Special Needs

Possible to get family counseling written into IFSP?

I have been having a really hard time dealing with my son's delays - mostly severe expressive speech disorder and motor planning.  I am very scared for my son's future, and have found myself spending part of his sessions talking to the providers about my fears.  I've started medication, and found a wonderful counselor.  The counselor suggested that I have counseling written into my son's IFSP, especially since I have been sadly using some of the SLP's time discussing my own fears.  My agency's service coordinator is giving me a hard time.  What do you think?

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Re: Possible to get family counseling written into IFSP?

  • I have no idea if counseling for you could be legally part of your son's IFSP, however, your EI probably has services they can hook you up with.  I know at our reviews, our coordinator always asks us how WE are doing and if we need any resources such as counseling, finanical planning/aid, etc.  While it is not part of the IFSP, they can refer you to those services. 

    What would be the benefit would adding it to the IFSP?  (not being snarky, just honestly curious).  I think your counselor is much better equiped to helping you with your fears than the SLP. 

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  • I've never heard of counseling services being written into an IFSP, but my first suggestion would be to talk to your EI coordinator about a referral to support groups or family counseling services offered by your county.  Sorry to hear you're having a rough time :(
  • Meetings with a social worker were an option for us and it was written into our IFSP to meet with her 1x/month.  Does your service coordinator not think you need it or is it not offered?

  • imageakimbo:

    Meetings with a social worker were an option for us and it was written into our IFSP to meet with her 1x/month.  Does your service coordinator not think you need it or is it not offered?

    We used to do this routinely on IFSPs for families.  We used the social worker for a variety of reasons - behavior plans, family counseling, individual counseling, etc.  It was not a big deal to add.

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  • For us in California, the Regional Center funds things like this....counselor, respit services to give parents a break (basically paid babysitting), etc. Not sure what is available in your state, though. It exists for us here.
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