Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is speech-language therapy?

Speech-language therapy helps individuals of all ages improve their communication skills. This can include support with producing speech sounds, expressive language, language processing and understanding, social communication and social skills, voice, fluency (e.g., stuttering), and improving myofunctional (e.g. oral motor) skills for articulation, feeding & swallowing, and even breathing.

2. Who do you work with?

I work with children of all ages who have difficulties with speech, language, voice, oral motor, or reading. Whether it's a developmental delay, a speech sound disorder, a neurological difference, or myofunctional problems (i.e., tongue tie, tongue thrust or bruxism, etc.), I provide individualized and compassionate care to meet your specific needs. I also work with adults for myofunctional therapy as well!

3. What happens during a speech-language evaluation?

An evaluation typically includes a combination of parent/caregiver interviews (for pediatric clients), standardized assessments, informal observations, and discussion of concerns and goals. We then use all this information to develop recommendations and a personalized treatment plan with home program.

4. How long are therapy sessions?

Most sessions are 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs, therapy goals. Frequency and duration are recommended after the initial evaluation.

5. Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?

Currently both, but I really prefer to meet in person! In-person sessions take place at my office, and in some cases, can take place in your home. I recently started providing teletherapy services for those who require virtual visits and when times are available outside of office visits.

6. Do I need a referral to start therapy?

In most cases, no referral is needed; however, many insurance companies require a referral with a letter of medical necessity from your doctor, and/or a pre-authorization. I strongly recommend checking with your insurance carrier to determine your benefits and eligibility before scheduling your evaluation so that you understand what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.

7. Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider and accept private-pay, including cash, check, and HSA/FSA reimbursements via checks. Since the landscape of insurance has changed drastically over the last several years, most people default to using their HSA or FSA to pay for services. I’m more than happy to help you understand your coverage and provide the necessary documentation for submitting out-of-network claims or HSA/FSA reimbursement. Keeping you family’s budget in mind, I do offer a few options such as shorter sessions or monthly consultations providing a tailored home program to foster skill development at home.

8. How do I get started?

After calling your insurance carrier to determine coverage, limits, exclusions, etc., reach out to schedule an initial consultation or evaluation. I’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have along the way!

9. What should I expect from therapy?

Therapy is goal-oriented and collaborative. Sessions are fun, engaging, and specific to each client’s needs. I always provide weekly (or monthly) strategies, activities, and exercises to facilitate carryover at home. The more you are able to practice skills at home often times leads to faster outcomes.

10. Can parents or caregivers sit in on sessions?

Yes, please do!! For pediatric clients, we encourage whole family involvement whenever possible as it helps reinforce learning and ensures consistency between therapy and home.