Speech Therapy, ABA Therapy, Mental Health
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2 more
Address: 2320 E Lincoln Hwy
| New Lenox, IL
60451
Rating: 5.00
(17 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 - New Lenox
New Lenox opened in 2020 amid the most troubling stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, the clinic found its stride.
The space itself is beautiful. It is a modern, light-filled environment with many 1-way windows. Ceilings are high, and rooms are spacious. Large gyms with colorful sensory equipment – rockwalls, jumping pits, ball pits, trampolines – are the main attractions.
Private treatment rooms scatter the building. Parents enjoy the convenience of the location, heading to Target, Starbucks, or Portillo’s without even needing to move their car.
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
2320 E Lincoln Hwy,IL,60451
Get in Contact
(815) 475-0200
newlenox@westsidect.com
Reviews
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We have been using Westside for over a year now and have had nothing short of a great experience with the facility and our therapist Carrie Ann My 3 year old son loves seeing her and has made so much progress with her techniques and resources We are so grateful that our 1 year old will also get to spend time with Carrie Ann
hannah antonelli
26 May 2024
google review
Westside was recommended to us for speech services by our pediatrician and in the last 6 months we have been there we have loved every minute of it. Our speech pathologist is wonderful shout out to Miss Carrie Ann our toddler loves meeting with her and we can see progress in this relatively short amount of time.Another excellent thing with this center is the front desk staff. Calling them to cancel and reschedule is almost like a treat. They are so helpful and understanding and just super nice.
Arbra Shehi
26 May 2022
google review
Miss Jess P. is an amazing speech therapist. She is super patient and dedicated. My son loves Miss Jess and he asks every day if he can go see her. She is the highlight of my sons week. Im amazed how much progress he made since starting the therapy.
Justyna Gilka Wilsman
26 May 2022
google review
I am so happy that I decided on Westside for speech therapy for my son. They have been great from the very first phone call I made. Kathy has been so kind and accommodating with my crazy mom schedule. My son sees Jackie and he CANNOT wait to go every week. She is so sweet and kind and I know that my son is in great hands with her. I can already see a difference in just a few short weeks. The one on one time and attention they offer the children is wonderful and we couldnt be more grateful to have found Westside.
Jami Karpus
26 May 2021
google review
Westside Childrens Therapy is the best around Our family has been in the therapy world for almost 6 years now and no where else compares to Westside Ms. Kayla who services my two boys for OT goes above and beyond. Shes creative in doing things that will keep the boys attention and they love their weekly meeting with her. Ms. Kellie who services my one son and daughter is just absolutely amazing Shes hilarious and sweet and has made a world difference in their speech sounds. Kathy will assist you with anything you need and with a smile on her face. Westside is more than just the kids therapy place- I trust that theyre in the best hands while being serviced. 100 would recommend Westside Childrens Therapy
Melissa Ooykaas
26 May 2021
google review
Westside New Lenox is truly amazing We have been going to Westside for three years and my son absolutely loves coming to therapy. His therapists Kayla OT Kelli speech and Becca PT are so caring patient and knowledgeable with not only my son but with me as well. Anytime I have a question or a concern they are right there to help explain and offer their advice and expertise. They truly care about helping my son succeed and really push him to do his best. They are invested. The atmosphere that the therapists and Kathy create at Westside truly feels like family that wants the best for you and will help you in every way they can. We love Westside
Sarah
26 May 2021
google review
This place is an oasis of hope for me I cannot even put into words how amazing the staff here are They truly care about your child and are using strategies that are progressive and really work I finally feel like we are moving with momentum in the right direction for my son with speech and occupational therapy. We see progress every week And the receptionist here is the kindest most helpful person ever. She has helped me with so much information suggestions and guidance I would highly recommend Westside Childrens Therapy in New Lenox to anyone looking for therapy needs for their child. You will not be disappointed
Carolyn Runia
26 May 2021
google review
We LOVE Westside. My son has been in ABA and speech for 2 years now. He has made AMAZING progress. Westside helped him find his voice We love our New Lenox family. They are so kind caring and compassionate. My son LOVES coming to therapy and asks for his therapists by name. Everything is brand new and looks great. Cant say enough about this place.
Krystle Frick
26 May 2021
google review
Westside is an incredible place My son is 13 and has been receiving ABA therapy for 3 years It can be very difficult to find a therapy place that is skilled willing and excited to work with older kids He also receives other therapies at Westside as well and it is all wonderful Love them They have really made a difference in my son and in our familyHighly highly recommend
jenifer fields
26 May 2021
google review
Where do I even begin with Westside Therapy in New Lenox Kathy begins your time there with a warm welcoming smile. She is the most accommodating person and makes sure my son is always taken care of From the first day I walked in I cannot thank her enough for taking care of us. She could tell I was a nervous first time mom and made me feel extremely comfortable with all that my son was about to embark on. My son currently receives therapy three days a week from multiple therapists. OT with Shannon who has helped my son reach his goals in less than a year Shannon is alway asking what else can she do for him. Shannon constantly gives great feedback with any positive and negative struggles he may have had that session Caitlyn and Megan tackle his PT. They have my little guy running at this point when he couldnt even crawl when we first started Kelly has given us outstanding tips and signs to help him communicate when communication has been a struggle for him. My son is a happy little boy thanks to all of these wonderful women because he can finally do what little boys should do Run play and communicate what he wants. Thank you again Westside We are lucky to have found you
Stacey McIntosh
26 May 2021
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 - New Lenox