Frequently asked questions.
What ages do you work with?
Ages 3* and up.
*Please note: I typically work with clients older than 5 years of age. Considerations for treatment of younger children include level of maturity, parent/caregiver participation, and the impact the disorder has on daily functioning. However, as habits gain strength with time, I offer parent/caregiver coaching and preventative treatment whenever possible.
Will my benefits cover therapy?
Benefit plans are chosen by you and/or your employer and may include speech therapy as an eligible, covered service. Clients are strongly encouraged to contact their benefits providers PRIOR to the onset of services.
Do you offer direct billing?
No. Currently Lene On Me – Speech Therapy Services is not able to provide direct billing. Payment receipts will be provided to you at the end of every session. Receipts may then be submitted manually to your benefits provider.
How do I pay for services?
Invoices are sent and paid through your personalized Jane App link sent by Lene-On Me - Speech Therapy Services. Payments can be made using a credit card or e-Transfer.
What is involved in the intake process?
Typically, we begin with a complimentary 15-minute phone discussion to ensure that my evaluative and therapeutic services are the right fit for you/your family.
If you choose to proceed with service, you will be sent required case history and intake forms. Once you have received the required documents, we will then book a case history discussion which will allow me to have a solid understanding of what factors may be contributing to your concerns (regarding yourself or your child). At that time, we will then typically book your assessment session.
Where are your intake forms?
Your information security is very important. All intake forms will only be available to you through a secure portal once a session is booked. There may be multiple forms including privacy, consent, case history, etc.
What can I expect once starting therapy?
After goals are set following assessment, a treatment block will begin. The length of treatment block will depend on various factors (e.g., type and severity of disorder, frequency of sessions, completion of home programming, etc.). Goals will be assessed and updated on an ongoing basis as skills progress.
How do I know if I may benefit from therapy?
I’d be happy to discuss this further with you! Simply click on the “Let’s Connect!” link to set up an initial consultation. This free 15-minute phone conversation allows me to answer any general questions you may have regarding the process of getting started and helps make sure I am the right fit for you/your family.
You may also want to explore the “Self-Check” areas to help guide your next steps.
Do you offer evening or weekend therapy?
Sessions outside regular business hours (i.e., before 9am, after 5pm, or weekends) are available on a limited basis.
How do I know if teletherapy is appropriate?
Teletherapy offers many benefits but is not the right fit for every client. Teletherapy clients require access to the internet and a device (e.g., computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.). Most paediatric clients need the support of a caregiver or educational assistant to participate in sessions fully. Feel free to explore the Telepractice section for more information.
Do you offer language assessment/therapy or support for executive functioning?
No. This is a specialty practice that focuses on speech and swallowing, secondary to oral motor or resting posture concerns.
If these are your primary areas of concern, I would be happy to direct you to a local provider.
I have questions about Tethered Oral Tissues (tongue, lip, and cheek ties). Where can I find more information?
Please feel free to explore the following resources:
TOTs 101 for Parents - Robyn Merkel-Walsh MA, CCCSLP/COM®, TalkTools® (provides information on navigating TOTs, understanding acronyms and the various professionals who may offer treatment, explains pre- and post-op care for a TOT release, and offers helpful resources and links).
Tongue-Tie - What Everyone Needs to Know - Robyn Merkel-Walsh MA, CCCSLP/COM®, TalkTools® (describes what a tongue-tie is, how TOTs can cause problems, how TOTs are treated, and suggestions for finding help).
TOTs Basics - Robyn Merkel-Walsh CCCSLP/COM® & Lori Overland CCCSLP/COM® (explains what frena and TOTs are, describes structural and functional red flags of TOTs, TOTs misconceptions, how TOTs are treated, and professionals that may be involved in treatment).
I would love to have more information. Where can I find relevant research?
Please explore the Research section for various articles on speech sound disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders and treatment.
Why is your logo a starfish?
One of the reasons I chose the starfish as my logo was because I have always been inspired by the message in the “Starfish Story” and the belief that even a small effort can make a big difference.