At what age should my child start speech / language therapy? 

You know your child best! If you have a gut feeling, give us a call. Every child meets their milestones at different times, however, if you have any concerns regarding your child’s speech and language development, we recommend coming in for a screening or evaluation. We stand by early intervention, which is proven to yield better outcomes. Many children start speech therapy as early as 18 months if they show signs of speech delays.

How do I know if my child needs speech / language therapy?

Some signs that may indicate a need for speech therapy include delayed speech and language development, difficulty pronouncing words, difficulty communicating thoughts, wants, ideas, difficulty forming sentences, challenges in understanding or following directions or routines, 

What ages do you work with? 

We primarily serve children between the ages of 18 months and 12 years, though children outside of this age range will be considered on a case by case basis depending on need and availability.

How do I schedule an appointment for an evaluation?

You can call our office, fill out an online form, or email us to schedule an initial evaluation. We will guide you through the next steps based on your child’s needs.

How long will my child need speech therapy?

Every child is different! Some of our kiddos graduate very quickly, while others need more time. There is no magic number that we can guarantee. We will say though, that families who carry over what we are working on at home tend to “graduate” much more quickly!

What can I do to support my child toward their speech and language goals?

If you are present for your child’s session, you will be briefed during the last few minutes of the session. If you are not on site during the session, you or your therapist may initiate a conversation regarding your child’s progress, successes, and or concerns. During these conversations, your speech therapist will provide activities you can do at home to support your child or give “homework” if your family is interested in carrying over activities that promote speech and language development. Occasionally and or as needed, our therapists may leave an update sheet with your child to let you know what was targeted in the session and how you can help them practice at home. We are here to support you and your family!

Do you work and collaborate with the other providers on my child’s case?

Yes! Absolutely. Teach Speech works with a wide range of amazing providers in the area. Thes providers include but are not limited to occupational therapists, physical therapists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, ENT’s, psychologists, geneticists, optometrists, behavioral therapists, and teachers. If you are not working with another provider but feel your child needs additional support, we are also happy to refer you to someone in your area. 

What should I expect in my first session?

During the first visit, your therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess your child’s speech and language skills. This may involve observing your child, asking questions about their development, and discussing any concerns. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

How long are sessions? 

Sessions rage in time and frequency depending on your child's individual needs. Speech therapy sessions are primarily between 30-45 minutes while language sessions are typically longer, 60 minute sessions. Sessions are recommended 1-3 times per week depending on your child's needs, your schedule and availability and the preference of the family. 

When are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered from 8AM to 5:45 PM Mondays - Friday. Your therapist will work with you to find a schedule that works best for your family and that will help your child best achieve their goals. 

What is the cost of speech therapy?

An initial speech / language evaluation is $350. This includes a report detailing your child’s medical history, developmental speech / language information, current skill level, oral exam and informal and formal assessment by a clinically certified speech language pathologist. A reevaluation will be done every 6 months to a year depending on the child's needs and progress, this will be done at the discretion of the therapist. Cost for a reevaluation is $250. Therapy services cost $130 for an hour session, $100 for a 45 minute session, and $75 for a 30 minute session. 

Is there a cost for canceling therapy or cancelation policy I should be aware of?

Teach Speech aims to be flexible with families needs and travel plans. We ask that you give us as much notice as possible when taking time away from therapy services. If travel plans exceed two weeks, you may be moved to our waitlist. If a cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before the session, you will be billed for the session. 

Is therapy covered by insurance?

Teach Speech accepts private pay and is an out of network service provider. We accept all major credit and debit cards. Health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), and Step Up Scholarship for Unique Abilities can also be used towards evaluations and therapy services. Payment will be collected after each session. A superbill will be provided upon request. This is a bill for the cost of evaluation and therapy services that can be submitted to your insurance company for possible reimbursement for our out of network services. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to determine whether out of network speech therapy services are covered under your plan. 

Will my child’s therapy be provided 1:1 or in a group?

At Teach Speech, therapy is provided on a one-on-one basis to ensure personalized therapy and attention.

What is the difference between private therapy and what my child is getting through their public school?

When your child receives 1:1 therapy through a private practice, they are receiving services that are tailored to their specific needs, interests and each session is highly personalized. In a school setting, the therapist is working with several children at once and activities are often designed to address common goals or issues among the group, which may not fully meet the individual needs of each child.

Can speech therapy help with reading and writing?

Yes, our speech therapists also work on reading and writing skills. We can help with phonological awareness, rhyming, blending and segmenting sounds, vocabulary development, and strategies for improving reading comprehension and written expression.

Is speech / language therapy available for bilingual or multilingual children?

At this time, we do not have any bilingual or multilingual therapists at Teach Speech. If a child is bilingual or multilingual, we are happy to refer your child to a therapist who is able to speak your native language so your child can be best supported in their language development. 

Do you offer online therapy / teletherapy services?

Teletherapy sessions for our Florida families may be considered on a case by case basis. Teletherapy is not an effective option for all of our patients. We consider a patient's age, diagnosis, severity and more before considering teletherapy as an option.