The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the professional association for speech-language pathologists. The organization stands as an"ethics umbrella" for our profession. It provides oversight and advocacy related to legislative and insurance issues and maintains firm continuing education standards in order for professionals to retain their credentials. Graduate academic programs must meet ASHA’s nationally established standards, CCC is an acronym for Certificate of Clinical Competence, awarded by ASHA. It is an advanced layer of professional experience that is awarded post Masters degree and after completion of an additional year of clinical internship. SLP is the acronym for Speech-Language Pathologist. All of the therapists who work in our practice hold their CCC’s from ASHA.
According to ASHA, Speech is the physical production of sounds which involve:
A “speech” or articulation evaluation includes an oral-motor examination, an assessment of sound production skills, and an attempt to stimulate the distorted sounds correctly. Typically, a language evaluation allows your child's receptive language (listening) expressive language (speaking) skills, and play skills (if appropriate) to be assessed via formal and informal assessment. However, a more comprehensive evaluation can involve assessment of vocabulary, receptive and expressive language skills, short-term and working memory, a range of phonological awareness skills and a screening for auditory processing weaknesses. Please click on our services page for more information.
Family members are valued as a critical and consistent part of the intervention process. Each therapy room is outfitted with an observation window and we encourage parents to observe therapy sessions. Discussions with parents are regularly held to track a child's progress and to address new questions or concerns. Our therapists are accessible by phone or email and welcome consultations with educators and other professionals involved in a child's care.
Axelman Speech, Language and Learning Group is a full service private speech and language clinic. Service fees are covered by some private health insurance plans under speech and language therapy. The amount of coverage will depend upon an individual’s plan. There is no direct billing to your insurance company. Payment is by cash, check or credit card following each session. Automatic credit card billing is available as a convenience to our families. An official receipt will be issued at the end of each month that can be submitted for reimbursement through your health plan coverage when applicable.
Please note: Some insurance companies require a written report as criteria for determining eligibility for reimbursement.
As mentioned above, there is a charge for a written report.
Participation in therapy typically involves one or two short sessions per week of individualized instruction. Treatment sessions are geared toward addressing those weaknesses identified in the speech and language evaluation and goals are structured to remediate the greatest areas of concern first.
To cancel an appointment 24-hour notice is required to avoid paying for the session. As soon as you know you can’t make an appointment please let us know. When notice is given 24 hours in advance your appointment is rescheduled at a mutually convenient time whenever possible.