Frequently Asked Questions
What about payment? Do you accept insurance?
Not currently, although I am in the process of becoming an in-network provider with a number of insurance plans. I accept private pay. I also provide super bills for clients to present to their health insurance providers to seek reimbursement. This works best with PPO plans and Health Savings Accounts, but I recommend contacting your insurance plan ahead of time to inquire about speech therapy benefits. Please inquire for pricing.
My child isn’t saying words yet. How would you work with my child?
Communication is so much more than words! Often with children who are not yet speaking, there are foundational skills that they need to develop before they can start to use language. For some, social skills, play skills, joint attention, and language comprehension need to be targeted first so there is a firm foundation for speaking. The evaluation will determine what skills need to be targeted to help your child along.
My child doesn’t sit still. How would you work in this case?
Moving produces chemicals in the body that are like Miracle Grow for the brain. If a child needs to move, then we will move!
My child is autistic. Do you have experience with autistic children? How would you approach therapy in this case?
I’ve helped many autistic children over the years. My approach is one that emphasizes connection and emotional regulation over compliance. If a person doesn’t feel good in their body, they’re stressed because they don’t understand the routine, and/or they don’t feel safe, then they can’t learn. I incorporate the child’s special interests, find out what motivates them, establish a routine, and use sensory supports to help them feel good. For language intervention, I follow the Natural Language Acquisition hierarchy for gestalt language processors. I use visual aides as much as possible. The first few sessions are usually establishing rapport, and then we can get a lot done. I love working with autistic children and young people!
What does in-home therapy look like?
It looks like play to the child, but is rooted in evidence-based treatment strategies. Therapy often happens on the floor or in another natural environment. Kids get to move their bodies and have fun. No, you don’t need a perfectly clean home. Parent participation is a wonderful bonus in this setting!
I want to get help for my child, but I’m really worried about finding out something might be wrong! What would you say in this situation?
I can only imagine the fear you may be feeling. Reaching out for help takes courage! I don’t know the future, but I do know that children’s brains grow rapidly, especially from birth to age 5. Those who get support earlier end up much farther along than those who get support later. If you can find the courage to get help, it will be a beautiful gift for your child’s wellbeing. You’ve got this, and you aren’t alone!