Have a question?
We've got answers. If you don't see the answer to your question below, please contact our office at 831-645-7900.
Why was I put on a waitlist?
There is currently a national shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) due in part to increased speech delays from the COVID-19 pandemic and limited openings in SLP graduate programs. We fill our therapists' schedules to allow them to see as many clients as possible and are actively working to hire more therapists. We know receiving timely care is important. You can rest assured we are doing everything we can to keep our waitlist as short as possible.
How do I schedule an initial evaluation?
To schedule an evaluation, please call your physician for a referral. Your doctor can fax the referral to us at 831-645-7906. Once we receive your referral, we will contact you to schedule your first appointment. If you are using health insurance, please be sure to provide the most up-to-date information at the time of scheduling.
Will my appointment be virtual (telehealth) or in-person?
We use a hybrid model for seeing patients, which includes both telehealth and in-person sessions. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately transitioned to telehealth services. These virtual appointments allowed us to prevent any interruptions to you or your family member's care. We received so much positive feedback with this model as families were able to engage in therapy alongside their child and stay at home. We will continue to see clients both virtually and in-person to give you the flexibility and benefits of both models of intervention.
Do you offer the same services at both the Monterey and Santa Cruz office locations?
Yes. We see people of all ages at both locations and offer comprehensive speech therapy services, pediatric feeding therapy services, along with Parkinson's support groups at both locations.
What role do parents play in their child's therapy?
We ask that whenever possible, a parent or guardian is present and in the same room for in-person and telehealth sessions for the duration of the appointment. Instead of waiting in the reception area for in-person appointments, or being off-camera for telehealth sessions, you will be directly involved in your child's therapy. Read more about our family-centered approach.
Will my insurance cover the cost of my appointments?
Coverage is dependent on the individual insurance plan. Many commercial and self-funded plans that have speech therapy benefits have exclusions for developmental delay diagnoses and will only cover services that are directly related to an accident, illness or injury. Our office will make every effort to determine whether your insurance covers services during the insurance benefit verification process. Insurance verification will occur one to two weeks before your first appointment. Our staff will call you to discuss your insurance benefits and any financial responsibility (such as deductibles and copays), discuss a payment plan, and answer any questions that you may have.
Which insurances do you accept?
We are in-network with the following insurers:
What happens if my insurance does not cover speech therapy?
Central Coast Language and Learning Center does not courtesy bill out-of-network insurance. Private pay is available for those who have out-of-network insurance, do not have insurance or have insurance that does not cover speech therapy. The No Surprises Billing Act 2022 gives you the right to understand any potential costs of care. Our policy also ensures you receive a written estimate for medical services in a timely manner. For more information on good faith estimates, visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises