What services do you provide?

Here at Compass Speech and College Prep, we work with children and young adults in how they talk, understand, analyze or process information. Our work helps your child be understood, hold meaningful conversations, understand others, problem solve, read and comprehend, and express their thoughts through spoken or written words. We also work with older students on advanced organizational and language skills to help them succeed in college, their careers and life.

We’re in the business of doing what’s right for kids.

Therapy cannot be approached with a one-size-fits all perspective. The plan that we build together will be your child’s and theirs alone. During our free consultation and intake process, we’ll learn everything we can about your child and what’s important to your family before making a treatment plan. We will collaborate with you to help you through understand your child’s profile and needs. We understand that we are part of the bigger team supporting your child. Family members, caregivers, teachers, school SLPs, occupational therapists, mental health professionals, behavior therapists, and any other specialist you can think of can be involved in your child’s therapy to whatever extent you choose. 

Tell me about the FREE consultation.

Whether you contact us because you’ve received a doctor’s diagnosis, or you are simply concerned that your child is falling behind in their speech and language skills, we’re happy to offer an initial 15 minute phone consultation free of charge. We know that having concerns about your child’s speech or language develop can feel overwhelming and scary. We are happy to answer your questions and provide guidance on the next steps. There is absolutely no obligation following this call. After learning more about your child, we’ll talk to you about how their skills measure up to other kids their age, walk you through the therapeutic process, and answers any additional questions you may have. If it’s determined that your child needs speech therapy, we’ll schedule a follow-up evaluation, during which time we’ll use a variety of standardized tests and techniques to form a plan and goals for treatment. We do our very best to meet the needs of every child. We know, however, that sometimes there is another therapist out there who can do it better. If we aren’t the best fit for your child, we’ll point you to someone else who is. We are committed to finding the best services for you, even if they don’t come from us.

What causes speech and language disorders anyway?

Speech and language disorders can result from many different factors, including pre/peri/post-natal events, differences in neural anatomy and brain structures, repeated ear infections, facial structures or anatomical features, trouble with motor coordination, weak muscles, genetic or environmental risk factors, and underlying medical conditions. At Compass, we tend to worry less about the why, and more about the what: What challenges are does child experience, and how can we help them succeed?

How long will therapy take?

Sessions last 45 minutes and include time for parent feedback. We use highly motivating activities to engage children and make learning fun! Our goal is not to keep your kid in therapy forever, but to see them graduate from the program as soon as is appropriate. The rate of progress is always dependent on the goals being addressed, consistent attendance at set appointments, and follow-through with family or individual practice. Your speech therapist will be able to provide further insight as to their expectations for growth and change based on the past treatment times of children experiencing similar challenges, but all kids develop at different rates. Your willingness to work with your child outside of therapy sessions makes a huge difference, too.

What if my child is just a late-bloomer?

All parents compare their children to other children, and it’s normal to worry if you think your child is not keeping up. When you talk to friends or family members, they may say things like, “Don't worry; they'll outgrow it.” Your doctor might tell you not to worry yet. And they might be right. But what if they aren’t? You don’t have to wait and see if your child will catch up.

You know your child best. Contact us and we will talk to you about your concerns. If, after our free consultation, it seems as though your child is at risk for a speech or language disorder or delay, we can help you plan your next steps.

Time matters. Your child matters. If you have any concerns, don’t wait. Reach out now.

What are your fees?

Initial Evaluations and Assessments: We want to get the complete picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. That means that we will integrate a number of assessment methods including including child/parent/caregiver interview, clinical observations, play-based assessment when necessary, as well as standardized tests to evaluate your child’s speech and language skills. Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed, written report that will include a plan of care, suggestions for your family, and possible goals for treatment.

Language Assessment $250
Speech/Articulation Assessment $150
School Observation $125

Therapy: Compass uses evidence-based treatment approaches and will customize a plan based on you child’s unique strengths and needs. All therapy is individualized to meet your child’s unique learning style, incorporate their interests, and capitalizing on their strengths to support growth. After each session, we will provide you with tools for carrying out therapy work throughout your week. We provide 45 minute sessions for $80.

Payment: We are currently an out-of-network provider with all insurance companies. However, this does not mean that your insurance company will not cover some/all services. We’re happy to provide you with a SuperBill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. We’ve also prepared this resource for you to call your insurer to find out if you are eligible for out-of-network speech-language therapy and/or evaluation reimbursement.

Where is Compass Speech and College Prep based?

We are based out of Northampton, Massachusetts and provide in-person, in-home services in a serving the Pioneer Valley and the  Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. We provide in-home speech and language services within a 15 mile radius of Northampton, including Amherst, Hadley, Florence, Greenfield, South Hadley, and Easthampton.

Live further away? No problem. We also offer cutting-edge online therapy straight to your child’s home, office, daycare, preschool, or school setting.

What is online speech therapy?

Modern parenting is a total juggling-tightwire-lion-taming-trapeze act. There’s seemingly no end to the coordinating and scheduling and connecting, and it can sometimes feel like our kids are lost in the shuffle that’s supposed to be all about them. Speech therapy shouldn’t feel that way. 

Online speech therapy is where services are not provided face to face in a traditional clinic or home setting. Instead, your child meets with a licensed speech therapist through an online connection from the convenience of their own home, office, daycare, preschool, or school setting. Online therapy is a great option for those who live in rural areas and do not have access to speech therapy close by. It is also a great option for individuals or families that juggle many priorities and would benefit from attending sessions from the comfort of their own home or office. We know, however, that it isn’t a great fit for everyone. That’s why we offer a free consultation that will help you decide if it’s right for you.

What technology do I need for online speech therapy?

The following equipment is required to participate in online speech therapy :
— a computer with a built-in or external webcam and microphone
— high-speed internet connection
— an email account

Our therapists recommend the following to help you get the most out of your sessions:
— headphones
— good lighting
— a quiet environment with limited background noise

We currently use Zoom videoconferencing software to hold sessions online. Zoom offers secure web conferencing designed for maximum performance and reliability.