WHAT IS TELETHERAPY?

Teletherapy is a live ‘virtual’ session with a licensed Speech and Language Therapist in your own home through a computer. It is verymuch like a telemedicine visit with your medical doctor or a Zoom class, but it is more fun and interactive.WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TELETHERAPY?Having Speech Therapy sessions on a regular basis is the best way to make continual progress on speech therapy goals. Research hasshown that teletherapy is an effective way to deliver services and, ​ when implemented correctly, can have equal outcomes to face-to-face interventions. Teletherapy is a great way to provide continuity of care if you are unable to do in person sessions due toillness, a busy schedule or clinic closure (as with the Covid-19 pandemic).

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

We find that most families can use the current setup they are using/have used for remote school sessions. You will need a computerwith a speaker, microphone and camera; a high speed internet connection; a quiet location where you can work relatively free ofdistractions; and an adult facilitator/older sibling to set up the computer, assist with technical difficulties and/or keep the child ontask, if the session is for a child.​ We use a secure, HIPAA compliant, encrypted account to send you the session link and email yousetup instructions in advance of your initial session.

WHAT IF I AM AN OLDER ADULT AND NEED HELP LEARNING HOW TO DO TELETHERAPY?

We have found that an initial session at your home to help you set up your computer and show you how to use the link does the trick! The platform we use for teletherapy is simple, and easy to use to so that it accommodates a broad spectrum of our clients.

WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN’T DO WELL ON ZOOM OR GOOGLE MEET FOR SCHOOL? WILL TELETHERAPY WORK?

We have found that with our therapist’s specialized skills and training, they are able to make speech therapy fun for your child and many parents are surprised at how well their child can focus during our sessions. If your child is very young, you will be able to helpfacilitate the session to make sure it is productive and this will allow you to learn the skills to help your child at home as well. Ifyou’re still not sure, we suggest giving it a try before making a final decision – you never know!

WHAT IF WE TRY TELETHERAPY BUT WE DON’T LIKE IT?

Teletherapy is often a good option if the patient or family member/caregiver is unwell or has special circumstances which require them to be isolated. If we find that Teletherapy is not as effective as in person sessions, we will let you know. It is always an option to switch back to in person sessions if you want to give Teletherapy a try.

WILL MY INSURANCE PAY FOR TELETHERAPY?

We are finding that the majority of insurance providers are covering teletherapy services at this time. We monitor the variousinsurance company policies on teletherapy regularly to ensure coverage.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

Contact us! We look forward to meeting you!