Frequently asked questions
Starting speech therapy can bring up both practical and personal questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about adult stuttering therapy, telehealth, fees, and getting started.
You do not need to know exactly what you want from therapy before reaching out.
About therapy
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Not necessarily.
Some clients are interested in speech strategies, and those can be explored when they are relevant to their goals. However, therapy is not based on the assumption that successful communication requires eliminating every moment of stuttering.
The work may instead focus on speaking more openly, reducing avoidance, participating more fully, navigating difficult situations, and feeling more comfortable and confident in your communication.
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The initial evaluation is a focused 50-minute appointment and a collaborative conversation about your history, communication experiences, priorities, and goals.
Depending on what is most relevant to you, we may discuss how stuttering affects different areas of your life, previous therapy experiences, difficult speaking situations, avoidance or word switching, thoughts and emotions related to communication, and what meaningful change would look like for you.
The evaluation concludes with individualized recommendations and a plan for therapy when appropriate.
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Therapy is individualized. Depending on your goals, sessions may include:
Learning more about stuttering
Reducing avoidance and holding back
Exploring thoughts and emotions related to speaking
Preparing for real-life communication situations
Building self-advocacy skills
Practicing communication more openly
Exploring speech strategies when desired
The goal is for therapy to connect directly to your life outside the session.
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Many clients begin with weekly or every-other-week sessions.
Frequency may change over time depending on your goals, progress, schedule, priorities, and level of independence. Some clients later transition to less frequent check-ins or occasional booster sessions.
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There is no single timeline that fits everyone.
Some clients work on a specific goal for a shorter period, while others choose longer-term support. We will regularly review your priorities and make decisions together about progress, frequency, and when it may be appropriate to reduce or end services.
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Many adults have participated in therapy before, sometimes as children and sometimes more recently.
We can discuss what was helpful, what was not, and how your current goals may differ from those you had in the past. Previous therapy does not prevent you from benefiting from a different approach.
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You are still welcome to reach out.
The impact of stuttering is not determined only by how noticeable it is to others. Some people experience substantial fear, anticipation, word switching, avoidance, or mental effort even when their stuttering is not frequently observed.
Your internal experience matters.
Logistics, fees, and getting started
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Austin Stuttering & Communication Therapy serves adults ages 18 and older who stutter across the state of Texas.
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The practice is focused on adults ages 18 and older.
When possible, I am happy to provide general referral suggestions for families seeking pediatric stuttering services.
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No prior diagnosis is required.
The initial evaluation can help clarify your communication experiences, needs, and possible treatment options.
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Sessions are conducted through a secure video platform.
You can join from a computer, tablet, or compatible phone. You will need a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a reasonably quiet and private place to meet. Headphones may be helpful but are not required.
Appointment information and access instructions will be provided through the secure client portal.
You must be physically located in Texas at the time of each session.
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Telehealth is an established way to provide speech-language pathology services, including stuttering evaluation and therapy. Research suggests that video-based stuttering services can produce outcomes comparable to in-person care for appropriate clients.
It also allows you to work with a specialist from a private and familiar location without commuting. Sessions can often fit more easily around work, school, and family responsibilities while connecting directly to real-life communication situations.
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A 30-minute consultation is free.
The initial stuttering evaluation is 50 minutes and costs $175. Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes and cost $135.
Payment is due at the time of service.
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Austin Stuttering & Communication Therapy is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly.
Upon request, I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your individual insurance plan.
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Yes. HSA and FSA funds are commonly used to pay for eligible speech-language pathology services.
You may use an HSA or FSA card for payment through the secure client portal. I can also provide an itemized receipt or superbill if your plan administrator requests supporting documentation.
Eligibility and documentation requirements can vary by plan, so you may wish to confirm the details with your HSA or FSA administrator.
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Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
Late cancellations and missed appointments are charged the full session fee. I understand that unexpected circumstances occasionally arise, and any exceptions are considered individually.
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The free consultation is a brief conversation about what is bringing you to therapy, your general goals, scheduling and fees, and whether the practice may be a good fit.
It is not a formal evaluation or therapy session, and there is no pressure to make a decision during the call.
If we decide that the practice appears to be a good fit and you would like to move forward, the next step is to schedule an initial evaluation. You will then receive the necessary intake forms and appointment information through the secure client portal.
Ready to take the next step?
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. A free consultation is a place to ask questions, share what has been happening, and learn whether this practice may be a good fit.