DO YOU OFFER ONLINE SESSIONS?
We began offering remote sessions in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting our approach to ensure that online sessions were as effective as in-person, since this became the ‘new norm’! Although normality has since resumed, we still offer remote support if face-to-face is not possible (e.g. due to geographical location). We believe that in the vast majority of cases, our online sessions are as successful as those face-to-face, and we are proud that our teletherapy service has been very well-received. This delivery method may not be appropriate for every child thus we welcome discussion of your specific needs.
DO YOU SEE CHILDREN OF ALL AGES?
Yes - we support children aged 18 months - 18 years, as well as young adults.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN APPOINTMENT?
Typically, you will be seen as soon as is mutually convenient for both you and the Speech and Language Therapist. Please be aware that at present there is a national shortage of Speech and Language Therapists, and as such, we are operating a wait list, which is longer than it has been historically.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM AN ASSESSMENT?
We will send you a case history questionnaire, which we ask that you kindly complete and return prior to the session, along with any relevant reports / documentation from other professionals.
If we are assessing your child in their educational setting, we will also gather information from teachers and other school staff, with your consent.
The assessment tools chosen depend on your child’s age and needs. The session will likely use a combination of informal and formal assessment. This may involve play or observation of your child in everyday environments.
The assessment session usually takes about an hour and a half.
You will receive a written report following the assessment session.
HOW MANY THERAPY SESSIONS WILL MY CHILD NEED?
The million dollar question! This is different for every child and depends on a number of factors - for example, the nature and extent of the child’s difficulties, attendance and how much can be reinforced at home and / or school. The duration and frequency of sessions is completely flexible and determined by your child’s needs. When working with Inside Out Therapy, you are not committing to any number of sessions.
The intervention we provide is constantly adapted according to your child’s progress and needs.
CAN I ATTEND MY CHILD’S SESSIONS?
We welcome this as it is best practice! Parental involvement is at the core of progress and we hope that attending sessions will empower you to reinforce our work at home, resulting in faster development. We do advise our families to be mindful of the number of adults present as too many people can be overwhelming or distracting for some children.
Don’t worry if you’re unable to attend - we always send home strategies and activities for supporting our work in between sessions.
HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST?
All session fees are available on request.
HOW DO I PAY FOR THE SESSIONS?
You will be invoiced immediately after an assessment and after every half-term of therapy sessions (or at the end of the school holidays if seen outside of term-time). Payment is typically made via bank transfer but there are several payment options available.
If you have private health insurance you might be able to claim for the cost of SaLT. It is your responsibility to pay Inside Out Therapy directly for sessions and then claim this back from your insurance company. We recommend that you check the extent and terms of your cover.
WHAT DOES THE COST OF A SESSION COVER?
In addition to the work we carry out directly with families and associated professionals, it is important to consider that Speech and Language Therapy is a professional role and therefore has many hidden costs, including:
purchasing assessment and therapy materials and resources.
time spent planning an assessment or therapy session.
time spent note-writing following a session and the cost of associated software for record-keeping.
payment of professional fees (e.g. HCPC, RCSLT, ASLTIP).
costs involved in operating a domain / website.
attendance at training courses and other continuing professional development.
CAN I CANCEL A SESSION?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel a session.
If you have to cancel an appointment on the day, you will be charged the full session fee (except in extenuating circumstances).
We acknowledge that for children seen in schools, sometimes school events get in the way, but we do ask that you try your best to make us aware if your child will have to miss a session, as school events are not always listed on the school calendar.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN NHS AND INDEPENDENT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST?
All parents are reminded that Speech and Language Therapy is also available via the NHS. We supplement NHS services.
Both NHS and Independent Speech and Language Therapists have the same qualifications and training and have to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Both should uphold the same standards and ethics and should be committed to continuing professional development.
One of the main advantages of seeing an independent therapist is that there is usually no waiting list or at least a shorter wait time. Independent therapists also tend to have more flexibility in terms of where, when and how often they can offer support.
MY CHILD IS ALSO BEING SEEN BY AN NHS THERAPIST - WILL YOU WORK WITH THEM?
Definitely, as long as we have your consent to do so. Best practice is for all professionals to collaborate to ensure a joined-up approach so we are very happy to liaise with any others involved in your child’s development.