Online Speech Therapy
Aimed to help those – children and adults alike – with speech impediments, language problems, and accent modification, speech therapy has been found to be an effective method for those struggling with vocal expression to speak more clearly. Carefully crafted plans of action are employed by licensed language therapists, who have earned a master's degree in speech-language pathology, to develop and monitor the progress of their patients.
The field of connected speech pathology with a qualified therapist is highly effective in providing better services and professional communication development for adults. However, there are certain requirements that need to be met to utilize the benefits of speech therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults.
What is speech therapy?
Connected speech pathology is the study and treatment of people’s ability to speak continuously, as is typically heard in conversation. The reasons people may begin this type of therapy can vary.
- Articulation disorders
- Fluency disorders, such as stuttering
- Voice disorders
- Hearing impairments
- Feeding and swallowing disorders
- Weak oral muscles
- Traumatic injuries
It was said in "How Online Speech Therapy is Transforming Speech" that online speech therapy is more convenient than doing a session in person. The reason some might prefer online speech therapy to face-to-face speech therapy is because face-to-face therapy may be more expensive and more restrictive than online sessions in terms of scheduling, especially for working adults.
Online speech therapy
The requirements for online speech therapy
To try online speech therapy, not only is one required to have a computer with an internet connection, but one will also need a webcam and a headset with a microphone.
Though it may be true that some who is looking for online speech therapy may not be able to afford the necessary equipment, there are other means of finding online speech therapy services or an online therapist, some of which accept insurance and some that utilize a pay treatment plan format.
For children of all ages who are students, it is very possible that they can use the necessary speech therapy equipment at schools, libraries, or other learning establishments and districts to communicate with their therapist in speech therapy. Other possibilities for utilizing affordable online speech therapy could be through hospitals and clinics.
Some of these same facilities can also lend you a headset and microphone if they have some available to check out. Other things that might be needed for online therapy are an email account, good lighting, and a quiet environment, which are free and may be available in all the listed facilities.
Finding online speech therapy
With the help of a therapist specialized in connected speech pathology, great speech is achievable. And while BetterHelp does not offer online speech therapy services for adults, it does provide other kinds of online therapy services offered by our team of licensed therapists.
Online therapy
When it comes to speech therapy, the same rules apply when seeking online services for children or adults. It’s important to ensure that your therapist is licensed and that they offer free consultation so you can make sure they are the right fit for your individual needs. With early intervention, speech therapy can be used to improve language skills as well as communication goals. When working with a licensed therapist online, you can have personalized sessions tailored to your own unique needs. And while online speech therapy is effective, some individuals may benefit more from in person treatment with licensed therapists.
Online speech therapy is an effective way to treat any frustrations you may have with speaking. BetterHelp does not offer speech therapy, but they do offer many other kinds of therapy. For example, online cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety and depression, two disorders that often have a comorbidity with speech impairments.
Can speech therapy be done online?
Yes. Thanks to advanced technology, online speech therapy can be conducted with licensed speech language therapists. Research indicates that this mode of speech therapy can be just as effective for a client as therapy administered in a clinic.
Online speech therapy has been around for nearly two decades. It was approved by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in 2005.
Yes. It can be effective to practice speech exercises with your child at home to improve articulation and confidence. Still, seeking professional assistance is often recommended and may be necessary depending on the severity of speech issues. Additionally, families may need an evaluation with a professional to determine any underlying issues or related disorders. Speech therapy can also provide parents with tips on how to practice speech exercises effectively at home.
Not necessarily. There are several other potential causes of a speech language delay such as hearing problems, developmental issues, and environmental factors.
Is online speech therapy effective?
Yes. Many studies suggest that speech therapy via online delivery is just as effective as more traditional therapy for a wide range of speech issues like articulation, fluency, stuttering, and more. For many people, this is enough to make them skip the trip to a clinic.
No. At this time, BetterHelp does not provide services for speech therapy.
While there may be exercises you can do on your own to improve your speech, speech therapy can only be conducted by a licensed professional who has received training in the process.
There may be no one age when speech therapy is most effective. The best time to seek treatment may be when the patient begins to demonstrate symptoms or fall behind their peers developmentally. Another indicator that it could be time for treatment is when the family becomes concerned about a child’s speech.
Your treatment plan will vary, but it’s common for people to see their speech therapist once or twice a week.
Experts say that an adult should be able to understand about three-quarters of what a three-year old says. Understanding any less than that could warrant an evaluation from a speech therapist.
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