General Questions About Speech Therapy

Questions About In-Office Therapy at The Hello Clinic

Questions About Online Therapy

What is speech therapy?

Speech-therapy can mean many things! In general, it is a process, facilitated by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), that involves assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing communication issues. Therapy can address any aspect of speech, language, voice, swallowing, and/or fluency.
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What is an SLP?

Speech-language pathologists (also known as SLPs or speech therapists) are professionals who are highly trained in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders. SLPs work with people of all ages who struggle with making sounds (articulation), producing and understanding language, and issues related to vocal quality, fluency (stuttering), and swallowing and feeding. SLPs who “have their C’s” are holders of the Certificate of Clinical Competence, a credential issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association that assures a level of clinical excellence.
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How long will speech therapy take?

The length of therapy depends on your goals, your frequency of therapy, and your dedication to practicing at home. Your SLP will evaluate your specific situation and draw on their experience to help identify realistic expectations. Want more info? We answer this question in more depth here on our blog.
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Where is the clinic located?

Our location is:
One Lincoln Center, Suite 410
10300 SW Greenburg Road
Portland, OR, 97223-5417
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Do you have current openings for new clients?

Our schedule is always in flux, so please contact us for current scheduling options.
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What changed when Buckendorf & Associates became The Hello Clinic?

Some aspects of the clinic have changed under The Hello Foundation management but we have kept the most wonderful characteristics of Buckendorf & Associates intact. For example, although Bob has retired, all of his staff remain at the clinic (lucky us!), and we continue to provide high quality speech therapy for the greater Portland, OR area.
We’re excited to have extended the clinic hours, to be offering speciality clinics in the summer, and to have welcomed additional speech therapists and occupational therapists. We also now offer a full array of teletherapy appointments, which held with your therapist via online video-conferencing. Here are the FAQs regarding that service.
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What do speech therapy sessions cost for in-office sessions at The Hello Clinic?

In-office sessions at The Hello Clinic are 45 minutes long and cost $105.00 each. The front desk can help you with any additional questions or concerns regarding cost of treatment.
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Do you bill insurance for in-office sessions?

Yes! We bill some insurance plans for in-office appointments, but since insurance plans vary greatly from person to person, you are responsible for knowing (and paying) your copay. We are currently covered by most MODA and Regence BlueCross Blue Shield plans. We are also a Kaiser-approved provider, but you must be referred to us by Kaiser before initiating services.
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What is online speech therapy?

Online speech therapy is the name for a way therapy can be conducted between a speech therapist and a client. Services are not provided face to face in a traditional clinic setting. Instead, clients interact with a licensed speech therapist (also called a speech-language pathologist (SLP)) through an online connection from the convenience of their own home, office, daycare, preschool, or school setting.
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Is online speech therapy right for my child?

Online therapy is a great option for those who live in rural areas and do not have access to speech therapy close by. It is also a great option for individuals or families that juggle many priorities and would benefit from attending sessions from the comfort of their own home or office. We know, however, that it isn’t a great fit for everyone. That’s why we offer a free consultation before you commit to purchasing a package.
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What do online speech therapy sessions cost?

Each 45 minute session is $105.

Payments are accepted by credit card via our secure server.
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What technology do I need for online-speech therapy?

The following equipment is required to participate in online speech therapy :
— a computer with a built-in or external web cam and microphone
— high speed internet connection
— an email account

Our therapists recommend the following to help you get the most out of your sessions:
— headphones
— good lighting
— a quiet environment with limited background noise

We currently use Zoom videoconferencing software to hold sessions online. Zoom offers secure web conferencing designed for maximum performance and reliability.

However, as our new app is introduced, clients will adopt to the app platform so we can begin recording sessions and summaries for families to access and review privately. The app will also have additional functionality not currently available on any public platform that teletherapists typically use (Go To Meeting, Zoom, Skype, etc.).
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Do you bill insurance for online speech therapy?

We do not bill insurance for online sessions at this time. However, you can check with your insurance company to see if they cover online speech therapy. We are happy to provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance company. Luckily, acceptance of telepractice is on the rise and more insurance companies cover this service every day. You can read a bit more on this topic on our blog.
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How long will online speech therapy take?

The rate of progress is always dependent on the goals being addressed, consistent attendance at set appointments, and follow-through with family or individual practice. Your speech therapist will be able to provide further insight as to their expectations for growth and change.
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Why should I choose The Hello Foundation as my online speech therapy provider?

Many companies are beginning to offer therapy online. They may focus on the convenience technology offers alone. Technology is a magnificent tool but only The Hello Foundation envisions and captures the potential of how technology can be convenient and improve the quality of service to clients and families. Our helpful tips, recorded summaries, and resource tools eliminate the barriers to therapy being a whole family experience. And when the whole family is involved, kids make great progress more quickly.

Our app will work on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device. It will provide a secure and private platform for video-conferencing between the therapist and the client, and will allow parents to access part or all of each recorded session, review brief video summaries from your therapist highlighting successes and areas needed to be reinforced with others. Updated versions of the app will also have a wealth of resources and fun activities to watch, review, or link to for families to access at their convenience.
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How do I sign up for online speech therapy?

Easy peasy! Just 3 easy steps and you’re on your way!

You contact us and let us know that you’re interested in online therapy.
We’ll identify the best clinician for you based on your needs, availability, and the state in which your reside (therapists must be licensed in our state and the state in which you reside). We will then work with you to schedule your free 30-minute consultation. A link to our virtual office will be sent to you bye email, along with easy to follow instructions on how to prepare.
We will follow up with you after your consultation and you’ll let us know whether you’d like to proceed with therapy. If you decide to continue, we’ll work together to schedule future appointments and you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to pay for your sessions.

In what states do you currently offer online speech therapy?

For the protection of the consumer, our therapists are required to be licensed in the state in which they reside the state in which the client is residing. We anticipate serving clients in all 50 states and living abroad in 2017. We currently can serve clients living in the following states: Alaska, California, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Please feel free to contact us to ask when we anticipate your state being added. We have opted not to accept every therapist simply interested in providing online therapy into our organization as we are committed to quality service. Our company prides itself on putting kids first before simple growth.
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What is your cancellation policy?

Please read our Terms and Conditions, which outline our responsibility and commitment to you.
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Are you hiring?

We are not actively hiring but we are looking to grow our online team within the year. In the meantime, you are welcome to contact us for information about how to submit your resume for future consideration.
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You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.