Virtual Speech Therapy, School Psychology and Related Services for Schools

Related services help students with disabilities benefit from their education: speech therapy, occupational therapy, school psychology, counseling and more. They’re written into students’ IEPs, so districts must provide them, even when they can’t hire the specialists locally. Virtual related services, sometimes called teletherapy for schools, help close that gap.

What are related services in special education?

Related services are the supportive services a student needs to benefit from special education. Common examples include:

• Speech-language pathology
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• School psychology, including psychoeducational evaluations
• Social work
• Mental health counseling

The IEP team decides which services each student receives, and how often.

Why related service providers are hard to hire

Speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and school psychologists are in short supply in many areas, especially rural districts. For 2026–27, several states list school psychology and speech-language pathology as shortage areas with the U.S. Department of Education. When positions stay open, services can fall behind what students’ IEPs require.

How virtual speech therapy and related services work

A licensed specialist meets with the student live online, at school or at home, following the student’s IEP goals. School staff help with logistics, and the specialist documents sessions and progress for the IEP team. Virtual occupational therapy and physical therapy may also involve an on-site adult for hands-on activities, depending on the student and the service.

What to look for in a related services provider

• Licensed specialists who meet your state’s requirements
• Sessions aligned to IEP goals, with documentation your team can use
• Coordination with teachers, case managers and families, when applicable
• Coverage for several services, so one partner can fill multiple gaps

Questions to ask a teletherapy or related services provider

1. Are your specialists licensed in our state for each service?
2. Which related services can you provide?
3. How do you document sessions and progress toward IEP goals?
4. How do you coordinate with our special education team and case managers?
5. Can you support psychoeducational evaluations?
6. How quickly can a specialist start?

Related services from Fullmind

Fullmind’s related services include speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, school psychology, social work and mental health counseling, delivered by licensed specialists who provide the services written into students’ IEPs. Fullmind’s school psychologists provide psychoeducational evaluations and assist districts with evaluations based on district needs and state requirements. Because Fullmind also provides special education instruction and case management, one partner can cover instruction and services together.

Every district has a dedicated account manager and access to Fullmind’s success managers. Fullmind doesn’t lock districts into rigid contracts, and districts don’t have to use everything they sign up for, so support can grow or shrink as needs change.

How to fund related services

Related services written into IEPs are typically funded through IDEA Part B and state and local special education funds. Some districts also bill Medicaid for eligible school-based services, depending on state rules. Check eligibility and allowable uses with your federal programs coordinator.

How to get started with Fullmind

1. Tell us about your district. An education consultant learns about your students, schedule, staffing and goals.
2. Get a plan built around your needs. We recommend the right service, or combination of services, and the right format.
3. Meet your educators. We match certified teachers or licensed specialists to your students and your state’s requirements.
4. Start learning and track progress. Instruction begins on your schedule, and your team sees attendance and progress as it happens.

Related guides

• Special education case management
• Virtual special education services

Talk with Fullmind

Tell us which related services your students need and where you have gaps, and we’ll show you how licensed Fullmind specialists can help. Build your plan, book a time, or learn more about virtual speech therapy and related services.

Frequently asked questions

Can speech therapy be done virtually in schools?

Yes. Many districts provide virtual speech therapy, where a licensed speech-language pathologist works with students live online, following their IEP goals.

What related services can be provided virtually?

Speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, school psychology, social work and mental health counseling can all be provided virtually, though some activities may need an adult on site.

Is a virtual school counselor the same as a school psychologist?

No. Counselors and social workers typically support students’ social, emotional and mental health needs. School psychologists also conduct evaluations and help determine eligibility for special education.

Who decides which related services a student receives?

The student’s IEP team decides which related services the student needs, and how often.