Choosing Qualified Care - Why Therapy Must Be Led by Licensed Professionals

Making sure your child gets the best care is so important, especially when it comes to therapies like developmental, speech, or ABA. In this blog, we’ll talk about why it really matters that these types of therapy are always led by licensed professionals.

Choosing the right support for your child can be overwhelming, especially with so many therapy options out there. That’s why working with licensed professionals is important. Don’t hesitate to ask for a therapist’s profile and valid license before getting started.

In this blog, we break down why working with licensed professionals isn’t just important - it’s non-negotiable.

1. Extensive Training: Licensed professionals like Speech-Language Pathologists, Board Certified Behaviour Analysts, and Developmental Therapists) undergo rigorous academic training, often including masters or doctoral degrees. This education provides them with a deep understanding of child development, specific disorders, evidence-based practices, and the complex interplay of various factors affecting a child’s progress.
2. Specialized Skills: Each discipline involves specific skills. For example, Speech-Language Pathologists are uniquely qualified to assess and address communication disorders, while BCBAs are experts in behaviour analysis and intervention strategies. Developmental therapists focus on a broad range of developmental areas.
3. Understanding of Child-Specific Needs: Children’s development and mental health concerns often differ significantly from adults. Licensed professionals are trained to understand these nuances, adapting their approaches to the child’s age, cognitive level, and unique situation.
4. Adherence to Ethical Code & Professional Standards: Licensed professionals are bound by strict ethical guidelines established by their respective licensing boards and professional organizations. This ensures that interventions are delivered responsibly, prioritizing the child’s well-being and rights.
5. Evidence Based Practices: Many licensed therapists, particularly in ABA, utilize data collection and analysis to track progress, make informed adjustments to treatment plans, and ensure that interventions are producing the desired outcomes. Licensed professionals are equipped to critically evaluate research and implement interventions that have been scientifically proven to be effective. This ensures that the child receives the most current and beneficial therapies.
6. Comprehensive Assessment & Diagnosis: Licensed professionals are equipped to conduct comprehensive assessments to correctly diagnose developmental delays, communication disorders, or behavioural challenges. This precise diagnosis is fundamental in creating an effective and individualized treatment plan. Furthermore, differential diagnosis can differentiate between various conditions, ensuring that the child receives appropriate and targeted interventions, rather than a generic approach. 
7. Collaboration & Holistic Care: Licensed professionals often collaborate with other specialists, such as doctors, occupational therapists, and educators, to provide holistic care. This integrated approach ensures that all aspects of a child’s development and well-being are addressed. Also, licensed therapists work closely with parents and caregivers, providing education, training, and strategies to reinforce therapeutic goals at home, thereby maximizing the child’s progress. 
8. Accountability and Regulation: Licensing boards regulate the practice of licensed professionals, providing a means for accountability and ensuring that practitioners maintain proficiency through continuing education and adherence to professional standards. Moreover, licensing protects the public by ensuring that those providing therapy meet specific qualifications and are subject to disciplinary action if they fail to meet professional standards. 

Entrusting a child’s therapy to a licensed professional ensures that they receive high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs, eventually leading to better outcomes and a stronger foundation for their development. 

Connect with Compassionate Behavior Care to explore our range of developmental therapies and professional courses designed to support growth and transformation.

+971554960984 | info@compassionatebehaviorcare.com