Teletherapy for Speech... What's that?

What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is using video technology to deliver speech and language services by connecting the clinician and client for treatment, assessment, and/or consultation.  Both adults and children can participate in teletherapy. 

What is the difference between telepractice, teletherapy, telehealth, and telemedicine?
There is no difference between telepractice, teletherapy, and telehealth. However, telemedicine is the practice of medicine using technology to deliver care. A physician will use telecommunications to deliver care at a distance to their patients. 

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association uses the phrase “telepractice” because not all services are being provided in healthcare settings.  

Why use telepractice?
Research has shown that telepractice is as effective and equivalent to in-person therapy. 

Some benefits of telepractice include:

• Being able to stay in the comfort of your own home or anywhere else
• Convenience - as there is no time traveling distances to a therapy office
• An advantageous option for medically fragile clients 
• Promotes family involvement
• Accessible for families living in rural and urban areas

How does telepractice work?
Telepractice uses video to connect your child and the clinician. A link will be sent to open the video to start the telepractice session. There are many different video sources that follow HIPAA regulations. 

How can I support my child during a telepractice session?
As the parent/caregiver, you will be helping support your child during the telepractice session. Your therapist may provide parent coaching and guidance on how to use materials and how to prompt your child verbally or physically.

Some helpful tips are:

1. Position the camera and help your child stay in front of the screen
   
2. Find a quiet room with no background noise
   
3. Stay with your child for the session, or for an older child, stay close by to help with any technical difficulties
   
4. Gather needed materials before the session if the therapist asked for them
   
5. Provide reminders and positive encouragement
   
6. For play-based therapy, have your child’s favorite toys nearby that are easily accessible

At Columbia Pediatrics, we offer a flexible approach to our therapy sessions. Whether you are interested in teletherapy, in person therapy, or both, please contact us at (360) 989-7347.