Frequently Asked Questions About North Bay Speech
What's involved in the 15 min intake call?
This quick conversation is to ensure that your case is appropriate for North Bay Speech. Jill's practice specializes in orofacial myofunctional disorders and speech. If your case is outside this specialty, Jill will refer you to her list of highly skilled clinicians that may support you or your child better.
Do you require an evaluation?
It’s important to understand the underlying factors contributing to your or your child’s problems. An evaluation allows us to get to the root cause of the presenting issues and ensure we make appropriate recommendations and referrals. For this reason, we always begin with a thorough assessment.
How long is the evaluation?
Evaluations range from 60-90 minutes depending on the person.
Are you seeing clients in person or via telehealth?
I am assessing all clients at the clinic location in Greenbrae. I administer therapy in person or via teletherapy depending on the client's age, needs, or geographic region. While in-person therapy is the gold standard, there is a time and place for teletherapy to accommodate clients' busy schedules or support clients who live outside Marin County.
How long are therapy sessions?
Sessions last for 30 or 45 minutes. Session duration is determined by the client’s individual needs.
do you involve parents in the sessions?
Yes! We encourage parents to observe and participate in the sessions and truly believe you are your child’s best teacher. Home practice is also an essential part of therapy as your child is developing a new skill, not unlike learning a new sport. Repetition is necessary to increase motor learning. Applying these skills with a variety of people helps to ensure generalization into the child's family and school life.
How often will I need therapy?
This varies per individual. Typically children and teenagers are seen weekly and eventually appointments are spread out once they hit the "generalization phase." Adults due to their independence and accountability may be seen every other week. Typically myofunctional programs last anyway from 8-24 sessions depending on the age, compliance of the patient, and severity of the problem. We recommend that follow-up treatment or "check-ins" occur every three months for a year to ensure the carryover of skills into daily life. If check-ins do not occur, the client runs the risk of regression. Sometimes myfunctional therapy will occur for a short period of time, then pause due to interventions by orthodontists or surgeons. Then myofunctional therapy may start again once structural barriers are addressed.
What ages do you serve?
Typically North Bay Speech serves ages 5-adult. Occasionally, Jill will evaluate preschool-aged children to support other speech therapy clinics in the area. Jill will consult with other speech clinics to help rule out tethered oral tissues.
Do you do myofunctional therapy on infants?
No. Infants require support from feeding therapists (SLP), LBCLCs, or CLCs. Myofunctional therapy is based on volitional control, therefore infants do not participate in myofunctional therapy. Jill will refer you to Vickie Keller, CCC-SLP, CLC (Feeding therapist and certified lactation counselor), or Jennifer Katz, CCC-SLP (feeding therapist). Both therapists are highly skilled in infant feeding and can assess for tethered oral tissues.
Do you offer language, stuttering, or social skills therapy?
No. North Bay Speech is a specialized clinic and focuses on oral resting posture, chewing, oral phase swallowing, and speech production therapy. Jill will refer you to the appropriate clinics that can provide those therapies.
How do I receive the intake forms?
Your privacy is very important. Your intake forms will be sent and stored through a secure portal.
What platform is used for teletherapy and How can I be prepared for a Zoom teletherapy session?
Jill uses Zoom.
Please have your materials next to you. Face the natural light/window while sitting upright in a chair with your feet on the floor. If the room is dark, please face a light. Do not have any "backlight" behind you otherwise, I won't be able to view your tongue.
Do you have a waitlist?
Yes, I do have a waitlist. As a specialty clinic, it can take time to receive an evaluation slot. Once you are evaluated you will be placed on the waitlist for a therapy slot (this is for children who require "after school time slots.") Adults are often seen faster as it's easier to receive daytime therapy slots before 2:30 pm.
Is North Bay Speech open on weekends?
No. North Bay Speech is open Monday-Thursday. Jill has evening therapy slots until 7:00 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Do you do case study consultations with other speech pathologists who need support with OMDs?
Yes! Jill charges $150 for an hour consultation session of all case studies. She will support you with therapy techniques and referrals that are needed. Zoom meetings are easily acommodated.
Where are you located?
North Bay Speech is located at 412 Redhill Ave., Suite 1, San Anselmo, CA 94960, within the Children Therapy Services Clinic.