FAQs
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Getting Started
What is speech-language therapy and who can benefit from it?
Speech-language therapy helps individuals improve their communication skills across a variety of domains. It also includes feeding therapy. It addresses difficulties related to speech (how sounds are produced), language (understanding and using language), literacy and written language, social communication, fluency (stuttering), voice, and feeding/swallowing.
What ages do you work with?
We specialize in pediatric speech therapy, serving children from infancy through adolescence (18 years old).
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Some signs that may indicate the need for speech therapy include difficulty pronouncing words, trouble understanding or using language, stuttering/disfluency, challenges with social skills, or feeding/swallowing issues. If you're unsure, a consultation with one of our clinicians can help determine if speech therapy is needed.
How do I schedule an evaluation or therapy session?
To schedule an evaluation or therapy session, simply email us at admin@emeraldcitypediatric.com or fill out the contact form on our website. We will reach out to you to discuss your child's needs and schedule the session.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
Private pay clients do not need a referral. Most insurance plans also do not require a referral, but we recommend checking with your provider to confirm.
What should I expect in the first session?
Your child’s first session will likely be an initial evaluation, during which your clinician will assess your child’s communication skills through a combination of standardized assessments, clinical observations, and parent interviews. You’ll also discuss your child’s developmental history, concerns, and therapy goals. Based on the evaluation, the clinician will provide a personalized treatment plan.
Insurance & Payment
Do you take insurance?
Emerald City Pediatric Center is in-network with Premera, Regence, and First Choice Health.
What are your out-of-pocket rates if insurance does not cover?
Our rates vary based on the type of service and areas of focus. We will review the cost of your child's session with you in advance to ensure transparency and avoid surprises. Please contact us to discuss specific pricing details.
Scheduling
How often and how long will my child need speech therapy?
Speech therapy is tailored to each individual based on factors such as how your child responds to therapy, the severity of the impairment, how often you can attend sessions, and how consistently strategies are practiced at home. At Emerald City Pediatric Center, we schedule weekly sessions to ensure steady progress.
What is your cancellation policy and attendance policy?
Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for non-emergency cancellations to avoid a late fee. For more detailed information, please refer to the cancellation and attendance policy included in your intake paperwork.
Services
What types of therapy do you offer (e.g., in-person, teletherapy, home visits)?
We offer both in-person therapy at Emerald City Pediatric Center and teletherapy for families across Washington State. At this time, we do not provide home visits.
How long do therapy sessions last?
Most therapy sessions are 30 minutes, feeding therapy sessions may last up to 40 minutes, and evaluations typically last 45 minutes.
Do you offer parent coaching and training?
Yes, we provide parent coaching and training during or after your child's session, offering strategies to reinforce therapy goals at home.
Can I observe my child’s therapy sessions?
Yes! We encourage parent involvement and will discuss the best way for you to participate or observe based on you and your child's comfort and therapy needs.
Do you collaborate with other professionals (e.g., OTs, PTs, pediatricians, teachers)?
Yes, we are happy to collaborate with any other professionals on your child’s care team. Please fill out the release of information form included in your intake paperwork and we will set up a phone call with whomever you’d like us to connect with.
What should I do if I have questions or concerns between sessions?
We encourage open communication. Feel free to email us with any questions or concerns, and we will provide guidance as needed.
Data Privacy
How do you protect my child’s protected health information (PHI)?
We follow HIPAA guidelines to ensure your child’s information is protected. We use Simple Practice for secure record-keeping and Paubox for encrypted email communication, keeping all health data safe.
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law that sets standards for protecting the privacy and security of health information. It ensures that any protected health information (PHI) is kept confidential, secure, and only shared with your consent or as required by law. We follow HIPAA regulations to safeguard your child’s data during every step of their care.
Do you share my child’s information with others?
We only share your child’s PHI with your written consent or as required by law. You will always be informed if your child’s information needs to be shared.
How do I give consent for sharing PHI?
You will sign a consent form (i.e., a release of information form) before we share any PHI with other professionals. You can update your consent preferences anytime.