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and writing – which can affect educational outcomes as well as self-esteem and confidence levels that may further impact relationships, jobs and other aspects of life as they grow up. Help is Accessible and Available

While access to speech therapy services can vary depending on an individual’s geographic location, insurance coverage and local provider availability, a laptop or personal computer with a simple internet connection have made speech therapy services even more accessible than ever before. Telehealth and virtual speech therapy, in which patients and their speech therapists engage via a computer or tablet, have broadened opportunities for obtaining help. This virtual healthcare option became increasingly popular during the COVID19 pandemic when in-person appointments were limited or reduced. Since then, numerous studies have shown that virtual care can be as effective as traditional in-person services. These services allow individuals to receive therapy from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating barriers such as transportation, distance, geographic accessibility and even continued public health exposure concerns.

Just like traditional speech therapy services, certain virtual speech therapy services may be covered by insurance plans, making treatment more affordable for those who need it. It is important to choose a program that has licensed speech therapists with various skill sets, training, experience and availability to work with each individual, perform an assessment, discuss goals and objectives and create an individualized treatment plan.

Great Speech, for example, uses an algorithmic matching system that filters down to the best group of therapists for the individual patient. This pairing process is based upon the therapist’s experience, education, classes, special training and interests as well as the precise age groups or conditions that the clinician has worked with.

When a client requests service, the process begins with a complimentary screening to capture condition information, confirm the patient’s age, symptoms, and, most importantly, to understand the impact that these challenges create for the patient. This information is used to determine the therapist best suited for that patient. This is more than simply ‘checking the boxes’ and getting the patient assigned to the next available therapist as is the practice in most clinics.

Value of Speech Therapy

Speech therapy education and exercises replicate the experience of working out with a personal trainer. Therapists provide clients with the tools to continue improving communications skills outside of their live sessions. This activity reinforces learning achieved during one-on-one sessions with the therapist and enables clients to achieve their goals faster. It is confirmation of the saying, “Practice Makes Progress.”

A variety of speech therapy exercises are quite effective, including those that strengthen the muscles we use to speak, training in how to better articulate and pronounce words and even teaching strategies that can improve language comprehension and expression.

Speech therapists can also introduce other interventions that are particularly impactful for people with hearing disorders that are affecting the ability to communicate. In instances where injury or age can prevent a return to normal communication abilities, speech therapists can introduce new alternatives to support the existing communication level, from assistive devices to the development of alternative skills.

About Avivit Ben-Aharon

Avivit Ben-Aharon, MS ED., MA CCC SLP is the Founder and Clinical Director at Great Speech, Inc, a virtual speech therapy company founded in 2014. She is recognized as a trail blazer for nationwide virtual access to speech therapy, allowing anyone who is committed to improving their communication to receive expert services, regardless of location or scheduling limitations. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, US News and World Report, Miami Herald and more. She holds an undergraduate and a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The City University of New York. She earned a Master of Science in Special Education and Teaching from Hunter College. Connect with her on LinkedIn or via email: avivit@greatspeech.com.

About Great Speech

Great Speech Inc. is the recognized leader in virtual speech therapy, and since 2014 has delivered convenient, specialized services to clients anytime, anywhere. Its innovative approach leverages technology to match credentialed therapists with children, adults and seniors who need and seek better speech communication. Proud winner of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) 2023 Innovators Challenge for In-Patient Care Solutions and recipient of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification. www. greatspeech.com