When can outpatient therapy start?

Outpatient therapy typically begins once the initial plan of care has been established. This initial plan is crucial as it outlines the patient's specific needs, goals for therapy, and the types of interventions that will be utilized. Having a structured plan ensures that the therapy sessions are tailored to the individual patient and are focused on achieving measurable outcomes. It also serves as a guideline for tracking progress and making any necessary adjustments to treatment.

The establishment of the initial plan also serves as a record that justifies the need for services and can be used for compliance with regulatory and insurance requirements. Starting therapy based solely on a patient request or at the discretion of a therapist may lead to disorganization in treatment approaches, while waiting for insurance authorization might delay necessary care for those in need. Therefore, initiating therapy after the initial care plan has been set is essential for effective and compliant treatment delivery.