Assessments

The first visit will involve an assessment to help determine individual strengths and weaknesses.  The evaluation will be discussed with parents and appropriate goals will be derived from the evaluation and parent consultation process.  Please inform me of any evaluations your child may have completed from any other schools or agencies as they will be helpful for my understanding of the child’s history.

Therapy

Through my years of experience as a teacher and speech therapist, I have learned that establishment of a trusting, nurturing therapeutic relationship is essential to learning.  The early sessions are often focused on establishing rapport using child directed activities.  As trust is built, I begin to introduce more drill play and clinician directed activities to target assigned goals and objectives.  Sessions for younger children consist of a predictable schedule of activities and experiential learning of targeted skills.  For older children, their interests are incorporated into the sessions to increase participation and carry over of skills.  Skill acquisition and generalization (using a new skill across all environments) is strongest when a child is engaged and excited about the learning and activities.  As a parent, I can certainly understand the importance of your child coming to therapy without bribing!

As critically important as establishing a nurturing therapeutic environment is, I am also very aware of progress monitoring.  Data on assigned goals and objectives is collected at every session and made available to parents in progress reports or as requested.  I use a variety of evidenced based strategies depending on the targets of treatment and individual needs.  Session length is 30-60 minutes depending on age and attention span of the child. Discussion about length and frequency of sessions will occur at consultation and/or initial session.

Since it truly takes a village, I am happy to work collaboratively with Birth to Three, the school district or any other service providers.  I also encourage my clients to pursue all services available to them and will assist in any eligibility decisions as needed.

Payment

I am an in-network provider of speech therapy services on a number of insurance panels including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna. I am happy to provide receipts for services which can be submitted for out of network reimbursement as well.  Payment for private pay clients and co-pays for insurance are due at the time of service.  I accept cash, check or credit cards via Square.