FAQS
ANSWERS TO IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
When should parents be concerned about their child’s speech and language development?
Parents sometimes worry that their child’s speech and language is not developing at the same rate of other children their age. It is important to remember that children are unique and develop at their own rate. However, all children will pass through certain developmental milestones that typically happen around certain ages. We encourage parents to explore the facts about typical speech, language and hearing development at ASHA (American Speech Language and Hearing Association) to learn more about when it is a good idea to reach out to a speech-language pathologist.
ASHA Developmental Norms:
Speech, Language, and Swallowing
Typical Speech and Language Development
What does a teletherapy session look like compared to traditional therapy setting?
Teletherapy is very similar to traditional therapy, as it involves face-to-face interaction, whether a child is seated at a desk computer or playing on the floor with a tablet or laptop. At CloudSpeech, we strive to engage our clients with creative therapy materials and activities through the screen, just as we did in person. Many clients are pleasantly surprised by the dynamic experience we can provide via teletherapy.
However, we have learned that this setting is not ideal for all children. For example, those with high sensory-seeking needs and behaviors. These children often require more physical support than we can offer remotely. If you have questions or would like to determine if your child is a good candidate for virtual speech therapy, please contact us here.
How long will therapy take?
Many people ask this question, but there is no one answer. Progress rates in speech therapy depend on many variables, including the severity of the diagnosis, the participation of client in therapy, the support of family and caregivers outside of direct therapy sessions, and the uniqueness of the individual being treated. There is no one-size-fits-all model. We work to move our clients towards independence.
How long do sessions last?
Speech therapy sessions are 30 minutes.
Do you accept insurance or HSA/FSA accounts to pay for services?
CloudSpeech proudly accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield in Texas, our home state. Please contact us to see if you are covered. We also provide superbills (for Texas, California and New York clients) that may be submitted by the client to their private insurance provider for reimbursement. Yes, we accept HSA or FSA as forms of payment for services.
What technology is required for teletherapy?
To participate in teletherapy sessions, you will need a computer or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone. While phones can be used for occasional sessions, we recommend utilizing a computer or tablet for a more effective experience. Additionally, a high-speed internet connection and an email account are required to connect. For optimal results, we suggest setting up in a quiet space with good lighting and minimal distractions.
What are the steps involved for getting started at CloudSpeech?
Reach out to us for a complimentary Welcome Visit Consultation HERE where we can learn more about your concerns and you can join us in our online clinic space to try out teletherapy and get to know your therapist.
What does a Consultation-welcome visit include at CloudSpeech?
We love these initial visits because this is where we get to meet our future clients! Step-1 begins with a free Parent Consultation ( ˜20 minutes). Parents meet with us via Zoom to discuss concerns, review logistics, and determine if CloudSpeech is a good fit. It it's a match, we proceed to the next step! Step-2 is a free Welcome Visit with the child ( ˜20 minutes). The child joins for a fun, interactive session with us via Zoom to help assess their communication skills. This serves as a free informal screening to get a feel for therapy!
What if the client has already been diagnosed with a communication disorder and has an outside report?
CloudSpeech does not accept or review outside reports as a substitute for our own assessment. However, parents may include summaries of previous outside diagnoses in the initial onboarding process to provide additional context.
To ensure the most effective and individualized treatment plan, CloudSpeech conducts its own evaluation for every client before beginning therapy. This allows us to develop the most relevant and functional goals based on real-time assessment and observation.
What is included in the onboarding fee?
The $88 one-time onboarding fee covers: account setup and intake paperwork, ClientPortal access, personalized resources, and insurance processing (if applicable).
what does the evaluation process include?
During the first 4 sessions of the client's first 12-week cycle we will establish therapy rapport and conduct our assessments. We will collect information about the client's history and experience, probe all relevant areas of speech and language using different activities to see what goals we will recommend and determine where the client needs to begin. We will develop an individualized speech therapy plan based on evaluation results. Parents are invited to a free 30-minute follow-up session to review evaluation summary report and confirm personalized treatment plan with recommended goals.
How many goals do therapists work on at a time?
At CloudSpeech, we focus on quality over quantity when setting therapy goals. To ensure meaningful progress, therapists typically work on 3 to 5 goals at a time. We use a simple and transparent rating system to track progress: 1-Not yet, 2- Working on it, 3-Almost there, 4-Got it!
This approach helps us focus on big-picture, functional goals rather than overwhelming clients with excessive micro-objectives. Every other 12-week cycle, we formally review all goals, track progress, and adjust as needed to ensure therapy remains effective and impactful.
How is progress monitored?
CloudSpeech will conduct a progress check at the end of every other 12-week cycle (about every 6 months). The last session of every other cycle will be used to collect data on current goals and create recommendations for new goals. Parents are invited to a free follow-up visit (˜20 minutes) to discuss progress and approve new goals.
Can clients start with pay-as-you-go innstead of committing to a full cycle?
No, CloudSpeech's pay-as-you-go option is designed for maintenance therapy rather than for clients starting therapy for the first time.
To begin therapy, we require clients to commit to as least one 12-week cycle, which includes a structured assessment period, the development of therapy goals, and progress monitoring. This initial commitment ensures that therapy starts with a clear, individualized plan and provides the best foundation for success.
Once a client has completed a cycle, pay-as-you-go may be an option for those needing flexible scheduling or periodic check-ins, based on therapist recommendations.
Does CloudSpeech work with international clients?
No. CloudSpeech only works with U.S. residents located in the following states for speech therapy at this time: California, Texas, New York.
What is CloudSpeech's cancellation policy?
Consistent attendance is essential for building progress in therapy. CloudSpeech has 24-hour cancellation policy to ensure high-quality care for all clients. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged the full session rate or result inn the loss of a prepaid session. Clients using insurance or prepaid packages must reschedule within 14 days to avoid a no-show charge. If a therapist must cancel due to an emergency, the session will be rescheduled as soon as possible, even outside clinic hours if necessary.
How is my privacy protected, and what should I know about text message (SMS) communications?
At CloudSpeech, your privacy is a top priority, and we strictly follow HIPAA regulations to ensure the confidentiality of your personal health information. When you opt to receive appointment reminders or other communications via text message (SMS), your contact details are used solely for this purpose. No data is shared with third parties, and all communications are treated with the same confidentiality as your therapy sessions. If you prefer not to receive SMS reminders, please let us know, and we will update your communication preferences.