Question 1

What is an onsite facilitator or telehelper?

Accepted Answer

A telehelper is a school employee who assists students during telehealth sessions. Depending on the student’s age and needs, the telehelper may help the student log in, gather materials, remain engaged, or move between activities.The telehelper does not replace the licensed provider or independently deliver therapy. RCIS provides guidance so onsite staff understand their role and feel comfortable supporting sessions.

Question 2

Is telehealth therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Research supports telehealth as an effective service-delivery model for many types of speech, occupational, physical, educational, and mental health services.Effectiveness depends on several factors, including the individual’s needs, the provider’s experience, the technology available, and the support provided at the service location. Some individuals thrive through telehealth, while others benefit most from in-person or hybrid services.RCIS does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We help determine the most appropriate model based on clinical or educational needs—not simply provider availability.

Question 3

What is the difference between telehealth, in-person, and hybrid services?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth: Services are delivered through a secure video platform.In-person: The provider works onsite with the student or patient.Hybrid: Telehealth and in-person services are combined based on individual needs, scheduling, location, and provider availability.

Hybrid services can be especially helpful when periodic hands-on assessment or intervention is needed but full-time onsite staffing is not practical.

Question 4

What services does RCIS provide?

Accepted Answer

Our services include:Speech-language pathologyOccupational therapyPhysical therapySpecial education teaching and consultingEvaluations and assessmentsCase management and IEP supportMental and behavioral health services beginning Fall 2026Staffing and professional support for schools, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and other organizationsService availability may vary by location, licensure requirements, and organizational needs.

Question 5

Who does RCIS serve?

Accepted Answer

We work with:Public, private, and charter schoolsSpecial education cooperativesHospitals and rehabilitation programsClinics and healthcare organizationsEarly intervention programsFamilies seeking private servicesRural and underserved communitiesOrganizations experiencing temporary or long-term staffing shortages

Question 6

Are your services secure and confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RCIS uses secure, professional systems designed to support HIPAA and FERPA compliance. Our providers are trained in privacy, documentation, confidentiality, and appropriate telepractice procedures.The specific privacy requirements depend on the setting and type of service being provided.

Question 7

How can telehealth save a school district money?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth can reduce or eliminate many costs associated with onsite staffing, including:Provider travel and mileageLodging and per diem expensesRelocation incentivesPaid travel timeRecruitment expensesCosts associated with prolonged vacanciesLost service time caused by weather or long-distance travelTelehealth also allows districts to access qualified providers without being limited to professionals who live within driving distance.

Question 8

Will telehealth work in a rural school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Telehealth is particularly valuable for rural schools that struggle to recruit and retain licensed specialists.The school needs reliable internet, an appropriate device, a quiet and confidential space, and—when appropriate—a trained onsite facilitator. RCIS works with school teams to establish a practical system that fits the realities of each community.

Question 9

Can evaluations be completed through telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Many evaluations can be completed fully or partially through telehealth when the assessment allows remote administration and appropriate onsite support is available.Before beginning an evaluation, the provider considers:The purpose of the evaluationThe student’s individual needsAssessment publisher requirementsTesting environmentTechnology and internet qualityNeed for an onsite facilitatorWhether any portion should be completed in personRCIS providers protect assessment validity and clinical integrity. We will recommend an in-person or hybrid evaluation when tele-assessment is not appropriate.

Question 10

Can telehealth services be included in an IEP?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Telehealth is a service-delivery method, not a different type of therapy. The IEP team determines the services, frequency, duration, location, and delivery model needed for the student to receive a free appropriate public education.The student’s educational needs should always guide the decision.

Question 11

Do your providers attend IEP meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When included within the district’s service agreement, providers can participate in IEP meetings, eligibility meetings, evaluations, team consultations, parent conferences, and staff collaboration.

Question 12

Can RCIS help if we only need a few hours each week?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can support needs ranging from a few hours per week to full-time coverage. This can be especially helpful for districts with small caseloads that cannot support a full-time specialist.Availability depends on the discipline, location, scheduling needs, and time of year.

Question 13

Can RCIS provide temporary coverage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We may be able to provide temporary or interim coverage for:Maternity or medical leaveUnexpected resignationsVacant positionsCaseload overagesEvaluations and compliance backlogsShort-term program growthWe can also help develop a longer-term staffing plan when a temporary need becomes ongoing.

Question 14

Why should a district partner with RCIS instead of hiring an independent contractor directly?

Accepted Answer

A strong independent contractor can be an excellent provider. The difference is that RCIS gives the district an organized service system—not just access to one individual.Our partnership may include:Provider recruitment and credential verificationClinical and professional leadershipOnboarding and school-based trainingMentoring and discipline-specific supportTechnology and secure communication systemsDocumentation and billing oversightScheduling and caseload assistanceBackup planning when a provider is unavailableSupport with performance concernsContinuity when staffing changes occurIf a district contracts directly with one provider, the district often assumes many of these administrative and supervisory responsibilities itself. RCIS provides an additional layer of accountability, stability, and support.

Question 15

Can RCIS serve more than one school within a district or cooperative?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We currently support individual schools, multi-school districts, and special education cooperatives. Providers may serve several locations remotely, in person, or through a coordinated hybrid schedule.

Question 16

Can RCIS help fill hard-to-recruit therapy positions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We help organizations address shortages in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education, and—beginning in Fall 2026—mental and behavioral health.Coverage may be structured as telehealth, in-person, hybrid, part-time, full-time, temporary, or ongoing, depending on the organization’s needs and available professionals.

Question 17

Can you support a position that does not have enough hours for a full-time employee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RCIS can often combine flexible staffing and telehealth to cover positions that are difficult to fill through a traditional full-time hiring model.This allows an organization to obtain the professional services it needs without creating a full-time position that cannot be sustained by the existing caseload.

Question 18

How can telehealth reduce costs for a hospital or clinic?

Accepted Answer

Potential savings may include:Reduced recruitment and advertising costsFewer relocation incentivesLess reliance on high-cost temporary staffingReduced travel expensesMore efficient use of provider timeFaster access to specialized professionalsGreater continuity during vacancies or leavesActual savings depend on the service model, patient volume, specialty, and location.

Question 19

Can RCIS supplement our existing clinical team?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RCIS can supplement an existing team by providing specialized evaluations, overflow coverage, leave coverage, rural outreach, or services on selected days.Our goal is to strengthen the organization’s current team, not disrupt it.

Question 20

How does RCIS verify its professionals?

Accepted Answer

Verification may include licensure, certification, education, employment eligibility, professional references, background checks, and other discipline- or setting-specific requirements.We also consider a provider’s communication skills, experience, reliability, and ability to work successfully within a collaborative team.

Question 21

Can RCIS provide both clinical services and staffing support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on the arrangement, RCIS can provide direct professional services, contract staffing, recruitment support, program development, or a combination of these services.We begin by learning what the organization actually needs and then recommend an appropriate service model.

Question 22

Will my child connect with a therapist through a screen?

Accepted Answer

Many children connect extremely well with telehealth providers. Interactive games, digital materials, visual supports, movement activities, and familiar home or school environments can make sessions highly engaging.The provider will adjust activities based on your child’s age, attention, communication style, diagnosis, and goals. If telehealth is not meeting your child’s needs, we will discuss other options when available.

Question 23

Can parents participate in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parent and caregiver participation can be especially valuable because it helps families understand how to support skills between sessions.Your provider may model strategies, coach you during activities, recommend home practice, or ask you to observe specific parts of a session. The level of participation will depend on the individual’s needs and the treatment plan.

Question 24

What equipment do I need for in-home telehealth therapy?

Accepted Answer

Most families need:A computer or tablet with a camera and microphoneReliable internet accessA quiet, well-lit areaEnough space for the recommended activitiesHeadphones, if helpfulBasic household or therapy materials identified by the providerA phone may work for certain consultations, but a computer or tablet generally provides a better therapy experience.For occupational or physical therapy, the provider may recommend positioning the camera so the individual’s movements can be clearly observed. A caregiver may also need to remain nearby for safety and assistance.

Question 25

Do I need to buy special therapy materials?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Providers frequently use common household items, toys, books, paper, writing tools, and digital resources.If specific materials would be helpful, your provider will discuss them with you in advance. Families should not purchase costly equipment without first consulting the treating professional.

Question 26

Is telehealth safe for occupational or physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

It can be safe and effective when the individual is appropriately screened, the environment is suitable, and caregiver support is available when needed.Before beginning, the provider may ask about:Available spaceFlooring and furnitureFall or injury risksCamera placementCaregiver availabilityEquipment being usedMedical or movement restrictionsIf safe and appropriate treatment cannot be provided remotely, the therapist will recommend another service model.

Question 27

What happens if our internet connection fails?

Accepted Answer

The provider will attempt to reconnect and follow the established backup plan. Depending on the situation and service agreement, the session may continue by another approved method, be rescheduled, or be completed at another time.

Question 28

Does RCIS accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Insurance participation and private-pay options depend on the service, provider, location, and current program availability. Please contact RCIS so we can review your specific situation.

Question 29

Is RCIS offering mental health services?

Accepted Answer

Mental and behavioral health services are planned to begin in Fall 2026.Services may be available to schools, healthcare organizations, communities, and families through telehealth, in-person, or hybrid models. Specific services will depend on provider licensure, location, program needs, and availability.

Question 30

What types of mental health support will be available?

Accepted Answer

Anticipated services may include counseling, behavioral health support, school-based mental health services, consultations, evaluations, and collaboration with families and professional teams.Additional information will be announced as providers and programs become available.

Question 31

Can my school, clinic, or hospital join the mental health interest list?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Organizations are encouraged to contact RCIS now to discuss anticipated needs for Fall 2026. Early conversations help us understand desired services, schedules, populations, licensure requirements, and staffing needs.

Question 32

Why work with RCIS?

Accepted Answer

RCIS was founded and is led by therapists. We understand the clinical, educational, and personal realities of providing services across rural communities.Our providers receive support that may include:Flexible schedulingTelehealth, in-person, and hybrid opportunitiesClinical mentorshipSchool-based trainingAdministrative assistanceAssessment and technology resourcesSupport with challenging casesTeam collaborationOpportunities to work with rural and underserved communitiesWe want professionals to feel connected to a team—not placed in an assignment and left on their own.

Question 33

Do I need previous telehealth experience?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Strong clinical or educational skills, professionalism, adaptability, and willingness to learn are most important.RCIS provides onboarding and guidance related to telehealth technology, engagement strategies, documentation, collaboration, and service delivery.

Question 34

Do I need school-based experience?

Accepted Answer

Not for every position. Some roles require previous school experience, while others may be appropriate for professionals transitioning from hospitals, clinics, early intervention, rehabilitation, or private practice.RCIS evaluates each candidate’s experience and provides additional training or mentorship when appropriate.

Question 35

Does RCIS offer in-person positions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Opportunities may be telehealth, in-person, or hybrid. Availability varies based on the professional’s discipline, location, schedule, and the needs of our partner organizations.

Question 36

Does RCIS hire employees or independent contractors?

Accepted Answer

RCIS works with both employees and independent contractors, depending on the position, schedule, location, and nature of the work.The classification and compensation structure are explained before an offer is accepted so each professional understands the expectations of the role.

Question 37

Can I work only a few hours each week?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Some of our opportunities are designed for professionals who want to supplement another position, return gradually to the workforce, or maintain a limited caseload.We also offer larger caseloads and full-time opportunities when available.

Question 38

What licenses do I need?

Accepted Answer

Providers must hold the licenses and credentials required for their profession and the state in which the patient or student is physically located during services.RCIS will review the requirements for each assignment and may assist with additional licensure when it supports an organizational need.

Question 39

Still Have Questions?

Accepted Answer

Every school, healthcare organization, family, and professional has different needs. Contact Rock Creek Integrated Solutions to talk with our team about telehealth, in-person, or hybrid services.Therapist-led. Mission-driven. Committed to expanding access in Montana and beyond.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Rock Creek Integrated Solutions (RCIS) is a Montana-based, therapist-owned company providing speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education, and related professional services. Mental and behavioral health services are coming in Fall 2026.

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We partner with schools, healthcare organizations, families, and professionals to deliver reliable in-person, telehealth, and hybrid services—especially in rural and underserved communities.

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