Question 1

When will my speech come back?

Accepted Answer

This is the question I get more than any other, and the honest answer is: it depends. Speech recovery varies based on the cause, the severity, your overall health, and how consistent we can work on goals in therapy. What I can tell you is that progress is possible at many points along the way, including months and years after the initial injury or diagnosis. At your free consultation we'll talk through what's realistic given your situation.

Question 2

Will my speech go back to normal?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes yes. Sometimes the work is about getting as close to your old baseline as possible. Sometimes it's about building a new normal that works well for you. I won't promise a return to exactly where you were. That isn't honest. What I will promise is that I'll bring everything the evidence supports to give you the best shot at real improvement.

Question 3

When will my memory go back to normal?

Accepted Answer

Memory recovery looks different depending on what caused the change. After a stroke or brain injury, there's often a window for rebuilding, with continued progress beyond that window when the work is right. For progressive conditions like dementia, therapy is less about reversing change and more about protecting independence, building strategies, and preserving what's strong for as long as possible.

Question 4

When will I be able to eat what I want again?

Accepted Answer

Swallowing recovery depends on the cause and severity of the dysphagia, the imaging findings (MBSS or FEES), and the work we do together. Some clients see meaningful changes in weeks. Others build progress over months. The goal is always to expand what's safe and enjoyable as fast as the evidence supports.

Question 5

Why do I feel like some days are worse than others?

Accepted Answer

Because fluctuation is part of recovery, not a setback. Sleep, stress, fatigue, medication timing, and even unrelated illness can all affect how a brain and body show up for communication work on a given day. The trajectory over weeks and months is what matters, not any single session. I'll help you see the pattern so a hard day doesn't feel like a step backward.

Question 6

What happens at the free consultation?

Accepted Answer

It's a 15-minute phone consultation. We talk through what's going on, what you're hoping to work on, and any questions about insurance, logistics, or my approach. No paperwork, no commitment.

Question 7

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

Most therapy sessions are 30 minutes. Initial evaluations are typically about an hour. The free consultation is a 15-minute phone call to decide if we're a good fit.

Question 8

How quickly do you respond to inquiries?

Accepted Answer

Within one business day. If you reach out over a weekend or holiday, expect a reply on the next business day.

Question 9

What does the path from interested → first session look like?

Accepted Answer

Book a free 15-minute phone consultation through the scheduler. If we're a good fit, we set up an evaluation (about an hour). After that, we start ongoing sessions on a cadence that fits your goals and schedule.

Question 10

What platform do you use for telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Sessions take place over Zoom. You'll get a link before each session. All you need is a quiet, comfortable space, a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a pen and paper. If we'll use anything else, I'll send it to you ahead of time so you're set up before we meet.

Question 11

Is online speech therapy as effective as in-person?

Accepted Answer

For most of what I work on, yes. That includes adult neurorehabilitation, voice, cognitive-communication, and school-age language. The research supports it, and clinical experience reinforces it. Online has the added advantage of meeting in the environment where you'll actually use the skills.

Question 12

Which states can you work with clients in?

Accepted Answer

I'm currently licensed in Colorado and Arizona. If you live in one of these states, we can work together. Even if you're traveling temporarily within them.

Question 13

Is speech therapy just for children?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Early intervention matters for kids, and speech therapy also plays a vital role for teens and adults: regaining speech after an injury, managing voice or fluency concerns, supporting cognitive-communication after a brain injury, or strengthening professional communication. I work with clients ages 8 through 98.

Question 14

How long does therapy take to work?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies based on goals, age, and the nature of the challenges. Some people make noticeable progress in a few weeks. Others benefit from longer-term support. Consistency and practice between sessions are key factors in lasting change.

Question 15

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

Most likely yes. Referral requirements depend on your specific insurance plan. The simplest path is to reach out and we'll verify your benefits together before your first session.

Question 16

Is speech therapy covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Speech therapy is often covered by insurance, especially when medically necessary (after a stroke, with a diagnosed communication disorder, etc.). I can help verify benefits and explain options for private pay if needed. See the Insurance page for the current list of accepted plans.

Question 17

What if my insurance isn't on your accepted list?

Accepted Answer

Reach out and let's talk. I can walk you through cash-pay and out-of-pocket options, and if I'm not the right fit, I'm happy to refer you to a colleague who may take your plan.

Question 18

Do you provide family training?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and I love this part of the work. Family training might mean teaching prompting strategies for speech and expressive language, learning how to redirect for memory needs, or developing strategies that help skills transfer beyond the session. The goal is for everyone in the support system to feel like a teammate.

Question 19

What do I tell my family about my loved one's condition?

Accepted Answer

This comes up a lot, and the honest answer is that the right framing depends on the family, the relationship, and what your loved one is comfortable sharing. I can help you think through how to talk about the diagnosis, what to expect, and how to ask for help in ways that feel respectful. It's worth a conversation.

Question 20

What insurance do you take?

Accepted Answer

Most major commercial and government plans in Colorado and Arizona. See the Insurance page for the full list. Out-of-network options are also available for clients with other plans.

Question 21

Do you work with adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Adults are the majority of my caseload. I also work with adolescents ages 8 and up. Adult neurorehabilitation (stroke, brain injury, Parkinson's, dementia) is a core focus, along with voice, gender-affirming voice, swallowing, and professional communication.

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