What is Virtual Speech Therapy?

Online Speech Therapy is an incredibly valuable resource that will help you or your loved one improve language and communication skills from anywhere. Bringing speech therapy to an online environment eliminates such inconveniences as commutes, waiting rooms, and wasted time. It also makes speech therapy much more accessible, bringing support and guidance to the comfort of one’s home. Speech therapy can help with a wide variety of challenges or issues, whether it is reclaiming lost skills, speaking with clarity and confidence, or showcasing academic or professional abilities. 

Virtual speech therapy can help one to connect with others deeply and meaningfully and communicate with ease. As the world navigates its way through a pandemic and post-pandemic climate, the world of telehealth is growing. It is now as important as ever for speech therapists to practice online and “speak tech.” No matter what your speech and language goals might be, online speech therapy is a great option for everyone. 

Can Speech Therapy be done Online? How can I do Speech Therapy at Home?

Experiencing speech therapy online is an excellent option for anyone who may benefit from time with a registered speech-language pathologist. Not only do online services provide the same benefits and are as effective as traditional speech therapy, but they also allow for an even higher level of service and customization. Online speech therapy is not only incredibly convenient, clients and therapists can connect and work together from any distraction-free environment with an internet connection. Without the limitation of location, connecting with the most highly qualified and specialized therapists is easier and simpler than ever. Once you are matched with the best therapist to accompany you on your journey, that therapist will be with you every step of the way, from start to finish. 

How does Online Speech Therapy work?

Your online speech therapy journey will start with an introductory call, to see if speech therapy is a good fit for you, as well as to identify the areas that need the most support and improvement. From there, you will be matched with a speech therapist who will begin to design your customized therapy plan. Every speech therapy plan is unique and completely individualized, with most of them consisting of 12-week modules that include one or two 30 minute sessions per week.

Once you have connected with your speech therapist you will receive a personalized invitation to a private session, where you’ll begin to work one on one with your therapist. You’ll have real-life opportunities to practice your skills and you may receive homework or exercises to practice independently, to help master these skills.

At the end of each module, your speech therapist will check in with you and evaluate your progress, ensuring you are on track with your goals. At this time, you and your therapist will work together to establish the next steps and goals before beginning the upcoming module. 

What age is best for Online Speech Therapy?

Virtual speech therapy can be beneficial for children and adults alike. In fact, virtual speech therapy can help anyone who wants to improve or strengthen their communication skills. 

For children, the added interest or novelty of working online can be great for building excitement and anticipation around their appointments. Online speech therapy for children also allows for the inclusion of various online games and resources, which is great for injecting some fun into their therapy. 

Naturally, therapy plans will differ greatly, depending on the age of the client, their present abilities as well as their challenges and goals. There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan when it comes to speech therapy, and the approach and duration of treatment must be completely individualized for each client. 

How can I make the most out of my Appointment?

There are a few things that you can do to make the most out of your time with your speech therapist. When you connect with your therapist for the first time, they will likely go over their own tips, tricks, and best practices with you before beginning. Some of the most notable of these are:

Environment: Make sure that the room you choose to use for speech therapy has a comfortable place to sit, a good internet connection, and minimal distractions. 

Hardware: Having a properly functioning webcam and high-quality microphone is a very important part of an effective online speech therapy program. Some people prefer to use a headset, especially when practicing dictation and reading out loud. 

Background Noise: When it is time for your speech therapy appointment, make sure to reduce or eliminate background noise as best as you can. Background noise can be very distracting, and it can also make it difficult for you to hear your therapist, or for them to hear you. Reducing background noise might mean turning off the tv or radio, asking other people in the home not to enter the room or interrupt the session, and minimizing other sources of noise such as loud fans or other electronics.

State of Mind: When you are preparing for a virtual speech therapy appointment, it is as important to prepare yourself mentally as it is to prepare your work area. Taking some deep breaths, doing some gentle stretching or meditation can be a great way to ready the mind for learning and growth. Remember to be patient with yourself on your journey, and be open to the possibilities that speech therapy can bring. 

The Bottom Line

As we navigate our way through a global pandemic, telehealth practices (also referred to as telepractices) have become more important than ever. Virtual speech therapy is an incredibly beneficial and effective way to obtain support and guidance from the comfort and safety of your own home. 

Not only is online speech therapy safe and convenient, but it also provides one with a sense of community, and of being part of something bigger. It is easy to feel alone in our struggles, but online speech therapy helps us to feel connected and remember that millions of Americans struggle with communication issues. 

Bringing speech therapy online allows for the ultimate in customization and accessibility. From the time and location of your appointments to your carefully selected therapist and personalized treatment plan, online speech therapy is the best choice for improving communication skills in 2021 and beyond. 

At Great Speech, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality treatment and care in the safest and most convenient way possible. If you are ready to connect with one of our highly qualified, passionate, and dedicated speech therapists and begin your online speech therapy journey, schedule your free introductory call today by clicking the button below!