The Therapist’s Role in Collaborative Care

When therapists and educators work together, students benefit from a unified system of support.

Student success often depends on strong communication between school staff, families, and outside providers. Therapists can play a key role in this collaborative care approach — serving as a link between what’s happening at home and what’s unfolding in the classroom.

Here’s how collaboration with a therapist can benefit students:

• Unified behavioral strategies between home, therapy, and school

• Insight into underlying emotional needs affecting classroom behavior

• Support for caregivers and educators in navigating difficult transitions

With parental consent, therapists can:

• Join IEP or 504 meetings to offer clinical perspective

• Provide input on behavioral plans

• Share progress updates to support academic goals

Best practices for collaboration include:

• Clear boundaries and confidentiality agreements

• Open communication with a shared focus on the student

• Respect for each professional’s expertise

Together, we can build a team around the child — ensuring consistent, compassionate care across environments.

If your school welcomes collaboration with outside therapists, I’d love to be a resource.

Let’s work together to support student wellness in every setting.