Getting started is simple! Just give us a call at 619-647-6157 or email us at frontoffice@smalltalkspeech.com. Our friendly intake coordinators will walk you through the process, help you schedule an evaluation, and guide you in setting up your patient dashboard. From there, your therapist will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that fits your child’s unique needs and goals.

Contact our intake coordinator at frontoffice@smalltalkspeech.com to confirm your insurance plan and learn whether a referral or pre-authorization is required.

We work with children of all ages, from toddlers just starting to talk to teens preparing for school transitions or building independent life skills. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for your child’s age or stage, just reach out! We’re happy to help you determine if an evaluation is appropriate.

If your child has never attended therapy before, start with reassurance and keep things simple. You might say something like, “We’re going to visit a place where you’ll get to play games and learn new things to help with talking/eating/playing.” Focus on the fun and the support they’ll receive.

It’s also helpful to let your child know that their therapist is there to help them grow and feel happy. If your child is feeling nervous, remind them that you’ll be nearby and that it’s okay to ask questions or take things slow. We’re here to make it a positive experience from day one!

For the first session, just bring yourself, your child, and any paperwork you have regarding your child’s medical history. You’re welcome to bring a favorite toy, snack, or comfort item that helps your child feel more at ease. 

If your therapist needs anything specific for the evaluation, they’ll let you know ahead of time.

Yes! In fact, we encourage it. We believe therapy is most effective when families are involved. By attending sessions, you can observe our techniques, ask questions, and learn how to support your child at home. Your presence also helps your child feel comfortable and confident as they build new skills.

If you’re unable to attend, that’s okay too. Your child’s therapist will provide regular updates so you can stay informed and continue supporting progress at home.

Our therapists help children with a wide range of developmental and functional challenges. This includes things like difficulty speaking clearly, understanding or using language, picky eating, sensory sensitivities, trouble with handwriting, attention and focus, coordination, transitions between tasks, and social interactions.

If your child is having trouble keeping up with peers, getting frustrated during everyday tasks, or showing signs of developmental delay, pediatric therapy can help. Every child’s needs are different, and we’re here to support their unique path forward.

Some children do catch up on their own, but for many, early support makes a big difference. Delays in speech, language, motor skills, or feeding can affect confidence, social development, and success in school if left unaddressed.

Early intervention helps kids build skills now, so they’re better prepared for what comes next. Even a few targeted sessions can boost your child’s progress and give them the tools they need to thrive. If you’re unsure whether your child needs therapy, we’re happy to schedule a simple evaluation to help guide your next steps.

You’ll be a key part of the process! Our therapists track your child’s progress using clear, measurable goals and share regular updates with you. You’ll also notice real-life changes, like clearer speech, smoother transitions, and increased confidence at home and school. Plus, we’re always here to answer your questions and celebrate every win together with you.

Absolutely. We believe teamwork leads to the best outcomes. With your permission, our therapists can connect with your child’s pediatrician or other specialists to ensure a consistent, supportive approach across different settings. When we’re all working together, we can help your child thrive!

Both options offer high-quality therapy tailored to your child’s goals. In-person sessions take place in our clinic, where your child works face-to-face with their therapist using hands-on tools and activities.

Virtual therapy (also called teletherapy) happens over a secure video call, where we use interactive games and digital tools to keep your child engaged. It’s a great option for families who can’t make it into the clinic or who prefer the comfort of home.

Although we don’t offer home visits, SmallTalk offers online speech therapy and online occupational therapy. This allows us to take advantage of today’s technology and support our families when they cannot visit our clinics in person. With a computer, tablet or other web-connected device, a child and therapist can efficiently work together toward therapy goals by interacting with each other on screen. 

Teletherapy also provides a valuable opportunity for therapists to develop home programs with your family – especially when incorporating strategies for self-care skills and/or sensory regulation (e.g. “sensory diets”). During these virtual “home visits”, our therapists can collaborate with you on custom, goal-oriented solutions right in your home.

Our speech and occupational therapists also blend their skills and experience with an expanding array of online games and tools. Our online speech therapy and occupational therapy services provide the same high-quality therapy that we’re known for in our clinics! If you’re interested in learning more about our teletherapy offering, just ask any of our staff for more info.

Whether your first session is an evaluation or a treatment session, your therapist will warmly welcome you and your child into the therapy room. Evaluations include playful, low-pressure activities to help us understand your child’s current skills—plus a chance for us to hear directly from you during a parent interview.

Our first priority is building a strong, safe connection between your child and their therapist. We use fun, engaging games and activities to help your child feel comfortable and confident. You’ll also go over your child’s goals together and get a clear picture of what to expect during treatment, including how you can support skill-building at home. We also offer virtual evaluations for kids who might feel more at ease in a familiar environment. Many families love this option because it helps reduce nerves or transition struggles. It also gives the therapist a chance to see your child’s natural behaviors and skills in their home setting. During the virtual evaluation, your therapist will include a short trial session to see how your child responds and determine if virtual therapy is a good fit.