TDS Center  for  Communication & Social Learning

I'm not sure my child needs speech therapy. What should I do first?

Call or email us today! We offer a free initial speech therapy consultation regarding your concerns and provide guidance about whether or not it sounds like a speech-language pathology evaluation might be in your child's best interest. No obligation!

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What can I expect during my child's speech therapy session?

You can expect individualized speech therapy for your child from one of our professional and knowledgeable therapists! Therapy sessions are typically offered at 50 minute durations and we allow for 10 minute of parent contact/consult at the end of each therapy session. Your child's speech therapy session will occur in our Amherst office. Virtual options are also available. 

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How long will my child need speech therapy?

Every child is an individual, so a precise answer is impossible to give. Every child responds differently to therapeutic techniques; some respond very quickly and some need more time. Also, duration is dependent on the severity of a speech and language diagnosis. A general estimate may be provided based on diagnosis, however, this is always subject to change based on your child's response to therapy. An open dialogue about duration and frequency is always welcome and encouraged!

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Are you able to talk with my child's other speech therapist or teacher?
Absolutely! Consultative and collaborative speech therapy services are offered and strongly encouraged to ensure consistency across therapy. A consent to release information must be filled out prior to TDS being in contact with another therapist. 

 

What are your fees?

TDS is private-pay only. We are happy to provide you with a Super Bill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please check for specific information under the “More” section of our website. Please contact us directly regarding our fee schedule so we can discuss with you the specifics needs for your family.

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Why don't you accept insurance?

TDS Center for Communication & Social Learning is an out-of-network provider with insurance companies because we believe we are able to provide better care for our patients if we are not contracted with them. We no longer accept insurance and here’s why: 

• We are able to focus solely on the needs of the patient and family. Once we are under contract with an insurance company, their guidelines for therapy must be followed, even if we do not agree with them or they’re not right for the child. This includes frequency of therapy, when the patient must be discharged from therapy, and even which patient deficits may be addressed and what goals are set. 

• Insurance companies typically have low reimbursement rates and frequently require extra office personnel hired specifically for filing and tracking claims. In order to cover the costs, many therapy offices need to increase the number of patients seen per day.

• Extensive reporting requirements require a great deal of time that doesn’t improve the quality of therapy. We prefer to use our time to provide high-quality therapy to a limited number of patients in a way that works best for the therapist, child, and family. This allows us to spend meaningful time with each patient and family members, and time to further our overall knowledge and skills.

 

Was your question answered? If not, please contact us so we can follow up with you directly!