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Frequently Asked Questions

ONLINE SPEECH THERAPY FOR KIDS 5+ IN TX, CA, WA, NY & FL

 
 

Who does CloudSpeech work with?

CloudSpeech provides specialized speech therapy for children ages 5 and up with /R/ errors, lisps, and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). These are the speech sound challenges that often persist after years of therapy elsewhere. Because they respond best to frequent, focused practice, we offer sessions two to three times a week, including The CloudSpeech Intensive.

 

What does CloudSpeech treat?

CloudSpeech provides specialized virtual speech therapy for three speech sound challenges:

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS): A motor speech disorder in which children have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for clear speech. CAS responds best to frequent, motor-based practice.

The /R/ sound: /R/ is one of the most difficult sounds to learn and to correct in English. It has many forms, like the R in "red," "her," and "car," and it often persists into the school years without direct therapy. Our /R/ therapy includes The CloudSpeech Intensive.

Lisps (frontal, lateral, palatal, and dental): A lisp mainly affects how /S/ and /Z/ are produced, and lateral lisps often affect SH, CH, and J as well. Frontal and dental lisps can resolve on their own in early childhood. Lateral and palatal lisps aren't part of typical development and need direct therapy.

 

How much does speech therapy at CloudSpeech cost?

Evaluations start at $310. Therapy sessions are $125 each, paid as you go. The CloudSpeech Intensive is $1,200 for 12 sessions over one month, which comes to $100 per session. We'll talk through insurance, Medicaid, TEFA, and Step Up options at your free Welcome Visit.

 

What's The CloudSpeech Intensive?

The CloudSpeech Intensive is 12 focused sessions in one month, three times a week. It's built for motor-based speech sound disorders like persistent /R/, lisps, and CAS. More practice per week means faster progress, stronger retention, and better carryover into everyday speech.

The CloudSpeech Intensive is prepaid at $1,200, which is $100 per session and saves you $300 compared to pay-as-you-go. Because the schedule is the program, missed sessions aren't made up, except for true emergencies. If your family needs more flexibility, pay-as-you-go sessions once or twice a week may be the better fit.

 

Is teletherapy as effective as in-person?

Yes. Research comparing online and in-person speech therapy for school-age children has found similar outcomes, and we've seen it ourselves with families since 2018. In our experience, teletherapy works best for children ages 5 and up, who can engage fully on screen. That's why it fits so well with the kids we focus on: /R/, lisps, and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).

Therapy at home also removes the drive and the waiting room, so families can attend more often, even several days a week, which is what speech sound disorders need.

 

How does teletherapy work?

Sessions are live, one-on-one video sessions with a licensed speech-language pathologist. Each session uses engaging activities, real-time coaching, and plenty of practice built around your child's goals. Parents receive home program recommendations to keep progress going between sessions.

Learn more about our approach → Why Teletherapy

 

How long do sessions last?

All sessions are 30 minutes, one-on-one. Thirty minutes is long enough for focused, high-repetition practice and short enough to hold a child's attention from start to finish.

 

Do I need special equipment for teletherapy?

Just a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space. We'll do a tech check during your Welcome Visit to make sure everything works before therapy begins.

 

Where does CloudSpeech offer services?

CloudSpeech is based in Austin, Texas, and provides virtual speech therapy to children in Texas, California, Washington, New York, and Florida. Christina Burnham, MS, CCC-SLP, is licensed in all five states. We also offer American /R/ coaching for international kids and teens.

 

How do I get started?

Every family starts with a free Welcome Visit. It begins with a parent consultation to talk through your child's needs, followed by a short screening with your child and a follow-up visit, where we decide together whether CloudSpeech is the right fit. There's no pressure and no rush.

If we move forward, your child completes an evaluation, which includes diagnostic therapy trials, a written report, and an individualized treatment plan. Then you choose between pay-as-you-go sessions or The CloudSpeech Intensive.

Book your free Welcome Visit →

Getting started with CloudSpeech in three steps: Step 1, a free Welcome Visit with a parent consultation and child screening. Step 2, an evaluation, report, and treatment plan. Step 3, begin therapy.

 

How can I pay for sessions?

CloudSpeech is primarily a private-pay practice. Sessions are billed through secure autopay, and families receive a monthly superbill for self-paid sessions so they can request out-of-network reimbursement from their insurance. We also accept:

  • Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) funds
  • Step Up For Students scholarship funds in Florida
  • A limited number of insurance and Medicaid plans in Texas and California

Ask about your options at your free Welcome Visit.

 

Does CloudSpeech take insurance?

CloudSpeech is primarily a private-pay practice. We accept a limited number of insurance and Medicaid plans in Texas and California, depending on availability.

For all other plans, CloudSpeech is out of network. You pay at the time of service, and each month we provide a superbill for self-paid sessions through your client portal, which you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Superbills aren't available for sessions paid with TEFA or Step Up funds.

 

Will I be reimbursed by my insurance?

Reimbursement varies depending on your insurance plan, deductible, and benefits. Before starting therapy, we recommend calling your insurance company and asking:

  • Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient speech therapy?
  • What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much have I met?
  • What percentage of out-of-network costs does my plan reimburse?
  • Is CPT code 92507 (speech therapy) a covered service under my plan?
  • Are there any age or diagnosis restrictions for speech therapy coverage?

The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and gives you a clear picture of what to expect.

 

Can I use HSA/FSA funds?

Yes. Many families pay for speech therapy with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Speech therapy is generally a qualified medical expense, and your HSA or FSA card can be used for session payments.

 

What is CloudSpeech's cancellation policy?

For pay-as-you-go sessions, cancel at least 24 hours in advance and reschedule within 30 days. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged.

Sessions in The CloudSpeech Intensive aren't made up if missed, except for true emergencies. Beginning January 2027, these can be rescheduled on our monthly Makeup Monday.

Families using insurance or Medicaid follow the attendance policy for their plan. Full details are in the practice policies you receive at enrollment.

 

What's the best way to contact CloudSpeech?

Email hello@cloudspeech.com or call 512-765-4554.