FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO YOU OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS?
We offer a free phone consultation to discuss your concerns and provide guidance about whether or not an evaluation may be needed. Typically, the consultation's duration is 10-15 minutes.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IF AN EVALUATION IS RECOMMENDED?
An initial evaluation is required prior to starting treatment so that baseline data can be collected and goals can be established in order to track progress. The appointment usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Occasionally, a second visit is required to complete the evaluation. During the evaluation, the Client's skills will be assessed through the history that you provide, and the use of standardized tests and informal observation of skills in question. Following the evaluation, you will receive a brief verbal summary of the findings. You will later receive a comprehensive written evaluation report of the test results and recommendations. If therapy is recommended, the report will include a plan of care with appropriate treatment goals and will be reviewed with you during the first therapy session.
WHAT ARE THE AGES OF THE CLIENTS YOU SERVE?
At Great Basin Speech Therapy we offer evaluations and treatments for a range of childhood to young adult speech and language disorders. Serving children of all ages from infants and toddlers to 18 years old.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD MAY NEED SPEECH THERAPY?
No one knows your child better than you do!
If you are asking yourself whether or not your child may need speech therapy, you are probably listening to that "gut instinct" that tells you something about your child's development may be cause for concern. Speech and language develops from many complex systems working together in perfect harmony. In fact, nearly one in 12 children has had a disorder related to voice, speech, language or swallowing in the past 12 months (The ASHA Leader, 2015). While all children develop at different rates, it is important to observe consistent growth and progression with your child's communication skills. Early Intervention is essential to your child's success! We offer a free consultation to discuss your concerns and provide guidance about whether or not an evaluation may be needed. Click here for more information about milestones for typical speech and language development.
MY CHILD IS RECEIVING SPEECH THERAPY THROUGH SCHOOL OR EARLY INTERVENTION. IS PRIVATE SPEECH THERAPY REALLY NEEDED?
Early Intervention or school-based speech therapy services may or may not meet your child's needs. School-based speech therapists face the challenges of high caseloads requiring large groups of students, demanding paperwork, and frequently missed sessions due to meetings, inservices, holidays, etc. Early Intervention emphasizes a model of Developmental Intervention that is more generalized in its approach and may or may not be provided by a speech therapist.
Private speech therapy can offer a variety of supplemental benefits without the constraints that are a part of the educational and Early Intervention systems.
MY CHILD DID NOT QUALIFY FOR SPEECH THERAPY THROUGH THE SCHOOL OR EARLY INTERVENTION. WILL HE BE ELIGIBLE FOR PRIVATE SPEECH THERAPY?
Children must meet a stringent criteria to be eligible for special education services (outlined by the Department of Education) or Early Intervention (outlined by the Department of Health & Human Services). Standardized test scores must fall at least two standard deviations below the mean scores (equivalent to a “severe” deficit or impairment). Scores in the area of communication are typically combined to be analyzed as one skill set that includes what the child is understanding as well as what he can express. Children who demonstrate strong comprehension skills but poor expressive language often do not qualify for services. Children who demonstrate articulation errors also may not be eligible if these errors are not considered to have an educational impact. These systems are not equipped to serve students with mild to moderate impairments who may be struggling and who demonstrate a need for skilled intervention, which is the reason that Great Basin Speech Therapy was founded!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING SPEECH THERAPY SESSIONS?
Therapy sessions vary from 30-40 minutes, which includes approximately 5-10 minutes at the conclusion of the session to discuss progress and strategies for carry-over. We believe that this collaboration with caregivers and education throughout the session are key ingredients to the Client's success! A wide range of fun and developmentally appropriate activities and games, toys, books and software are utilized to motivate and facilitate your child's learning throughout the session.
HOW FREQUENTLY WILL THERAPY TAKE PLACE?
The unique needs of each individual are considered when recommending therapy. Most Clients receive 1 - 2 sessions per week. This may be subject to change based on the Client's response to therapy.
ARE DOCTOR REFERRALS REQUIRED?
We do not require you to have a medical doctors’ referral for services. However, if you would like services to be reimbursed by an insurance company, it may be necessary to request one from your doctor's office. Insurance companies differ regarding the need to obtain preauthorization for services and the number of visits they will cover in a given time period. It is your responsibility to keep track of these requirements.