Pediatric Feeding Therapy Services
We provide play-based feeding therapy programs for children and adolescents with feeding and swallowing difficulties to help them manage and overcome their symptoms.
Schedule an evaluation today
We've been doing this for a while and here's what we can tell you
Mealtime is an involved activity for your family. When your child experiences difficulties with feeding and swallowing, the pleasant nature of mealtime disappears only to be replaced by stress and frustration.
For over 20 years, we’ve worked alongside families of children with feeding and swallowing disorders and listened to their challenges, dreams, and success stories. We combined their feedback with our comprehensive clinical experience to develop a treatment methodology rooted in empathy and backed by science.
Our process involves working with your family around mealtime, leveraging play to pique your child’s interest and create a mealtime experience that’s joyful and meaningful.
Healing Synergy applies a combined feeding and sensory-based approach to calm and organize your child’s sensory system, making them more receptive to improving their eating and feeding skills.
If your child would benefit from a hybrid approach of feeding, speech and physical therapy, connect with us today to learn how Healing Synergy can create a custom program tailored to your child’s individual needs.
How it Works
1
Schedule a Consultation
Connect with us online or by phone to schedule an evaluation. After telling us a little more about your child and their needs, we’ll match you with one of our occupational therapists who will guide you through next steps.
2
Get a Comprehensive Evaluation
We conduct evaluations in the convenience and comfort of your home through parent interviews and clinical observation of your child’s feeding behavior and other assessments suited for their unique needs. The initial evaluation takes between 2-3 hours, depending on your child’s needs.
3
Connect with your Therapist
We work hard to foster an empathetic and open relationship with you and your child. We work as a team during each session to ensure you see and understand the strategies we’re using with your child so you can carry them over into your home routine.
This is why we do what we do
"It’s been 4 years since I last worked with Kavitha and I still use the skills and exercises she taught me in my everyday life. I was skeptical about seeing an OT because I had no clue what that would entail, but from the start Kavitha made me feel comfortable and let me know I could trust her."
Rowan Burke
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept my insurance?
We’re excited to work with your family! We accept the following insurance providers:
- Tricare
- BCBS Insurance
- Medicaid (WellCare, Carolina Complete Health and BCBS Healthy Blue)
- Cigna
- NC Education Saving Account (ESA)/Disabilities Grant (DGrants)Program
We also provide help with completing paperwork for out-of-network providers.
Do you offer special financing or funding?
Yes, we are a SA/D grant provider, will work with our patients and their family to submit a super-bill directly to your insurance provider and we have several financing options available. Please email us directly at admin@healingsynergyllc.com for further information.
How long does feeding therapy take?
Unfortunately, the answer depends on your child and their needs. Each child we work with is unique in regards to their skill level and needs. Some children may progress quickly, while others may take more time.
Sessions are typically scheduled 2-3 times per week for at least 30-60 minutes.
Our feeding therapists place a strong emphasis on parent/caregiver education for this reason; it’s important you feel empowered to advocate for and support your child.
Why do you use play therapy?
The act of play is critical to your child’s development. Through play, kids learn to communicate, gain valuable sensory input, learn to make sense of the world around them, and alleviate their anxiety surrounding mealtime and food textures.
After a thorough evaluation, your child’s feeding therapist will set therapeutic goals, decide on what limits may be necessary, and formulate an action plan for proceeding with treatment.
For example, encouraging your child to engage in messy play with a variety of food and non-food textures will help them work towards making this aspect of feeding less scary. Eventually, it will lead to your child being more receptive to touching and trying new foods.
We know every child is unique, it’s why we tailor our therapy programs around your child’s individual needs. As therapy progresses, goals are usually reassessed and adjusted as necessary.