Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is ?equine-facilitated psychotherapy? (EFP) and
how is it different than a typical riding lesson?
A. While an EFP session may look just like a riding
lesson as far as the physical activities involved, the two
are very different. A client participating in EFP is
working on the achievement of measurable psychosocial and
behavioral goals specified in their treatment plan. The
sessions are facilitated by a licensed, credentialed
mental health professional and specially trained
assistants. Working with the horses is a special tool
utilized by these trained therapists to meet the needs of
clients desiring and/or needing an experiential treatment
approach. Individual, group, and family psychotherapy is
offered at Horse Time.
Q. What ages, types of special needs, and geographic
regions does Horse Time serve?
A. Horse Time has served clients from age 4 to age 50 (and
could serve younger or older) from Walton, Gwinnett,
Newton, Rockdale, Dekalb, Henry, Fulton, and Cobb
counties. We can serve clients from other counties as
well. Special needs served have included cerebral palsy,
acquired brain injuries, Chronic Fatigue Immune
Dysfunction Syndrome, Down?s Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome,
and a variety of other developmental, anxiety, behavioral,
mood, psychotic, and substance abuse disorders.
Additionally, we have worked with clients with gender
identity and eating disorders. A thorough intake process
ensures that Horse Time can safely and effectively work
with each client.
Q. How do clients pay for Horse Time psychotherapy?
A. Horse Time therapeutic horsemanship lessons are usually
paid for out of pocket, and cost about the same as a
typical riding lesson. EFP fees are sometimes covered by
third-party payors. Because Horse Time works hard to keep
fees affordable, many clients choose to pay for EFP out of
pocket. Special guidelines apply to hippotherapy
reimbursement. Please see the fee schedule for all
services in the downloadable application packets in the
"Programs and Services" section of this website.
Q. What else does Horse Time offer?
A. Horse Time offers clinical training in EFP to students
and clinicians from a variety of backgrounds. We have
provided training and/or internships to nursing,
therapeutic recreation, child psychiatry, counseling, and
psychology students from Oxford College, Emory University,
Georgia State University, State University of West
Georgia, Argosy University, Clemson University and
training to visitors from Australia, England, Belgium as
well as a variety of states in the USA .
Q. How do I contact Horse Time to obtain clinical
services, to volunteer, to offer a donation, or just get
more information?
A. Horse Time can be reached at 770-927-TIME(8463). We are
located at Falconwood Farm at 10385 Highway 278 in
Covington, Georgia, about 30 miles outside of Atlanta. The
Director?s name is Maureen Vidrine. Donations of
equipment, services, and financial contributions are
appreciated. Horse donations are sometimes needed and can
be discussed with the director. Thank-you!
