also known as a plan of care (POC), outlining the goals and strategies. They will review this with you and your care team before moving forward with therapy sessions.
Physical therapy sessions will be fun. PT with children is designed to be enjoyable. The therapist will use strategies and exercises based on your child’s needs. Exercises might involve playing on large stability balls, obstacle courses, movement equipment, stretches, and other hands-on activities.
Expect home exercises. Physical therapists commonly assign exercises to work on at home. Doing these exercises with your child outside therapy sessions can improve your child’s overall progress.
Get in touch with Westside Children's Therapy - Joliet