Who can Tendrils Therapy help?

Probably you and your family. Common diagnoses of children we help include: autism, ADHD, genetic disorders, sensory processing challenges, fine motor delay, poor exectuive functioning, developmental delay, poor coordination, social challenges, emotional regulation challenges, and combinations of all of the above. We hope to help not only the child, but also the support system around the child. Our outdoor environment and therapeutice expertise is not a great fit for medically complex children or children with severe mobility issues. We are not experts in rehabilitation from injuries or illness, but do embrace helping a family experience the outdoors to help improve overall physical and mental health.

Do we need something from a doctor to get help?

No. There are many areas that nature based therapies have been demonstrated to work, and not all are related to a medical diagnosis. We are happy to work with physicians and include them in any testing, programming and recommendations (with your express permission). We also love and value working with mental health providers or other professionals working to help your child and family. We would love to work with your team to get the most benefit from our programming.

Do you bill medical insurance?

No. Medical insurance is designed to address medical needs and typically limits reimbrusement to what they deem medically necessary. Because we do not bill insurance, we have much more flexibility to serve your family. We get to contol treatment plan, duration, frequency and location. This also means our rates can be lower because we do not have to pay someone to help us figure out insurance. Prices for services are clearly stated and can be paid in person or online. We are happy to provide invoices for superbills or to help you receive other financial support from scholarships, grants, or other programs.

What if I can’t afford your prices?

At Tendrils Therapy, we truly want to help your familiy though access to excellent nature-based prorgramming, regardless of socio-economic constraints. If you want to join us but can’t afford our programs, please contact us! We will try to find other resources (grants, aid, scholarships) or programming that might help.

Financial Resources

We understand and empathize that therapies and specialized groups fees add up for families. We are unable at this time to provide scholarships or bill insurance. We are able to provide receipts and superbills for reimbursement from your HSA, Katie Beckett Funds, or private insurance.

Here are a few resources to look into that can help with covering costs for groups and other needs.

Katie Beckett Funding for families not on other government services (TennCare)

https://www.tn.gov/didd/katie-beckett-waiver.html

Orange Grove Family Support Program (if you live in Tennessee) or Lookout Mountain Community Services (if you live in GA). 

https://www.orangegrovecenter.org/family-support-program

Family Support Services serving families in GA counties near Chattanooga 

https://www.bridgecsb.org/services/idd/kaleidoscope-fs/

https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-compassionate/home-services/family-support-services

What if it rains? Or snows? Or is super-duper hot?

We strive to have sessions (and do not cancel) unless public health /extreme weather alerts are issued. We want children and families to experience the mental and physical health benefits of nature-based programming, which includes being in many types of weather. We do have some protection from the elements, including a covered/shaded pavillion, fans, fires and other similar items. If your family/child has concerns about specific weather issues, please contact us. Maybe we can find solutions together.

What should we wear?

Wear clothes appropriate for the season and that are okay to get dirty in. We will likely get in water/mud/dirt/mulch/paint/plants. Sometimes there are thorns, bugs and pokey things, but we try to keep kiddos out of these. Water resistant/proof shoes are SO SO helpful. A change of clothes might be a good idea if you are going somewhere respectable right after a program.

Are there snakes/bees/bugs/spiders/bats/rats or any other scary animals?

Yes, yes, and yes. We strive to provide a landscape that is happy for your family AND our non-human friends. This means we might have some things that humans are afraid of. If your family is not comfortable with natural things, please let us reassure you in the safety of being in our environmment. We know a lot about what is on our land and the actual risk involved. The health risk for most people is much less than spending time sitting in front of screens all day.