Online speech therapy
Is online speech therapy right for us?
For many kids and adults, yes. Studies have found video speech therapy can work about as well as in-person therapy for many needs. It works best when a parent takes part with young kids, and with a quiet spot and a good connection. A few needs are better handled in person, and we'll tell you if yours is one.
- Similar progress to in-person for many needs
- A parent takes part with young kids
- A device, a connection and a quiet room
- Anywhere in Texas
Good to know
The short version
- Studies show similar progress by video and in person for many speech and language needs.
- Young kids do sessions with a parent, who picks up what to practice at home.
- Swallowing safety and a few other needs should be seen in person.
The research
What does the research say?
Kids seen by video made gains similar to kids seen in person on most measures.
ASHA, the national association for speech-language pathologists, holds video therapy to the same standards as in-person care (ASHA).
That doesn't mean it's right for every child. The evaluation is where we find out together.
By age
How does it work at each age?
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Birth to 3
What sessions look like
Play on the floor with your child's own toys while your therapist guides you from the screen.
The parent's role
You take part in every session and practice during daily routines.
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3 to 5
What sessions look like
Games, books and pictures on screen and at home, in short activities that keep attention.
The parent's role
You sit nearby to help with attention and learn what to practice.
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6 to 12
What sessions look like
Games and practice on screen with your therapist.
The parent's role
You join at the start or end to hear what to practice.
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13 to 17
What sessions look like
Direct work on what matters to the teen, like class presentations or talking with friends.
The parent's role
Teens often lead. You join when it helps.
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Adults
What sessions look like
Strategies and practice for real situations, like calls, meetings and interviews.
The parent's role
Not needed. Bring a partner if you'd like.
Setup
What you'll need
For voice therapy and older kids, a headset or earbuds with a mic helps.
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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.
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A good connection
Internet that can handle a video call (at least 3 to 5 Mbps).
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A quiet room
A quiet room with decent light.
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For kids
A parent or caregiver nearby, plus a few favorite toys or books.
Why families choose it
Why families choose online therapy
- No drive, no waiting room, no dragging a sibling along.
- Your child works on talking at home, with their own toys, food and people.
- You see every session, so you know exactly what to practice.
- In smaller towns, it can mean getting a speech therapist without a long drive.
- For adults, it fits around work, and you practice in the same setting as your video meetings.
When to go in person
When is in-person therapy a better fit?
Online isn't right for everything. If the evaluation shows any of these, we'll tell you and help you find in-person care.
- A child coughs, chokes or has trouble breathing when eating or drinking. See feeding therapy.
- The therapist needs to feel how the mouth moves.
- A child can't stay with a screen, even with a parent helping.
- There's no reliable internet or private space at home.
Where we see clients
Texas
We're accepting patients in Texas, where we're licensed to treat.
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Accepting patients
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? A free 15-minute call is a good place to ask.
How does online speech therapy work?
Sessions happen over a secure video call on our online platform, from your home or another private, quiet space, such as a work office. You get a link before each session and join from your computer or tablet. Your speech therapist uses a variety of online materials, along with everyday things you already have at home.
Is teletherapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. Research shows that speech therapy by video leads to results similar to in-person therapy for many children and adults. Because sessions happen at home, the skills your child practices carry over into everyday life. Read the study: in-person and telepractice outcomes compared (Musaji et al., 2021)
Can my young child really pay attention on a screen?
Yes. For teletherapy to have the most impact, we ask that a caregiver is part of every session. Your speech therapist coaches you in the moment on strategies you can use every day, in your child's natural environment. We use your child's favorite toys and activities, movement breaks, and things already in your home to keep them engaged. When their attention drifts, we gently guide them back to the task or switch to a new activity.
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.
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.
What if the internet or video drops during a session?
We will try to troubleshoot and reconnect first. If we cannot, we will reschedule. If the problem is on our end, you are never charged. If it is on your end, we will reschedule at no charge.
Can you do therapy at my child's daycare or school?
We cannot see children by video during the school day. At a daycare or preschool, it may be possible if the center agrees. An adult from the center would need to join each session, and your child would need a quiet, private place to meet. If you are interested, please bring it up during your evaluation or a free consultation call.
How long are online sessions?
Evaluations are 60 minutes and sessions are 30. Half an hour is enough time to get real practice in, and short enough for little kids to stay with it.
What if we travel or move to another state?
Licensing rules follow where you are during the session, not where you live. If you will be in another state, tell us ahead of time. We can reschedule or pause sessions while you are away. If you move to a state where we are not licensed, we will help you find a new provider.
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; Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing (Practice Portal), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association