As parents, one of the most important decisions you make is how and where your child receives therapy. While schools often provide in-school therapy services, many families also choose private therapy clinics like Therapy Smarts, where children work one-on-one with a therapist. Both approaches have benefits, but understanding the differences can help you decide what’s best for your child’s growth and success.

In-School Therapy Services: What to Expect

Many children receive occupational, physical, speech, or behavioral therapy through their school’s special education services. These sessions are usually conducted:

• In groups – Several students may work together with one therapist.
• During the school day – Sessions are often built into class schedules.
• Goal-focused for academics – Therapy typically supports educational needs such as handwriting, speech clarity for classroom participation, or mobility within the school environment.

Benefits of In-School Therapy:

• Convenient – Your child receives therapy without leaving school.
• Integrated – Skills are practiced in a natural classroom setting.
• Collaborative – Therapists work closely with teachers.

However, limitations often include shorter sessions, less individualized attention, and goals that may not address challenges outside of the classroom.

1:1 Therapy at Therapy Smarts: A Personalized Approach

At Therapy Smarts, children receive dedicated one-on-one therapy in a nurturing, clinic-based setting. We offer Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and ABA services at both our Durham and Chapel Hill locations.

Benefits of 1:1 Therapy:

• Individualized attention – Every session is tailored to your child’s unique needs and pace.
• Expanded goals – Therapists address not just academic needs, but also daily 
• living skills, communication, motor skills, social interaction, and behavior.
• Family involvement – Parents are welcomed into the process, learning strategies to support progress at home.
• Consistency – Regular, uninterrupted sessions provide a steady path toward long-term goals.
• Specialized techniques & equipment – Our clinics are equipped with therapy tools and spaces not typically available in schools.

However, 1:1 therapy services has to be scheduled around a child’s school schedule. We do offer afternoon sessions for parents needing to work around the typical 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM timeframe. Call today to learn more about our services (919) 378-1340.

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child:

For many families, a combination of in-school therapy and private 1:1 therapy provides the best support. School-based therapy ensures your child can access learning effectively, while Therapy Smarts’ one-on-one sessions provide the depth, customization, and family involvement that help children thrive beyond the classroom. Our staff often collaborates  with the school therapists so we work as a team to support a child’s individual needs. 

At Therapy Smarts, our mission is to turn challenges into triumphs—one child at a time. Whether your child needs extra support with motor skills, communication, or behavior, our dedicated therapists in Durham and Chapel Hill are here to help. 

Ready to learn how 1:1 therapy can make a difference for your child? Contact Therapy Smarts today to schedule an evaluation at our Durham or Chapel Hill clinic.