FAQs

Why does it look like my child is just playing when they are in speech therapy? Shouldn’t it look more like work?

Many times parents asks why we play during a speech therapy session. Play is an important part in a child learning about their world.  During sessions, our therapists use play as a way to engage children in activities in which they show interest.  When a child’s focus is on something of interest, they are more open to learning new language and social skills.  Purposeful play can encourage social communication as well as facilitate all language skills. Teaching language through play can help a child learn skills such as turn-taking, sharing, cooperation, following directions, expressing themselves, and so much more! Pretend play also encourages imagination, which can lead to problem solving and understanding others' perspectives as a child gets older.  To learn more about how to make play meaningful with your child, check out this article. 

What is my role as the parent/guardian in the therapy process?

Parent participation and collaboration is a critical component of our therapeutic process. As speech therapists, we spend a limited amount of time with your child each week.  We greatly value the learning that occurs at home when parents make home practice a priority. After each session, your child’s speech therapist will take a few minutes to explain the activities they used during the session and discuss your child’s progress so you can practice these newly learned skills at home in between sessions. Teamwork with the parents and caregivers is our goal! Together we can help ensure progress is consistent and carries over into the home environment.  

My child gets speech and language therapy in the public schools.  Can I  receive services at your office in addition to what my child receives in the school?

Yes! School based services and services at Speech Tree Therapy Center are similar, but can both be valuable to your child.  School based services focus more on the educational impact of your child’s speech and language.  Our therapy will also focus on the home and other community environments your child participates in. In addition, school based services are often provided in a group setting. 

How long will my child need to be in speech and language therapy?

The length of time a child will need to be in speech therapy depends greatly on the type of impairment and its severity. Speech Tree strives to use the most effective evidence based practice to maximize the effectiveness of therapy. 

Does Speech Tree Therapy Center accept insurance? 

Yes! We accept the following insurances: Blue Shield, Kaiser, United Health Care, Tricare, San Diego Regional Center, and Cigna. Each insurance plan is different.  We encourage each family to call their individual health care plan to ask what your specific coverage is for speech and language therapy.   

What should I do if I think my child has a speech and/or language delay? 

If you have questions regarding your child’s speech and language, you can contact us here with any questions.  You should also see your child’s pediatrician to ask any questions and seek a referral for a speech and language evaluation.

For typical speech and language developmental milestones, click here.

Q: English is not our first language at home.  Our child has a language delay.  Should we stop speaking our first language and only speak English at home? 

A: No, and don't let anyone ever tell you you should! Research has shown that all children, including those with language delays and disorders, have the potential to become bilingual. Speak in whatever language feels natural and comfortable to you and don't worry about mixing or switching languages. What matters most is that you are connecting with your child and modeling words and phrases with native or native-like proficiency. Children with language delays require robust language input delivered in high-quality interactions and this may be easier to accomplish in your home language. Studies have also shown that children who can speak their parents’ heritage language have better family relationships and stronger ethnic identities than those who cannot, factors that have been linked directly to improved cognitive development, literacy skills, and academic achievement.

What can I expect during my first appointment at Speech Tree Therapy Center? 

Prior to your first appointment you should have received paperwork to fill out so your child’s therapist can learn a little about your child. During your first session, the therapist will review the paperwork and discuss any concerns you might have regarding your child’s speech, language, or social skills development. An evaluation will be completed with your child to assess the areas of concern and the therapist will provide you with a brief overview of the findings. After the evaluation is complete, the speech pathologist will make recommendations. If speech therapy is recommended therapy will begin as soon as possible.