TheraWeb: The Future of Therapy Service Delivery

David Rubinstein 

Therapy Source, Inc.  

For years, schools structured their special education departments, by default, in such a way that therapists – such as speech language pathologists (SLPs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) – would work on-location.  The arrival of cyber charter schools changed how many thought of education – and therapy, for that matter.  If students could learn online and remotely, why not offer therapy in the same way?

As the concept of therapeutic telepractice – the delivery of therapy services via technology – gained popularity, professional associations with ethical, legal and professional clout needed to communicate their stance on this non-traditional delivery model.  The American Speech Language Association (ASHA) has been the first to speak up.  ASHA’s position statement notes “telepractice is an appropriate model of service delivery” and “…may be used to overcome barriers of access to services caused by distance, unavailability of specialists and/or subspecialists, and impaired mobility.”  The caveat?  “The quality of services delivered via telepractice must be consistent with the quality of services delivered face-to-face,” says ASHA

A therapy services organization based in suburban Philadelphia, Therapy Source, Inc., identifies better with customization than tradition.  One of the early pioneers of telepractice, since 2008 the company has employed a hybrid model that integrates both face to face therapy as well as online therapy [TheraWeb]. The company considers cost to schools and students’ capabilities and preferences when it recommends a therapy program – and ultimately serves as the conduit of delivery.  “It has to do with growth and progression,” says David Rubinstein, Managing Director of the company.  According to Rubinstein, many state education laws are not necessarily defining the type of services, but are interested in what types of service it takes to help each child grow, progress and develop skills.  “What people need to start understanding is, speech therapy is not just face-to-face,” he observes.

Neither is occupational therapy, social work or behavioral health – just some of the additional therapy services offered through TheraWeb.  And as more professionals are trained to use TheraWeb, more clients will gain access to therapists who are available to conduct immediate sessions.  As a result, says Therapy Source President Stacey Cartagenova, MS/SLP, clients will “breathe a sigh of relief as they are able to remain in compliance, even with the risk of education budget cuts.” 

TheraWeb came into being through listening to clients’ challenges, observes TheraWeb Manager Jacquelyn Taylor, MS/SLP.  “We needed to give them a solution, when therapists are not available to them.  Many rural school districts benefit greatly from this technology because it’s not acceptable to say, ‘we can’t service these kids because the nearest therapist is 200 miles away.’” Taylor says TheraWeb is essential to combat educational compliance issues, such as lack of therapists, client location, and delays in placing a therapist in a school.  “TheraWeb is immediate, and therapists are available to any client worldwide.” Therapy Source even has clinicians on the east coast providing therapy to students in Alaska.  “It is truly amazing.” In addition to answering the immediate need for therapy services, Taylor notes research has proven online therapy to be just as effective as face-to-face services. “Plus, it’s highly motivating for the students,” she adds.  

The cost aspect is often an eye opener for clients, notes Therapy Source CEO Joshua Cartagenova.  “When a student is in online therapy, there’s no need to reimburse for mileage or travel time. The savings can be substantial in the course of a year,” But, he says, cost savings must spring from a sense of duty for doing what is best for each student, “If a child is excited about technology and can focus better and be more engaged by using it, that child is probably better suited for TheraWeb than face-to-face therapy.”  According to Cartagenova and his team, “The therapist helps, the students achieve, and the school saves money.  Everybody wins.”

You can reach David Rubinstein at 1.866.783.5301 extension 308 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Therapy Source, Inc.   www.txsource.net 

Online Delivery of Speech and Occupational Therapy (ppt)

TheraWeb FAQ (pdf)

Jacqueline Taylor prof article (pdf)   

Theraweb (youtube video)

Speech Therapy Telepractice makes a difference (youtube video)