Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
At this time we do not bill any insurance companies directly nor do we act as a participating provider for any insurance plans. We do provide all clients with a statement of services (superbill) that can be submitted to your insurance company should you choose to request reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company with any questions you may have regarding your coverage and reimbursement for out-of-network providers.
Do I need a doctor's referral to Start therapy?
You can self-refer to a speech-language pathologist, which means you don't need a doctor's referral to book an appointment. However, check to see whether your supplemental insurance company requires a doctor's referral before you can submit receipts for reimbursement.
How long do therapy sessions last?
Typical therapy sessions last 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on the individual client. We will decide on a session length together prior to beginning therapy.
Where are your services provided?
We are licensed to serve clients in New York and Pennsylvania. Currently, all of our services are conveniently offered online via a secure teletherapy platform.
How do I know if my child needs speech-language therapy?
If you have any concerns about your child’s speech and language skills it is always a good idea to talk to your child’s pediatrician. We offer comprehensive evaluations done by a licensed speech-language pathologist. An evaluation in no way obligates you to any therapy; it simply gives you a more complete picture of your child’s current speech and language skills and allows us to make individualized recommendations. An evaluation may show the need for therapy or put the parent’s mind at ease. If you are unsure whether to pursue an evaluation you may email us at info@brownbearspeech.com for a free phone consultation. It may also be helpful to review these speech and language milestones.
How Speech-Language Therapy Can Help After a Stroke?
Speech-language therapy can make a big difference to those who have suffered strokes. If the stroke happens in an area of the brain that controls speech or communication, this can cause aphasia (defined as a language and/or speech impairment). This can affect speech, writing, reading, and general communication. However, speech and communication doesn’t start and stop with saying words. It involves understanding what words to say, how to say them, when to breathe, and how to form full sentences. Stroke patients can greatly benefit from speech therapy exercises. These can help them relearn how to make sounds, form words, and breathe properly during speech. If you think that you need help with your speech impairment post-stroke, we can set you up with a free consultation to evaluate your condition and your needs.
At what age do you being addressing stuttering?
We provide therapy for stuttering for children as young as three years old. Using an evidence-based process, we develop an understanding of what triggers the child's stuttering to best address all factors impacting a child's speech fluency.
MY CHILD HAS A HISTORY OF FREQUENT EAR INFECTIONS. COULD THIS AFFECT HIS/HER SPEECH OR LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT?
Possibly. While there is no direct causal link between chronic ear infections and speech/language delay, children are generally thought to be more at risk for developing communication impairments with this medical history, and should be closely monitored.
My child receives speech therapy at school. Can we still do private therapy?
Yes! With your permission we will contact your child’s school speech pathologist and collaborate to help your child progress.
WHAT CAN I DO AT HOME TO HELP MY CHILD'S SPEECH-LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT?
Generally speaking, understanding your child’s current communication level (preverbal, single word communicator, phrase or sentence level communicator, etc.) is very important in terms of what to model at home. Try not to overuse questions to get your young child to talk, but rather model comments about events as they are unfolding. Try to avoid rapid and lengthy speaking turns, and encourage turn-taking. Praise your child’s efforts to communicate using all possible means: gestures, pointing, gaze, and verbal attempts.