Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about speech therapy at Speech EZ. Don't see your question? Contact us!
Getting Started
There are several signs that may indicate your child could benefit from a speech therapy evaluation. These include: not babbling by 12 months, not using single words by 18 months, not combining words by age 2, being difficult to understand by age 3-4, difficulty following directions, frustration when trying to communicate, or any regression in speech or language skills. If you have concerns, it's always better to have an evaluation sooner rather than later — early intervention leads to the best outcomes. Contact us for a free consultation and we can discuss your specific concerns.
The initial evaluation typically lasts 60-90 minutes. We'll start by discussing your concerns, developmental history, and goals. Then, through play-based activities and standardized assessments, we'll evaluate your child's speech sounds, language comprehension, expressive language, oral motor function, and any other relevant areas. At the end, we'll discuss our findings, provide a diagnosis if applicable, and outline a recommended treatment plan. You'll leave with a clear understanding of where your child is and what steps to take next.
We work with clients from age 1 through adulthood. Our practice has extensive experience with early intervention (ages 1-3), preschool and school-age children, teenagers, and adults. Whether your toddler is a late talker or you're an adult seeking myofunctional therapy or fluency support, we're equipped to help.
About Our Services
At Speech EZ, we take a therapy-first approach to tongue ties. While some providers may recommend immediate surgical release, we believe in thoroughly evaluating whether the restriction is actually impacting function and trying targeted therapy first. In many cases, skilled myofunctional therapy and speech exercises can achieve significant improvement without surgery. When a release is truly necessary, we provide pre-release preparation therapy and post-release exercises to ensure the best outcome.
Myofunctional therapy focuses on the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. It addresses issues like tongue thrust, mouth breathing, incorrect swallowing patterns, poor tongue resting posture, and lip incompetence. These seemingly small problems can impact speech, breathing, sleep quality, dental alignment, and facial development. Through targeted exercises and habit retraining, we help restore proper oral function. It can benefit people of all ages — from children to adults.
Yes! Many parents don't realize that snoring in children is not normal and can be related to weak oral muscle tone, mouth breathing, or other myofunctional issues. As a speech therapist specializing in orofacial myology, we can evaluate the underlying causes and work on strengthening exercises, breathing retraining, and tongue/lip posture to improve sleep quality. We also collaborate with sleep specialists and ENTs when additional evaluation is needed.
The duration of therapy varies significantly depending on the type and severity of the disorder, the client's age, consistency of attendance, and how much practice happens at home. Some children with mild articulation issues may see significant improvement in 3-6 months. More complex language or myofunctional disorders may require 6-12+ months of consistent therapy. After the initial evaluation, we'll provide you with a realistic timeline and set measurable goals so you can track progress along the way.
Online Therapy
Yes! Multiple research studies have shown that telepractice for speech therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person therapy for most speech and language disorders. Children often respond well to screen-based interaction, and many actually perform better in the comfort of their own home. Online therapy also offers the benefit of natural environment practice — the skills worked on transfer more easily because they're being learned right where they'll be used. For many families, the convenience and consistency of online sessions leads to better overall progress.
You'll need a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone (most laptops and tablets have both built in), a stable internet connection, and a quiet space with minimal distractions. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform — no special software is required. We'll send you a simple link before each session. We recommend a screen size of at least 10 inches for the best experience with younger children.
Yes! Through our online telehealth services, we can serve families anywhere in the states of Arizona and Wisconsin. Whether you're in Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona, or a rural community — if you have an internet connection, we can provide the same quality therapy you'd receive in person.
Payment & Logistics
We are a private-pay practice and also accept ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts). We do not bill insurance directly. However, we can provide you with a superbill (detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many families are surprised to find they receive partial or full reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits. We recommend calling your insurance provider and asking about your out-of-network speech therapy benefits before your first visit.
Most clients attend therapy 1-2 times per week. The recommended frequency depends on the specific diagnosis, severity, and your child's individual needs. We'll recommend a frequency during the evaluation and adjust as needed based on progress. Consistency is key — regular attendance paired with home practice leads to the fastest improvement.
We understand that life happens! We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations so we can offer the slot to another family. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee. We're flexible and understanding with occasional emergencies — just communicate with us and we'll work together.
📄 Practice Policies & Procedures
Review our full practice policies, including scheduling, cancellations, payment, privacy, and more.
Download Policies & Procedures (PDF)Using ESA Funds for Speech Therapy
Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program lets eligible families use state education funds to pay for approved educational services — including speech therapy from licensed providers like Speech EZ. Here's exactly how to use ESA funds with us, step by step.
1
Apply for ESA
Start your application through the Arizona Department of Education's ESA portal. Complete the application and submit any required documentation (proof of residency, IEP/504 if applicable, etc.). Approval typically takes a few weeks, and you'll receive a quarterly funding amount based on your child's eligibility category.
Visit the AZ ESA portal →2
Set up ClassWallet
Once approved, ESA funds are disbursed through ClassWallet, the state's payment platform. You'll log in to ClassWallet to manage your funds, request reimbursements, and pay vendors directly.
Visit ClassWallet →3
Connect with Speech EZ
Speech-language therapy from a licensed SLP is a pre-approved ESA expense category. Reach out and we'll send you a current rate sheet, a service agreement, and an invoice template formatted for ClassWallet submission.
Contact us to get started →4
Pay for sessions
You have two options depending on Speech EZ's current ClassWallet vendor status:
- Direct vendor pay (when available): ClassWallet pays Speech EZ directly. You request the disbursement in your portal — no out-of-pocket expense.
- Reimbursement model: You pay Speech EZ at the time of service, then submit the paid invoice through your ClassWallet "Reimbursements" tab. Once approved by ADE (typically 2–4 weeks), funds are returned to your ESA balance.
5
Keep your records
Save every invoice, receipt, and progress note — ADE may request them during periodic ESA audits. We provide a quarterly summary of services on request, just email us.
Common ESA questions
Yes — comprehensive speech & language evaluations are an approved category and are typically covered alongside ongoing therapy.
You can pay out-of-pocket for additional sessions and submit a superbill to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Yes when provided by a licensed SLP — ADE typically approves myofunctional therapy as part of speech-language services. Speech EZ's myofunctional therapy includes oral motor–based feeding work for children whose feeding challenges are rooted in muscle coordination rather than sensory aversion. We do not provide sensory-based feeding therapy outside of oral motor work — for those needs, we're happy to refer you to a feeding-specialized SLP.
Have questions about your specific situation? We'll walk you through the ESA process for your family.
Contact Us About ESAStill Have Questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out for a free consultation and we'll answer all your questions personally.