How it works
How online speech therapy works
After a free call, you schedule an evaluation, fill out a few forms, and meet your therapist by video from home. If therapy is recommended, you can book 30-minute sessions one at a time or weekly. For pediatric clients, a parent or caregiver sits in on every session and gets education and coaching to carry strategies over to home.
- Free 15-minute call first, if you want one
- Forms in the secure portal
- 60-minute evaluation by video
- 30-minute sessions, weekly or one at a time
Step by step
From first click to first session
-
Step 1: Free consultation call
Pick a time that works for you. Tell us what is going on and ask us anything. Find out if a full speech therapy evaluation is recommended for you and how we can support you.
-
Step 2: Book your evaluation
Pick a time that works best for you and your schedule, and set up your client account in our portal.
-
Step 3: Forms
Fill out history and consent forms before the visit.
-
Step 4: Evaluation
Video call with your speech therapist to talk through your concerns, complete testing and play based observations. You will be provided with recommendations and talk through a personalized plan of care.
-
Step 5: Sessions
If speech therapy is recommended, sessions can be booked one at a time or recurring on a weekly basis.
Before your first visit
What you'll need
You'll join from a link in your reminder or the client portal. A computer needs no extra software.
-
A device
A laptop, desktop or tablet with a camera and microphone. A phone works if that's what you have, but a bigger screen is easier.
-
A good connection
Internet that can handle a video call (at least 3 to 5 Mbps).
-
A quiet room
A quiet room with decent light.
-
For kids
A parent or caregiver nearby, plus a few favorite toys or books.
Reminders and joining your session
-
Your reminders
- You'll get a reminder by email and text 48 hours and 24 hours before each appointment.
- For a video session, the reminder includes a link to join.
- If the text asks you to confirm, just reply as the message says.
- Not getting reminders? Check your spam folder, then let us know so we can update your email or phone number.
-
On a computer
- No download needed. About 5 minutes before your session, open the join link in your reminder or your client portal.
- Use Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox, and click Allow when asked to use your camera and microphone.
- Type your name and click Join. Your therapist will let you in from the waiting screen.
-
On a phone or tablet
- Download the free Telehealth by SimplePractice app (or the SimplePractice Client Portal app).
- Tap the join link in your reminder, and choose I am a Client the first time.
- Check that your camera and microphone work, type your name, and tap Start video appointment.
The evaluation
What does an online evaluation look like?
Your therapist starts by talking with you to gather a case history, review your concerns and talk about your goals. We will watch and listen while your child plays, talks, reads or follows simple directions, depending on their age. For adults, the focus is on discussing the moments when speaking is the hardest, or what day to day challenges look like. Before you hang up, we will discuss results and recommendations.
- Case history, concerns and goals
- Observation of play, talking and testing will be completed
- Results and recommendations before you hang up
Research shows similar progress is made for clients using virtual and in-person speech therapy services.
After the evaluation
Sessions and progress
-
What do sessions look like?
Sessions are 30 minutes. With young kids, therapy looks like play: games, books, pictures and toys, on screen and at home. A lot of the session is showing you what to do, so practice keeps going at meals, bath time and in the car. Older kids and adults work more directly with the therapist and practice in real situations.
-
How is progress tracked?
We set goals at the evaluation and track them every session. You'll get regular updates on how it's going, what is working well and what we need to adjust. We will collaborate together every step of the way to ensure that we are trending towards accomplishing all of your goals.
Pricing
Simple, clear pricing
One price list for everyone, and you pay per visit. We don't bill insurance, but we can provide you with a superbill for you to send to your insurance company for out-of-network coverage. We do accept HSA and FSA cards.
See pricing-
Evaluation
$175
60 minutes
-
Therapy session
$75
30 minutes
-
Consultation call
Free
15 minutes
Where we see clients
Texas
We are currently accepting patients in Texas. Sessions will all be virtual, but there is a requirement to be located in Texas at this time.
-
Accepting patients
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? A free 15-minute call is a good place to ask.
How do I get started?
You can book your evaluation online through our website and client portal. If you have questions first, you can schedule a free 15-minute consultation. The consultation is a short phone call to talk through your concerns and see if we are a good fit. The evaluation is a 1-hour video session that gives us a full picture of your needs and a plan for therapy.
What happens during an evaluation?
The evaluation begins with a conversation about your concerns and your child's history. Your speech therapist then observes your child at play, talks with them, and completes testing as needed. For adults, the evaluation includes a conversation and testing as needed. At the end of the session, we review the results and our recommendations with you. Your written report will be ready within 3 business days.
What technology do I need?
You need a laptop, desktop, or tablet with a camera and microphone. A phone works too, though the screen is small. You also need a steady internet connection and a quiet spot with good lighting. Headphones can help older children and adults hear clearly. No app purchases are needed. You join through a secure link from our client portal.
Do I need to be in the session with my child?
Yes. A parent or caregiver is part of every session. You learn the strategies as we go, which helps your child practice between visits.
Ready when you are
Most families start with a 60-minute evaluation. If you'd rather talk first, book a free 15-minute call and ask us anything.
Sources: The efficacy of telehealth-delivered speech and language intervention for primary school-age children: a systematic review, Wales, Skinner and Hayman, International Journal of Telerehabilitation (2017); Telepractice (Practice Portal), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association