Nashville recently welcomed the first mobile therapy platform designed to connect patients and therapists in Middle Tennessee. Launched by Kyle and Sarah Keene, founders of Nashville-based Project Play Therapy, Enablr Therapy serves both children and adults in need of speech, physical and occupational therapy.
Meeting a Need
"When we started Project Play three years ago, we immediately noticed a rift in the market as far as traditional brick and mortar set-ups, which were often difficult for families to get to," said Kyle Keene. "I found myself constantly having conversations with families who couldn't get off work in time to get to a clinic across town by 4 p.m. There was this community of people who weren't getting the therapy they needed because they didn't have realistic access to it."
The Keenes also saw a market where therapists only wanted to work a few days a week, work in their section of town or work with a specific type of client. They did their research and soon learned the benefits of natural setting therapy - services provided in a patient's home - and spent the next year working through what therapists and clients alike would want in an app.
Benefits to Patients
The platform allows users to browse local therapists available to meet when and where families need them most - saving time and allowing clients to meet with their providers in a natural environment. Profiles on the site allow users to view therapist pricing, education, experience and certifications. Users can also read and provide reviews in real time, adding a level of transparency that doesn't exist in traditional practices. If the therapist is the right fit, appointments can be booked with just a few clicks.
"One of the groups we've found that enjoy our services the most are working professionals or a retired adult who wants physical therapy at their home," Keene said.
Benefits to Therapists
Enablr provides therapists with more options too. The platform allows professionals to set their own schedule, prices and coverage area. "We had a lot of interest from therapists right off bat," Keene said. "Many really want to be CEO of their own practice, but we're there to help with marketing, scheduling and billing."
Enablr therapists go through a rigorous qualification and application process including interview and reference, licensure and resume checks. "It's a very controlled process to keep our therapists high-quality," Keene said. "We want to make sure we're proud of who we're putting on the platform."
Membership is free to both patients and therapists. Enablr bills patients for services and takes a small percentage of overhead from the price set by the therapist. While the platform is private pay, Enablr does offer clients a "super bill" for those who want to submit to their insurance for reimbursement. Keene said lack of a physical office space and staff means the company is able to offer competitive private pay rates.
"Study after study shows families and kids aren't getting enough therapy, and we know that early intervention makes a big difference," Keene said. "Even when kids receive free services through their school, they often need a lot of supplemental services. Therapy really does make a difference, and we're trying to advocate those services from all fronts."
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