FAQs

What is a speech-language pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist is a licensed professional who is trained to identify and treat difficulties with speech, language, social communication, thinking, and feeding and swallowing. Speech-language pathologists are highly trained professionals with a master's degree in speech-language pathology, a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and a State license to practice in the profession. Different speech-language pathologists specialize in treating clients at different ages with different needs. At Robin's Key, I focus on clients from preschool-age to young adulthood who have speech, language, and learning challenges that make it hard for them to regulate their emotions and behavior, learn in school, and develop social relationships.

How is speech-language intervention different than tutoring or Psychotherapy?

Speech-language pathologists work alongside tutors and mental health professionals to help students develop the skills they need to be successful. While tutoring and psychotherapy are valuable resources, many clients who struggle with school and social relationships find that these supports are not sufficient for addressing the academic and social challenges they face. This is often because there are additional language and learning challenges that need to be identified and addressed. Research shows that 81% of children with emotional and behavioral disorders have an unidentified language disorder (Hollo, Wehby, & Oliver, 2014). Language disorders can make it difficult for individuals to put words to the way they're thinking and feeling, explain their experiences, relay narratives, understand questions they are asked and information they are given, read and write, follow directions, and more. Language is a part of everything we do!
Speech-language intervention involves the use of targeted teaching strategies that have been validated by research to address specific cognitive processes that underlie language and learning. Performance is monitored to ensure clients are making progress in the targeted skill areas and the intervention activities are modified as needed. Improving language and cognitive skills can help clients get more out of tutoring and psychotherapy by helping them develop the skills and strategies they need to fully benefit from these services.

My child's school said that they don't qualify for speech therapy. Does that mean there's nothing wrong?

Educational eligibility is not the same as a diagnosis. Schools, unfortunately, are not able to provide services to every student who can benefit from them. Although your child's school may say that they are not eligible for services, that doesn't necessarily mean that there's nothing wrong.
As a private clinician, I am not constrained by school district guidelines or federal funding when determining whether intervention or support is needed. I will work with you to determine whether or not your child may benefit from speech- language intervention or additional academic support. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please do not hesitate to contact me.

How often DO speech-language therapy sessions occur?

I typically recommend that clients attend therapy at least once a week for 45-minutes. We will discuss your options for intervention after your initial assessment. For some clients, increased frequency and/or reduced length of sessions may be more appropriate.

How long is speech-language therapy needed?

The duration of each client's intervention program varies greatly depending on diagnosis, goals, attendance, participation, and other related factors. Typically, therapy ends when the client has reached the goals they came in to therapy to address. I will work with you to determine when it may be appropriate to end therapy, take a break, or seek out other services. This is always an ongoing and collaborative conversation.

What if my child refuses to go to therapy or isn't motivated?

This is a very common concern. I have a lot of experience working with children and adolescents who are reticent about coming to therapy and am happy to work with you and your child or teen to develop a plan to overcome any barriers. Because I value collaboration, I prioritize building trust and rapport and providing a safe space for clients to be themselves. Many of my clients, especially adolescents, who have negative past experiences, are surprised by how open, supportive, and collaborative speech-language therapy at Robin's Key is! As with any type of therapy or intervention, there will be ups and downs, but my goal is to help my clients understand and accept the challenges they face and to work together to help them develop the skills and strategies they need to reach their potential. If you ever have concerns about your child or teen's willingness to participate in therapy, let me know and we can problem solve together.

Where are you located?

My main office is located in the Wi-Fi Professional Building at 8707 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, IL near the intersection of Skokie Blvd and Dempster. It is accessible via the CTA Yellow line, CTA bus #97, and PACE bus #250.

Is there parking available?

Yes! There is ample free parking in the parking lot around the building. DO NOT use handicap parking spaces for loading/unloading unless you have a handicap placard.

Do you take insurance?

Robin's Key is an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois PPO and Blue Choice insurance plans. I will submit information to BCBSIL on your behalf.
I am considered an out-of-network provider for all other types of insurance. I can provide you with a superbill (itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance to request reimbursement. I can assist you in understanding your benefits and determining if your services are eligible for out-of-network coverage. More information about insurance coverage for speech and language therapy can be found here: https://www.asha.org/public/coverage/php/.

To make services accessible to my clients, I offer the following financial support options:
Sliding Fee Schedule*: Clients may be eligible for a reduced rate for services. Let me know if you'd like more information about sliding rates.
Group Sessions (as available): Due to shared costs, group sessions are less expensive than individual services.
Flexible scheduling: Clients may elect to reduce the frequency of sessions (e.g., biweekly or monthly).

• Clients will be provided with home practice activities to work on between sessions.
• Phone consultations may be provided to client/family/teachers/other providers to facilitate continued practice between individual sessions (Consultation fees apply).

College Student Rate*: Discounted services for college students with a valid student ID and proof of current student status (e.g., current class schedule)
*Please note that discounts and sliding fees are not available to clients paying with insurance due to insurance company policies.