Picture this: it’s midsummer, and you’re reviewing staffing assignments for the upcoming school year. The numbers don’t add up. You’re already short on speech therapists, your school psychologist is stretched across multiple campuses, and families are asking how services will be in place by the first day. For many district leaders, this is not an unusual scenario. It’s a recurring challenge of running special education programs today.
That’s why schools are turning to the top virtual related service providers for support. These partners connect districts with licensed professionals through secure online platforms, helping schools bridge staffing gaps, stay compliant, and reassure parents that their children will get the special education support promised in their IEPs.
And the demand is only growing. In Texas, for example, full-time virtual school enrollment increased by more than 1,200 percent in the past decade. That kind of growth makes one thing clear: families and districts are no longer treating virtual services as a stopgap, but as a core part of how education is delivered.
For administrators navigating shortages, compliance pressures, and rising expectations, the right virtual service provider can function less like an outside vendor and more like a trusted extension of the district team. The key is knowing which providers stand out, and how to choose the best fit for your schools.
The push toward virtual related services didn’t happen overnight. It has been building for years, fueled by a mix of practical needs and changing expectations from families. One of the biggest drivers is the nationwide shortage of special education professionals. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), thousands of districts report difficulty hiring enough providers to meet mandated service minutes. In some states, unfilled positions stretch across entire regions, leaving administrators scrambling to find solutions that won’t compromise compliance.
Geography also plays a role. Rural districts often have only one or two providers serving large areas, which means long commutes, inconsistent coverage, or students waiting weeks for services. Virtual related services remove those barriers. With secure platforms, students in a remote classroom can access the same licensed professional that a child in a suburban district does, closing gaps that geography once made unavoidable.
The pandemic accelerated another trend: flexibility. Families grew more comfortable with technology, and educators discovered that many therapy models translate well to online delivery. For some students, particularly those who thrive in structured, one-on-one environments, remote SPED providers offer a setting that feels less intimidating than a busy resource room.
Taken together, these shifts explain why virtual related services have become more than an emergency fix. They’re now a sustainable strategy for schools looking to balance staffing challenges, compliance requirements, and family expectations—all while keeping student needs front and center.
By the Numbers: Special Education Provider Shortages
Choosing virtual service providers goes well beyond filling vacancies. It’s also about finding a true school teletherapy partner that can meet compliance requirements, integrate seamlessly with your teams, and, most importantly, deliver consistent, high-quality support to students. The best providers feel like an extension of your district rather than an outside vendor.
Licensing and compliance standards should be the first consideration. The right provider will have licensed professionals in the states they serve and systems designed to support IEP alignment. That includes meeting IDEA compliance requirements, safeguarding student information under FERPA and HIPAA, and documenting services in a way that stands up to audits or reviews. When providers take compliance as seriously as you do, it reduces risk and ensures students receive the services they’re entitled to.
It is also important to look at the breadth of services offered. Some vendors can only cover one area, such as speech therapy, but most districts need more than that. Working with a provider that offers a full range of services, which might include speech therapy, occupational therapy, school psychology, and counseling, creates consistency and simplifies communication. Rather than juggling multiple contractors, districts can coordinate with one partner that understands the whole picture of student needs. A wide service menu also gives schools the flexibility to scale support when enrollment shifts or unexpected staffing gaps arise.
Technology is another key factor. The platforms behind virtual related services should be secure, reliable, and easy for staff and families to use. Encrypted systems protect student privacy, while features like built-in documentation tools help schools track progress and generate reports without creating extra paperwork. The best platforms also integrate with your existing systems so that teachers and administrators aren’t forced to learn an entirely new process just to access therapy.
Finally, collaboration with IEP teams sets great providers apart. A strong school teletherapy partner will participate in IEP meetings, contribute to MTSS discussions, and share progress updates as if they were on-site staff. They prioritize communication with teachers, administrators, and families, respond to parent concerns, and keep documentation timely and accurate. In short, they don’t just provide services—they help districts strengthen their entire system of support.
At Lighthouse Therapy, we know every district has unique needs. While we pride ourselves on being a responsive, clinician-owned partner, we also recognize that sometimes another provider may be a better fit based on circumstances, scale, or service models. If Lighthouse isn’t the right fit for you, for whatever reason, here are some other companies we respect and encourage districts to consider.
With so many options available, it’s important for administrators to compare virtual related service providers side by side. The best teletherapy companies for schools share core qualities: licensed professionals, strong compliance practices, and seamless integration with district teams, while also bringing their own distinct strengths. Taking time to evaluate these differences helps ensure districts find a partner that aligns with their needs, values, and long-term goals.
Axis Teletherapy delivers online, interactive therapy sessions across speech-language, occupational therapy, and mental health. Their providers are state-certified, teletherapy-trained, and bring school-based experience to each session. Axis emphasizes compliance with HIPAA and FERPA standards, and makes implementation simple for schools by requiring only a computer, webcam, headphones, and internet connection. With built-in progress tracking, dedicated contract managers, and scalable solutions, Axis positions itself as a flexible partner for districts navigating ongoing shortages.
LinkUp Teletherapy is a therapist-owned company focused on speech therapy for PreK–12 students. Their model centers on engaging, goal-directed sessions via secure video platforms while also handling key school-facing responsibilities. Services include case management, evaluations, screenings, Medicaid documentation, and active participation in IEP meetings. LinkUp also emphasizes parent and teacher communication, ensuring transparency and consistency in student progress. Their portal documents all sessions and make-ups, giving administrators confidence in compliance and reporting.
Seagull Student Services has been a pioneer in teletherapy since 2012, beginning with speech services and later expanding to occupational therapy and school psychology. They offer flexible models—virtual, hybrid, and in-person—to meet the varied needs of districts. Seagull highlights continuity of care, carefully matching therapists to schools to minimize turnover and strengthen long-term relationships. Their HIPAA-compliant platform and proprietary “Formula for Success” framework combine evidence-based and curriculum-based practices, supporting both compliance and student growth.
| Feature/Focus | Axis Teletherapy | LinkUp Teletherapy | Seagull Student Services |
| Background | Experienced, nationwide provider | Experienced, nationwide provider | Pioneer in teletherapy since 2012 |
| Core Services | Speech, OT, mental health | Speech therapy (PreK–12), evals, screenings | Speech, OT, school psychology |
| Compliance | HIPAA & FERPA compliant | Medicaid documentation, IEP compliance, FERPA | HIPAA compliant, evidence- & curriculum-based framework |
| Therapist Expertise | State-certified, teletherapy-trained, 2+ years school-based experience | Experienced SLPs integrated with school teams | Experienced “good-fit” therapists, focus on continuity |
| Technology | Simple setup, built-in progress tracking | Secure portal for sessions, attendance, and reporting | Proprietary platform with monitoring and progress tools |
| Collaboration with Schools | Dedicated contract managers, regular progress updates | Active in IEP meetings, communicates with parents/teachers | Long-term therapist matching, strong school partnerships |
| Delivery Model | Fully virtual | Fully virtual | Virtual, hybrid, or in-person options |
| Standout Strength | Flexibility and scalability | Strong compliance and school-facing support | Continuity of care and relationship building |
Where Lighthouse Therapy Fits In
At Lighthouse Therapy, we don’t see ourselves as another virtual related service provider. We see ourselves as a school teletherapy partner. Because we’re a smaller, clinician-owned, family-run company with no investors or board of directors to answer to, our priorities stay with schools and students…not shareholders. We know what it’s like to be in the trenches with districts, balancing compliance pressures, staffing shortages, and parent concerns. Our focus is always on being responsive, approachable, and deeply invested in student success.
All of our clinicians are fully licensed in the states where they serve, and many bring direct school-based experience with them. We understand the rhythms of the academic year, the need to align services with educational goals, and the importance of timely progress monitoring. Compliance is built into the way we work, so districts can trust that services are both high-quality and legally sound.
We believe therapy should never happen in a vacuum. Our providers join IEP and MTSS meetings, share progress data, and communicate regularly with administrators and families. We make it a priority to be accessible and responsive, so teachers and parents feel supported and included. When you partner with us, you gain team members who are actively invested in your school community.
We take compliance seriously. All of our sessions are delivered through secure, encrypted Zoom platforms that meet FERPA and HIPAA standards, keeping student data safe. Our clinicians document every session in detail, providing clear records, progress reports, and notes that districts can rely on during audits or reviews. We know how much weight documentation carries, and we’ve designed our systems to give administrators peace of mind.
Starting something new can feel overwhelming, which is why we put a lot of care into onboarding. We guide school teams step by step, helping administrators, staff, and families feel comfortable with the technology and processes before services even begin. Our team provides training, troubleshooting, and personalized support to make the transition smooth. This support doesn’t stop after the first week, either. We stay close, checking in regularly and being available whenever questions or challenges come up. District leaders tell us that this ongoing partnership is one of the things that sets us apart. We’re not a “set it and forget it” provider, we’re present for the long haul.
When you work with Lighthouse Therapy, you’re partnering with a team that understands the challenges schools face and is committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
When it comes to choosing a virtual service provider for schools, the decision goes far beyond filling a gap on a staffing chart. What district leaders really need is a partner they can rely on: one with the expertise to serve students well, the flexibility to adapt when challenges arise, and the commitment to work alongside your team instead of at arm’s length.
Start with expertise. Ask yourself: does this provider employ clinicians who understand schools? Are they familiar with IEP processes, progress monitoring, and the daily realities of balancing multiple priorities? Experienced providers save districts time and reduce stress because they know how to step into the rhythm of a school environment and keep services moving smoothly.
Partnership is just as important. The best district SPED solutions come from providers who act like an extension of your team. They show up for IEP meetings, communicate regularly with teachers and administrators, and make families feel supported. If a provider feels transactional rather than collaborative, the relationship won’t last.
Service range is another piece of the puzzle. Many districts need support across multiple areas: speech therapy, occupational therapy, school psychology, and counseling. Working with one school teletherapy partner that covers these needs streamlines communication and creates consistency for students.
And yes, compliance matters too. Any provider you consider should be licensed in the states where they serve and have clear systems to meet IDEA, FERPA, and HIPAA requirements. Compliance safeguards focus on protecting students and ensuring services are both effective and defensible.
Finally, consider cost, but keep it in context. The lowest price doesn’t always equal the best value. A provider who offers reliable services, strong documentation, and true collaboration often saves districts time and resources in the long run.
A Quick Reflection Checklist for Leaders:
At the end of the day, virtual SPED support is about more than filling positions on a staffing chart. It’s about creating partnerships that help districts keep their promises to students and families. The right school therapy providers strengthen teams, ease administrative burdens, and ensure every child has access to the services outlined in their IEP.
That’s the role we’ve built Lighthouse Therapy around. We walk alongside districts with licensed providers, thoughtful onboarding, ongoing collaboration, and a commitment to compliance that gives leaders peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating staff shortages, rising compliance pressures, or exploring new models of service delivery, we’re here to make the process easier.
If you’d like to see what a true partnership can look like, reach out to Lighthouse Therapy for a consultation or demo. Together, we can create solutions that support your teams, empower your families, and give students the services they need to succeed.