Co-Treats: What are they and why?

Apr 10, 2021 | Industry Knowledge

CO-TREATMENT: When more than one discipline works with a patient at the same time.

The term “co-treat”, shorthand for co-treatment, may get thrown around in discussions during evaluations and treatment plans, and while common within the therapy world, a parent or caregiver hearing it for the first time might not understand what exactly that entails.

It simply means that two therapists work together with a patient at the same time, during the same session.

This is commonly done between Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy; but OT, PT, ST, and ABA can all integrate to provide co-treat options.

Deciding to Co-Treat

Establishing a co-treat must only occur when it would be beneficial to the patient. Will the two services done together actually result in a more effective and productive session, than done individually? For this to happen, the therapists have to truly integrate and work together – not just a “my turn, your turn” scenario. For example, a child with sensory processing issues may not be able to focus and engage in speech therapy without a sensory activity happening at the same time.

Instead of an OT providing ideas for a ST to use during their session, bringing the OT into the session to work on sensory issues while the ST is engaging in speech goals results in a more successful session overall.

Co-Treat Benefits

When done effectively, there are many benefits to co-treatments. These include:

 

  • Children find the session more enjoyable and are more engaged. For example, using the gym equipment available in an OT room while working on ST goals.
  • Through collaboration, therapists can get creative, coming up with new ideas or providing options not available when working alone.
  • Maximizing therapy time. If scheduling conflicts make two sessions difficult, a co-treat allows a patient to experience both services when time is limited.
  • Extra hands are available for a child with severe behavior issues or violent outbursts.

Consider Co-Treats

At The Speech Pathology Group, we are always looking for innovative treatments and therapies that provide the maximum benefit to each of our individual patients. Co-treats can be an effective way to utilize the time a patient spends with therapists and result in greater progress toward treatment goals by combining practices.

SPG-CT only recommends co-treats when we believe they are the best option. If you have questions, please ask. Our goal is always to provide the highest quality therapy treatments, and co-treats are one way we bring added benefit to our patients.