Frequently Asked Questions

You can schedule an evaluation by calling our office at (816) 228-8393, submitting an evaluation request through our online registration portal, or emailing [email protected]. Our team will collect some basic information and help you find a convenient appointment time.

In most cases, a doctor's referral is not required to schedule an evaluation at BSPS. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or contacting our office, and we can help you determine what is needed.

Your first visit will be a comprehensive evaluation. Your therapist will review your child's history, observe and assess their skills through structured activities and play, and discuss your concerns. You are welcome and encouraged to be present throughout the evaluation. Afterward, your therapist will share initial observations and discuss next steps.

Most evaluations take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the type of assessment and your child's needs. Feeding evaluations and orofacial myofunctional evaluations may take slightly longer. We build in enough time so you never feel rushed.

Your therapist will share initial observations and recommendations on the day of the evaluation. A comprehensive written report is typically available within 5-7 business days. We write our reports in clear, family-friendly language so you can easily understand the findings and share them with other providers.

Yes, we accept several major insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan and service type. We recommend contacting our office to verify your specific benefits before your first visit. Our team can help you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

We are in-network with several major insurance providers. Because insurance networks change, we recommend calling our office at (816) 228-8393 for the most current list of accepted plans. We are happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.

If your insurance does not cover speech therapy or you do not have insurance, we offer private pay options. We can provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Contact our office to discuss options.

We understand that therapy is an investment in your child's future. Please contact our office to discuss payment options. We are committed to helping families access the care they need.

Evaluation costs vary depending on the type of assessment needed and your insurance coverage. We are happy to provide cost estimates and help you understand your insurance benefits before your appointment. Please call our office at (816) 228-8393 for specific pricing information.

Most children attend therapy one to two times per week. The recommended frequency depends on your child's specific needs, goals, and the type of therapy. Your therapist will recommend a schedule based on the evaluation findings, and you will work together to find a plan that fits your family.

Therapy sessions are typically 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your child's age, needs, and treatment plan. Younger children often benefit from shorter, more frequent sessions, while older children and adults may have longer sessions.

The duration of therapy varies widely depending on the type and severity of the concern, how consistently your child attends sessions, and how much practice happens at home. Some children meet their goals in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. Your therapist will set measurable goals and regularly assess progress so you always know where your child stands.

Absolutely. We encourage parent involvement. You are welcome to observe sessions and your therapist will regularly update you on what they are working on and how you can support progress at home. Parent involvement is one of the strongest predictors of therapy success.

Play-based therapy uses fun, engaging activities and games to target therapeutic goals. Rather than drilling flashcards, your child practices speech and language skills through activities they enjoy - like building with blocks, playing pretend, reading books, or creating art. Play-based therapy is evidence-based and highly effective because children are more motivated, engaged, and willing to practice when they are having fun.

We serve individuals of all ages, from infants through adults. Our pediatric services typically work with children from birth through age 18. We also provide adult therapy services for voice disorders, orofacial myofunctional therapy, and other communication needs.

Yes. While much of our practice focuses on pediatric care, we also treat adults for orofacial myofunctional disorders, voice therapy, and other communication challenges. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) addresses disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. This includes tongue thrust, mouth breathing, incorrect swallowing patterns, and oral habits like thumb sucking. OMT uses targeted exercises to retrain muscle patterns and can improve speech, breathing, chewing, swallowing, and facial development.

BSPS is currently the only private practice in the Kansas City area with certified orofacial myologists (COM). Learn more about our OMD services.

Yes, we offer teletherapy services for many types of speech therapy, orofacial myofunctional therapy, and consultations. Teletherapy allows you to receive expert care from the comfort of your home, which is especially convenient for families with busy schedules or those who live outside the Kansas City metro area.

Speech refers to the physical production of sounds - how clearly your child pronounces words. Language refers to the ability to understand and use words to communicate meaning - vocabulary, grammar, following directions, telling stories, and conversational skills.

A child can have challenges with speech, language, or both. Your therapist will evaluate both areas to get a complete picture of your child's communication skills.