How do I find a therapist (PT, OT, or Speech) on Sana Network? To find a rehabilitative specialist, select “Physical Therapy,” “Occupational Therapy,” or “Speech Therapy” from our provider type menu. You can refine your search by city, zip code, or specific expertise, such as pediatric development, sports injury recovery, or post-stroke rehabilitation. Our profiles provide detailed information on clinical specialties, accepted insurance, and available equipment or modalities.

What is the difference between Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy? While these disciplines often work together, they focus on different aspects of your recovery and daily functioning:

• Physical Therapy (PT): Focuses on “gross motor” function. PTs help improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore physical strength and balance, often following an injury, surgery, or chronic condition.

• Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on “fine motor” skills and “occupations” (the activities of daily living). OTs help you gain independence in tasks like dressing, eating, or working, often using adaptive equipment or sensory strategies.

• Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): Focuses on communication, cognition, and swallowing. SLPs treat disorders related to speech sounds, language comprehension, social communication, and even the physical mechanics of eating and drinking.

Are all therapists on Sana Network licensed? Yes. Sana Network requires all practicing therapists to hold valid state licensure in their respective fields.

• Physical Therapists hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

• Occupational Therapists typically hold a Master’s (MOT) or Doctoral (OTD) degree.

• Speech-Language Pathologists hold a Master’s degree and often carry the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA.

Does Sana Network include therapy assistants or students? Yes. In the spirit of accessible care, our directory includes Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA), Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA), and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA). These professionals are licensed and provide high-quality treatment under the direct supervision of an independently licensed therapist. You may also find clinical interns or residents in our directory; these providers-in-training often offer reduced or sliding-scale fees while providing care under expert supervision.

Do I need a referral from a doctor to start therapy? This depends on your state and your insurance plan. Many states allow “Direct Access,” meaning you can see a PT or OT without a prior referral. However, many insurance companies (especially HMOs) require a physician’s referral for the services to be covered. Additionally, your therapist will often collaborate with your primary doctor to approve a formal “Plan of Care” after your initial evaluation.

How much does therapy cost and is it covered by insurance? Rehabilitative therapies are typically covered by insurance when they are deemed “medically necessary” to treat a specific diagnosis or functional limitation. Costs vary based on your plan’s deductible and co-pay requirements. If you do not have insurance or have reached your annual visit limit, many Sana Network providers offer private-pay rates or discounted packages to ensure you can complete your recovery.

Is therapy only for people recovering from surgery or accidents? Not at all. While rehabilitation is a large part of what these therapists do, they also provide “habilitation” services. This includes helping children meet developmental milestones, assisting older adults with fall prevention and home safety, or helping individuals with neurodivergent profiles (like Autism or ADHD) develop sensory and executive functioning skills for a more successful daily life.

Can these therapies be done via Telehealth? Yes. Many aspects of OT, PT, and Speech therapy can be effectively delivered through “Tele-rehab.” This is especially common for speech therapy and for PT/OT sessions that focus on guided exercise, ergonomic assessments, and caregiver coaching. Check individual provider profiles to see if they offer virtual sessions in your state.