This is one of the common questions we’ve gotten when interviewing therapists. Lighthouse Therapy manages caseloads differently than many other companies. Today, let’s really dive into this question to show you how and why we handle caseloads the way we do at Lighthouse.
How are caseloads measured at Lighthouse Therapy?
At Lighthouse, students always come first. We wanted to show this in the way we handle caseloads. Because of this, we measure out caseloads by students rather than hours.
Our current minimum commitment is 15 hours per week across at least two working days. While every school assignment is different, many clinicians find that this often translates to approximately 20 students on their caseload.
In addition to direct therapy sessions, clinicians also spend time on documentation, IEP meetings, collaboration with school staff, parent communication, progress monitoring, and other responsibilities that support student success. Because student needs, schedules, and service minutes vary, no two caseloads are exactly alike, but our goal is to create manageable workloads that allow clinicians to provide high-quality services while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Teletherapy Caseload?
Our current minimum commitment at Lighthouse Therapy is 15 hours per week across at least two working days. While every school assignment is different, many therapists find that this typically translates to a caseload of roughly 20 students.
The exact number of students can vary depending on service minutes, scheduling needs, and the specific students being served. Because of this, we focus on creating manageable workloads rather than targeting a specific student count.
Typical full-time caseloads range from approximately 50-55 students, though this can vary depending on factors such as service minutes, scheduling needs, and the number of students who can be seen in groups. We strive to create caseloads that support both strong student outcomes and a manageable workload for our therapists. While every assignment is unique, our goal is to ensure clinicians have the support they need to provide high-quality services while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
How long does it take to get the desired caseload?
As mentioned a little in the previous question, getting your desired caseload can depend greatly on a couple of factors. One is the time of year that you are hired. At certain times of the year, we have less need for therapists and thus have less opportunity for therapists to gain students. Typically, the beginning of the school year will help you get to your desired caseload faster, but this is not always the case.
Another thing to note is that adjusting to teletherapy can be a lot all at once. We want to give you the time to get used to these changes as we incrementally raise your caseload to the preferred number of students.
How do I increase or decrease my caseload?
Raising or lowering your caseload is as simple as reaching out to one of our clinical supervisors and letting them know what your new desired caseload will be. It may take some time to reschedule some students with other therapists, but soon, you’ll get to that balance you’re looking for.
We don’t want you to feel overwhelmed or overworked, so if you’re beginning to feel like that, don’t feel guilty for asking to take a few students off of your caseload. We are a company run by therapists. We understand.
Overview
Let’s quickly recap what we’ve covered. At Lighthouse Therapy, our current minimum commitment is 15 hours per week across at least two working days. While every assignment is different, many clinicians find that this often translates to a caseload of roughly 20 students.
Rather than focusing on a specific student count, we work to create manageable caseloads that allow clinicians to provide high-quality services while balancing documentation, collaboration, meetings, and other responsibilities that support student success.
We do not have a fixed maximum caseload. Instead, we focus on what is clinically appropriate for both students and clinicians. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or would like to take on additional students, simply reach out to your clinical supervisor to discuss adjusting your caseload.
We hope this article has helped clarify how caseloads are structured at Lighthouse Therapy. If you’d like to learn more about working at Lighthouse Therapy, explore our clinician career resources and current opportunities, or reach out to our team. We’re always happy to help clinicians learn more about teletherapy careers and opportunities with Lighthouse.
Quick Caseload FAQs
What is the minimum caseload at Lighthouse Therapy?
Our current minimum commitment is 15 hours per week across at least two working days. For many clinicians, this typically translates to a caseload of roughly 20 students, though assignments vary.
Is there a maximum caseload?
There is no fixed maximum caseload. As an independent contractor, you set your own availability, so each clinician’s maximum may look different. Some clinicians choose to work 25 hours per week, while others are available for 40 hours or more. Our goal is to match your caseload to your desired availability while maintaining clinically appropriate workloads that support both student outcomes and clinician well-being.
Can I increase my caseload?
Yes. Lighthouse clinicians set their own availability and can increase their caseload if their schedule changes throughout the year. If you would like additional hours, speak with your clinical coordinator about available opportunities, which may include additional students, short-term assignments, substitute sessions, or assessment referrals.
Can I reduce my caseload?
We understand that needs and schedules can change. If your workload is no longer the right fit, reach out to your clinical coordinator to discuss your options. Please note that any changes must still meet the minimum commitment outlined in your contract.
How quickly can I build my caseload?
This depends on factors such as the time of year, school needs, your availability, and current openings. Some clinicians begin with a caseload that matches their desired availability, while others build their caseload gradually as referrals come in. Your Lighthouse recruiter and clinical team can help set expectations based on your availability and the needs of the schools we serve. While referrals can vary, our goal is always to help you reach your desired caseload as quickly as possible while supporting a smooth transition into teletherapy.
