FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
We know that navigating speech and language services can come with a lot of questions. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common inquiries from families. If your question isn’t listed here, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re happy to help!
UNDERSTANDING SPEECH & LANGUAGE
What is the difference between speech and language?
Speech refers to the physical ability to produce sounds and words accurately. Language includes how we understand what others say (receptive language), how we express ourselves through spoken or written words (expressive language), and how we use language in social situations (pragmatic or social communication skills).
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
What conditions do you treat?
We support a wide range of communication and related challenges, including:
- Apraxia of Speech
- Auditory Processing Disorders
-
Cognitive Communication Disorders (e.g., memory, planning, organization)
- Developmental Delay
-
Dyslexia
- Executive Function Challenges
- Expressive / Receptive Language Disorders
- Feeding / Swallowing Issues
- Fluency Disorders (e.g., stuttering, cluttering)
- Specific Language Impairment
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
You know your child best. If you’re concerned about their speech or language development, we offer free screenings. You can also choose to skip the screening and request a full evaluation. If needed, we can coordinate with your pediatrician for a referral.
My child doesn’t qualify for speech therapy at school. Should I still pursue private therapy?
Yes. School services have strict qualification criteria. A child may benefit significantly from therapy even if they don’t meet those school-based thresholds. Private therapy can address concerns that still impact your child’s communication success.
For how long will my child need therapy?
It depends on your child’s unique strengths and challenges. After an evaluation, your therapist will recommend a personalized plan, including frequency. However, it’s difficult to predict the exact duration of therapy at the outset.
GETTING STARTED & INSURANCE
How do I get started?
If you’re paying privately, or using the South Carolina Educational Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), simply contact us to schedule a screening or evaluation. If you’re using insurance, check your plan’s requirements. Some plans require a referral from your child’s pediatrician — and we’re happy to help by reaching out to them directly.
Do you accept insurance?
In addition to private pay, we accept the following insurances:
- Healthy Connections Medicaid
- First Choice by Select Health
- United Healthcare
- Humana Healthy Horizons
- TRICARE (certified provider)
We’re working to expand our accepted plans. In the meantime, we can provide the necessary documentation (including diagnosis and treatment codes) for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement.
Note: Please verify your plan’s speech-language therapy coverage before beginning services.
LOCATIONS & TELETHERAPY
Where will my child receive services?
Services can be provided:
- In our office
- At your child’s daycare, preschool, or other community settings
- Virtually via our secure HIPAA-compliant teletherapy platform
IS TELETHERAPY EFFECTIVE?
Yes! Teletherapy is backed by research and endorsed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It offers benefits such as:
- Accessibility for remote or rural areas
- Reduced travel time
- Sessions from the comfort of your home
- Convenience for families with multiple children
- High engagement for tech-savvy kids
How do I know if teletherapy is right for my child?
Most children do well with teletherapy, though some accommodations may be needed. Younger children often require a parent’s support during sessions — which can double as parent coaching. Not sure if it’s a good fit? Give us a call — we’re happy to talk it through.
APPOINTMENT OPTIONS
- In-person services are available in the Bluffton and Hilton Head area.
- Virtual therapy is available when the patient is physically located in SC, GA and NY at the time of their appointment.
- Non-therapeutic services (e.g. accent modification, parent counseling, educational in-services) are available nationwide.