Getting Started with Sidekick Therapy
Get Started With Sidekick Therapy Partners
We’re Here to Make Starting Services Easy
Beginning services shouldn’t feel overwhelming. At Sidekick Therapy Partners, we’ll walk you through every step — from verifying insurance to scheduling your first appointment and connecting you with the right therapist.
The best way to begin is to give us a call:
Tennessee Clients
North Carolina Clients
Our intake team will guide you through the entire process.
What to Have Ready When You Call
To help us get you scheduled quickly, please have your insurance information available:
Insurance provider
Member ID number
Policyholder name and date of birth
This allows us to confirm your benefits and determine whether any prior authorization or physician order is needed.
Our Service Models and Commitment to Access
Our clinics operate under different service models based on payer participation and community needs.
Knoxville & Winston-Salem Clinics
Insurance and Medicaid Models
Our Knoxville, TN and Winston-Salem, NC clinics accept Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans. Services are delivered in accordance with payer requirements, reimbursement structures, and applicable regulatory standards.
Brentwood Clinic
Private Pay Model
Our Brentwood clinic operates exclusively as a private-pay practice and does not participate in Medicaid or commercial insurance programs. Families who receive services at this location voluntarily choose a private-pay service model.
Because these clinics operate under different payer structures, pricing, scheduling processes, and service, workflows may vary by location. These differences reflect the distinct business models under which services are provided and do not represent differential treatment of any patient population.
Our commitment to Equity
For clinics that participate in Medicaid, we are committed to providing equitable access and treatment for all patients, regardless of payer source. Medicaid beneficiaries receive:
- Equal access to scheduling opportunities
- Equivalent session lengths based on clinical need and payer requirements
- Services provided by appropriately qualified clinicians
- No differential treatment based on insurance status
Private-pay services offered at locations that do not participate in Medicaid are separate service models and do not establish a benchmark for services provided under Medicaid programs.
Insurance We Accept
We accept a wide range of insurance plans in both states, and also offer private pay options for added flexibility.
Tennessee
- Aetna
- BlueCare
- BlueCross
- BlueShield of Tennessee
- Cigna
- CoverKids
- Tenncare Select
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare River Valley
- UnitedHealthcare Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup)
- & others!
North Carolina
- Aetna
- Aetna State Health Plan
- BCBS of NC
- ChampVA
- MedCost
- NC Medicaid
- Cigna (most plans)
- Surest
- Tricare East
- UMR/UHC
- UnitedHealthcare
- & others!
Not sure if we take your plan? Call us — we’re happy to check for you.
What Happens Next?
Once you call, our team will:
1. Learn About Your Needs
We’ll start with a few quick questions to understand your concerns.
2. Fill Out Electronic Paperwork
We’ll send you a secure link to complete your paperwork online.
3. Verify Your Insurance
We’ll review your benefits—including any copays or deductibles—so you know exactly what to expect.
4. Schedule Your First Evaluation
We’ll set up an evaluation to assess your child’s therapy needs. A highly qualified clinician will share initial impressions and discuss whether speech therapy is recommended.
5. Match You With the Right Therapist
If therapy is needed, we’ll connect you with a Sidekick clinician whose expertise and availability best fit your goals.
We’ll Guide You Every Step of the Way
Starting therapy is simple — just reach out, and we’ll take it from there.
📞 Ready to get started?
- Tennessee: 865-693-5622
- North Carolina:
336-725-0222
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
It depends on your insurance. Some plans require a physician order before starting therapy, while others allow self‑referral. When you call, we’ll help confirm what your plan needs.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept a wide range of plans in Tennessee and North Carolina. See the full list on this page, or call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Availability varies by location and service needs, but we’ll offer the first available appointment that fits your schedule.
What information do I need when I call?
Please have your insurance card handy (member ID, group number, policyholder info). This helps us verify benefits quickly.
Do I fill out any paperwork before the first visit?
We’ll send any forms electronically after scheduling your appointment. No need to download or print anything from the site.
Where do you provide services?
We serve patients across Tennessee and North Carolina in outpatient clinics, schools, and partner locations. When you call, we’ll guide you to your closest options.
Can I request a specific therapist?
If you have a preference, tell us! We’ll do our best to match you with the clinician who’s the best fit for your needs.
Do you offer teletherapy?
Yes — if it's clinically appropriate and covered by your insurance. Ask our team when you call.
