As you navigate the landscape of speech teletherapy, it’s essential to narrow down your options to a few companies that align with your goals and values. Once you’ve identified them, thorough research is key. Delve into their websites, seek input from colleagues, and leverage social media platforms to gather insights before scheduling interviews. Now, let’s address some common queries about teletherapy.
How many hours a week do you work in speech teletherapy?
I have worked for two companies and both required I work directly with clients for at least ten hours weekly. Additionally, I receive compensation for time spent on billing, consulting with parents, writing IEPs, documenting, and planning sessions. I am compensated for late cancellations or no-shows. Typically, I bill 10-13 hours weekly for therapy and related tasks.
How many kids are on your caseload?
I have worked with children in virtual school settings, meaning that they are either home-schooled and/or participate in charter schools with fewer hours than traditional school settings. Therefore, I typically have 9-10 clients on my caseload of 10 direct hours weekly.
How often are you paid for speech teletherapy?
I submit my bills on the last day of each month and then receive a direct deposit two weeks after invoicing.
Do you need to find your own clients?
No, if you contract with a company, then they assign you clients. This was important for me when I first started in teletherapy. I knew I could do telepractice independently, but entering this new world, I preferred starting with a reputable company and relying on them for assignments.
How does speech teletherapy work?
Clients meet me in “my therapy room” by logging into a HIPPA-secured space. We both need to use a device (laptop, iPad, Chromebook) with a webcam to see each other.
In addition to facilitating activity loading and data collection during sessions, most platforms offer a variety of interactive tools for engaging therapy experiences. These include circling answers, playing games with stamps, utilizing timers, and accessing video content for diverse speech and language tasks. Clients consistently find these features motivating and engaging, making it difficult to conclude sessions.
Do you need to be certified in other states?
Yes, as of right now, I need certification in the state I reside in and that of the client’s. The companies that I have worked for reimburse me for certification and renewal fees for licensure in states where my clients reside.
What are your contracted rates?
I can’t discuss salary, but some companies negotiate fees more than others. As a contract therapist, I anticipated lower reimbursement rates. My goal was to fill daily gaps and ensure steady income. Thus far, my contracts have fit both of those bills.
Nanette Cote is an ASHA certified speech pathologist, published author, and private practice business owner with 30 years experience.
