Frequently Asked Questions

  • If a specialty trained speech-language pathologist provides myofunctional therapy as part of their overall treatment plan to address an orofacial myofunctional disorder, it can be covered by medical insurance as part of speech, feeding, or swallowing therapy. Since coverage can vary by plan, it’s crucial to check with your insurance provider about your specific plan.

  • Oral sensory-motor therapy is a therapy that can be appropriate for all ages and stages, but is the best modality for infants (following lactation services), toddlers/early-intervention populations, preschoolers, and some populations with additional developmental disabilities.

    Orofacial myofunctional therapy requires a high level of self-regulation, compliance, self-monitoring, imitation, cognitive understand and direction following ability, and volitional control that younger or more complex populations have difficulty with.

  • The length of therapy varies for each individual. Progress depends on attending sessions consistently, following any recommended home exercises or strategies, implementing lifestyle or habit changes, and completing any additional referrals your clinician may suggest. Therapy isn’t a quick fix. Real, long-lasting change takes time, strong patient-provider rapport, teamwork with other providers, and an understanding that every person is unique and has different goals.

  • Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific insurance plan.

    If your plan includes only a co-pay, using your insurance is often significantly more affordable than private pay options.

    If you are working toward meeting your deductible, it may be helpful to consider other recommended or necessary appointments as part of your overall care plan—such as occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), an ENT, sleep physician, primary care provider, or pediatrician—as these services typically apply toward your deductible as well.

    If you have additional questions about your benefits, contact your insurance carrier directly or reach out to your HR department (if your plan is employer-sponsored) for clarification.

  • A Good Faith Estimate is an advance explanation of expected costs for speech-language pathology services for patients who choose to pay privately rather than use insurance. It provides transparency so you can understand the potential financial responsibility for your care before services begin.

    The estimate includes anticipated charges based on the recommended services and maximum treatment frequency. While it reflects our best assessment of costs, it is not a guarantee of final charges. Actual costs may vary if the plan of care changes or less or additional services are needed.

    The purpose of a Good Faith Estimate is to give you clear, upfront information on the maximum you could owe so you can make informed decisions about your care while focusing on clinically appropriate, individualized treatment.

  • Yes! We offer telehealth sessions for many speech-language pathology services, allowing you to receive expert care from the comfort of your home. Your clinician will determine if telehealth is appropriate for your specific needs. Please note, we request that all initial evaluations be completed in-person.

  • Speech or swallowing issues can be subtle, and not all healthcare providers are trained to recognize them. Symptoms—like tongue posture, swallowing patterns, or speech differences—may be mistaken for normal variation or overlooked during routine checkups. Many people go through childhood or even adulthood without a diagnosis because these issues often require a specialist evaluation to identify how the muscles of the mouth, face, and tongue are functioning.