Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started with Therapy

Your child will be gently evaluated through play-based activities to assess their speech and language skills. We will also discuss your concerns, answer questions, and outline next steps. Most families leave with a clear understanding of whether therapy is recommended.
No referral is required. You can contact us directly to schedule a free screening or evaluation.
Evaluations typically last 45โ€“60 minutes. This gives us enough time for a thorough assessment and to answer your questions.
Yes. Both parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. It helps everyone stay aligned on goals and next steps.
Yes. Call us at (949) 414-5526 or email [email protected] with any questions before scheduling.
Yes. We offer complimentary screenings to help determine if a full evaluation is needed. It is a low-pressure first step if you have concerns.
All intake forms are sent electronically through our secure client portal before your first visit.
Tell them it will be a fun session where they get to play games and talk with a friendly person. Keep the explanation positive and low-pressure.
Start with a free screening. It is a no-obligation way to discuss your concerns with a speech therapist and decide whether an evaluation makes sense.
It is never too early. We often begin seeing children around 18โ€“24 months and can also guide families with younger children.
Yes. We specialize in toddlers and early communicators using play-based, engaging methods.
Yes. We offer virtual evaluations and sessions when appropriate based on the childโ€™s age, needs, and attention skills. We will discuss whether teletherapy is a good fit for your family.
Our therapists are experienced with children of all temperaments. We use a gentle, play-based approach to build comfort and trust.
Yes. We can review outside evaluations and provide our own professional assessment and recommendations.
We support multilingual families and provide culturally responsive care. We can discuss strategies for supporting all languages spoken at home.
Just your child. Previous reports or notes from other specialists or teachers are helpful if you have them, but not required.
You will receive a comprehensive written report with findings, recommendations, and a personalized therapy plan if intervention is warranted.
We typically schedule new clients within 1โ€“2 weeks. Contact us for current availability.

Speech & Language Development

Most children say their first meaningful words around 12 months, though there is a normal range. If you have concerns, a consultation is recommended.
By age 2, children typically use 50 or more words and begin combining two words into simple phrases such as โ€œmommy upโ€ or โ€œmore juice.โ€
Speech is how we produce sounds and words (articulation, voice, fluency). Language is how we understand and use words to share ideas (vocabulary, grammar, social use of language).
Receptive language is the ability to understand words, sentences, questions, and directions spoken by others.
Expressive language is using words, gestures, and sentences to communicate thoughts, needs, and ideas to others.
Occasional disfluencies can be normal as language develops. Consistent stuttering or stuttering with physical tension may benefit from an early evaluation.
Yes. Hearing is critical for speech and language development. A hearing test is often recommended as part of a comprehensive evaluation when concerns exist.
A speech sound disorder involves difficulty producing specific speech sounds (for example saying โ€œwabbitโ€ for โ€œrabbitโ€), which can reduce how clearly others understand the child.
Yes. We support bilingual language development and can help distinguish a true speech or language delay from typical patterns of bilingual acquisition.
Excessive passive screen time can reduce real-world interaction, which is essential for language growth. We encourage interactive communication and play instead.
Yes. We support children with selective mutism or social communication differences using a safe, gentle, and systematic approach to help them communicate more comfortably in additional settings.
Intelligibility is how understandable a childโ€™s speech is to others. By age 3, most children should be about 75% intelligible to unfamiliar listeners.
Yes. Pointing, waving, nodding, and other gestures are an important part of early communication development and are encouraged.
This is normal in bilingual development and is called code-mixing or code-switching. It usually becomes more controlled as skills grow in both languages.
By age 3 many children form 3โ€“4 word sentences and ask simple โ€œwhatโ€ and โ€œwhereโ€ questions. There is a range; if you have concerns, an evaluation is a good next step.
Play is a childโ€™s natural learning environment. We use play-based methods to build vocabulary, turn-taking, sentence structure, problem-solving, and expressive language in a motivating way.
Many autistic children have differences in speech, language, or social communication. We provide tailored support to help them develop functional communication skills.
Some late talkers catch up on their own, but many benefit from early support. Early intervention can prevent further delays and strengthen the foundation for language, literacy, and social skills.

Billing & Insurance

We are an out-of-network provider. Payment is due at the time of service. We provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes CPT codes, ICD-10 diagnosis codes, provider information, and costs. You use it to request reimbursement from your insurance company.
Contact your insurance companyโ€™s member services number or website and follow their process for out-of-network claims. They will tell you where to send the superbill.
Yes. Flexible payment plan options may be available depending on your familyโ€™s needs. Contact our office to discuss.
Yes. We accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards for eligible therapy services.
We accept major credit cards, checks, cash, and HSA/FSA cards.
No. As an out-of-network provider we do not bill insurance directly. You pay us and then seek reimbursement using the superbill we provide.
Fees vary by service type and session length. Contact us for a current fee schedule or personalized quote.
Initial phone consultations and brief screenings are complimentary. Comprehensive evaluations and ongoing therapy sessions have a fee.
The fee typically covers individualized session planning, direct therapy time, materials used in session, and regular parent communication and brief updates.
No. Pricing is transparent and discussed with you upfront. There are no hidden charges.
We occasionally offer multi-session packages at a discounted rate. Ask us if this interests you.
We ask for at least 24 hoursโ€™ notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations may incur a fee so we can offer the time to another family.
No. We do not charge registration or administrative setup fees.
Out-of-network coverage varies widely by plan, diagnosis codes, and policy limits. Call your insurance provider directly to confirm benefits before starting.
Yes. We provide itemized invoices or superbills that can be used for taxes or HSA/FSA reimbursement.
Billing usually occurs at the time of service, or weekly/monthly based on your preference and the services provided. We will confirm this with you.
Yes. Our HIPAA-compliant client portal supports secure online payments.
Call or email our office anytime. We are happy to review your statement, explain charges, or discuss payment options.

During & After Therapy

Frequency (commonly 1โ€“2 times per week) is based on your childโ€™s needs, goals, and the therapistโ€™s recommendations after the evaluation. We create a plan tailored to your child.
Just themselves and a willingness to play and learn. If a specific item is helpful for a session, your therapist will let you know in advance.
Sessions are play-based, engaging, and goal-oriented. The therapist uses carefully chosen toys, games, and activities to target your childโ€™s specific speech and language goals.
We prioritize parent communication. You will receive regular updates (often at the end of sessions), session notes, and home activity ideas through our client portal or email.
We often provide simple, fun home practice activities to reinforce skills learned in session and help them transfer to everyday situations.
We meet children where they are. Therapists adapt the session to the childโ€™s mood and energy level using flexible approaches to keep them engaged.
Progress is tracked through ongoing data collection, clinical observation, goal achievement, and periodic re-assessments or progress reports. We keep you informed throughout.
Duration varies based on the childโ€™s needs, goal complexity, attendance consistency, and home practice. Some children need short-term support; others benefit from longer-term services. We reassess regularly and discuss the plan with you.
Yes. Your childโ€™s comfort and the therapeutic relationship are priorities. If a change is needed, talk with us and we will do our best to adjust.
Yes. Consistency matters. Your child will be assigned a primary therapist so a strong relationship can develop.
Parent involvement is strongly encouraged. This may include observing, participating, or receiving coaching so you can use the same strategies at home.
Initial hesitation is common. Most children warm up quickly once they experience the play-based approach. We use child-friendly strategies to build trust. Discuss ongoing concerns with the therapist.
We target social communication through structured play, role-playing, and activities focused on turn-taking, perspective-taking, reading social cues, initiating conversations, and related skills.
Some children progress on their own, but many need direct support to catch up. Early intervention generally produces better long-term outcomes and can reduce later academic or social challenges.
Yes, with your written permission. We are happy to coordinate with teachers, pediatricians, occupational therapists, and other professionals involved in your childโ€™s care.
We generally recommend siblings not attend so the session stays focused. If childcare makes this difficult, discuss it with the therapist ahead of time.
Your therapist will give specific strategies, tips, and simple games you can weave into daily routines. Consistent, positive practice at home makes a meaningful difference.
When goals are met we review progress with you, create a discharge plan, and provide home tools and strategies so skills continue to grow and stay strong.

Clinic Policies & Logistics

Yes. Free, convenient parking is available right outside the clinic building.
We offer flexible scheduling Monday through Friday, with some Saturday availability and after-school appointments. Contact us to discuss specific needs.
Yes. Please give at least 24 hoursโ€™ notice to avoid a late cancellation fee. Contact the office as soon as possible to rearrange.
We follow current local health guidelines and prioritize safety for families and staff. Check with our office for the most up-to-date policies.
Yes. Our space is fully wheelchair accessible.
We are located at 1442 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 122, Tustin, CA 92780.
Call (949) 414-5526, email [email protected], or use the contact form on our website.