Every parent has moments of wondering — is my baby doing what they should be doing right now? Is the way they hold their head normal? Should they be rolling by now? Should I be concerned that my 3 year old is still tripping? Not sure if you see what you’re looking for here? The question is still worth asking. — Dr. Sue
Pediatric physical therapy helps babies and young children build the strength, coordination, and movement skills they need to reach developmental milestones — things like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Dr. Sue works with children from birth to age 5, using hands-on techniques and play-based activities suited to each child’s age and needs.
Many parents reach out after noticing one of the following:
If something feels off but isn’t on this list, that’s still worth a conversation — Dr. Sue is happy to talk it through on a free call.
No. You can contact Dr. Sue directly to get started — no referral or doctor’s note is required.
It’s rarely too early. Dr. Sue has nearly 20 years of NICU experience and works with premature babies regularly, often starting support in the early months of infancy.
It’s a relaxed, 10-minute phone conversation with Dr. Sue. You’ll describe what you’re noticing in your child, ask any questions, and Dr. Sue will let you know honestly whether an in-home evaluation makes sense — no pressure to commit.
Every new client starts with a one-hour evaluation in your home. Dr. Sue observes your child in their own environment, assesses their movement, and talks with you throughout the visit. Afterward, you’ll receive a written report you can share with your pediatrician, along with an honest recommendation on whether ongoing therapy is needed.
Then she’ll tell you. A treatment plan is only recommended if it makes sense for your child — the evaluation isn’t a sales pitch.
Wherever your child is most comfortable — your home or their daycare. There’s no clinic, no waiting room, and no commute for you.
Rutherford, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, Carlstadt, Hasbrouck Heights, Wallington, and Wood-Ridge, NJ.
Most children start with weekly sessions, though bi-weekly may be appropriate depending on your child’s needs. Duration varies — some children reach their goals in a few weeks, while others with more complex needs work with Dr. Sue for several months. Progress, not a preset package, drives the timeline.
Yes — you’re an active part of every session. Family and caregiver coaching is built into each visit so progress continues between visits, which Dr. Sue considers one of the most important parts of the work.
Sessions range from $125–$200 depending on length and type of service. The evaluation fee is discussed when you schedule.
Dr. Sue does not bill insurance directly. She can provide a superbill — an itemized receipt with the clinical codes your insurer needs — which many families use to seek out-of-network reimbursement on their own.
Payment is due prior to each session, made through a secure payment link.
A cancellation policy applies to all sessions; the specific details are shared with you when you schedule.
Dr. Susan Lastra is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (Arcadia University), a New Jersey–licensed physical therapist, an APTA Clinical Instructor (Level 2), and a NJ-certified school physical therapist. She spent nearly 20 years as a senior physical therapist at the Institute for Child Development at Hackensack Meridian Health, including NICU care, and is a regular guest lecturer in Seton Hall University’s DPT program. She is background-checked in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and fully insured.
Yes. Her background includes treating infants on ventilators or trachs, children with feeding tubes, and NICU graduates — she is comfortable with significant medical complexity.
Yes — this is a particular clinical interest of hers. She has collaborated with the pediatric team at CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) and takes part in an active brachial plexus injury therapist mentorship group.
Completed before your first evaluation. Covers your child’s basic information, medical history, current concerns, and emergency contacts. Dr. Sue reviews this before she arrives so she can make the most of your time together.
Required before any physical therapy services can begin. This form gives Dr. Sue permission to evaluate and treat your child, and confirms that you understand the nature of the services, the fees, and the cancellation policy.
A federally required document explaining how your child’s health information is stored, used, and protected. Blossoming Child Therapy Services is fully HIPAA compliant — your information never leaves a secure system.
A quick acknowledgment covering the things that make in-home visits run smoothly: what to have ready, the sick-day policy, pet guidelines during sessions, and cancellation terms. No surprises.
Written authorization allowing Dr. Sue to visit your child at a daycare or in the care of someone other than the parent. Dr. Sue can also provide a copy of her license and insurance certificate if the facility requires documentation.
If you’d like to seek out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance provider, Dr. Sue can provide a superbill — an itemized receipt with the billing codes your insurer needs. Submit this form to request one after any session. Whether your plan reimburses is between you and your insurer; Dr. Sue provides the documentation you need to make that case.
In accordance with New Jersey regulations, the PT plan of care is sent to the primary care physician or referring provider. This form allows designated others to receive medical information about your child — such as a specialist, an early intervention team, or a school.
All forms are sent to you directly by Dr. Sue, but if you’ve misplaced anything, you can always request them here.
If your question isn’t answered here, reach out directly — Dr. Sue is happy to talk it through on a free 10-minute call. No referral, no pressure, just a conversation about your child.
