A speech-language pathologist is a highly trained professional whose scope of practice includes the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. A speech-language pathologist may address stuttering, problems with learning and literacy, voice problems, sound production or intelligibility issues, difficulties with second language acquisition and verbal expression, to name a few of examples of communication concerns.

A speech-language pathologist may work collaboratively with medical professionals within a hospital (i.e. otolaryngologists, developmental pediatrician), educational teams (i.e. psychologist, teacher, counselor, reading specialist) and other health professionals (i.e. audiologist).

A speech-language pathologist may have a graduate level (master’s level) or doctorate level degree. An active state license is required and national certification by acquisition of Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) regulated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is preferred.

Expect to hear from us.

You will receive a call from Daylinda to further discuss your request for services and obtain information that would be helpful for the assessment. Case history forms will be emailed or mailed out to you prior to the session.

An evaluation plan will be developed around this time to see if a specific-are evaluation would appropriate or if a global comprehensive assessment is necessary.

The ultimate goal is to have our clients do their best during the assessment. If you are aware of certain conditions (ex. time of day, temperature level, day of the week) and/or need for accommodations/modifications (ex. availability of water, snack; bringing favorite comfort toy, reducing distractions in the room) that can help the client do well in a testing situation, please do not hesitate to let Daylinda know.

We accept most major insurance plans and also private pay clients. Refer to our Resources page for a list of insurance companies we are credentialed with. We accept cash, checks and credit card payments.

• Do check your insurance coverage and bring your insurance card.

Clients and families are advised to review their insurance coverage prior to the scheduled appointment so as to be aware of their co-pay and what type of speech-language related services are covered by their provider.

• Do bring copies of assessment reports completed by other professional relevant to the chief complaint.

These may include but not limited to the following: previous speech & language evaluations or therapy notes, psychological or neuropsychological reports, hearing test results, occupational therapy notes, academic testing, and IEP or Individualized Education Plan.

If you are unsure on what to bring, don't hesitate to ask.

• Do bring assistive or augmentative devices typically used by the client

These may be as low-tech as a pen and paper or more sophisticated like a speech device or I-pad. If the client wears corrective glasses or hearing aids, these should also be added to the must bring list.

The duration of an assessment usually depends on the bulk of information and number of speech-language areas being assessed. It also can be influenced by the client’s age, type of disability and behavioral factors (i.e. attention, compliance, motivation).

Global speech-language assessments may require several sessions to complete for approximately 1 hour to 1 ½ hour each appointment.  Specific-area evaluations may be completed in one session.

Several process documents and paperwork are completed prior to the assessment, we advise that the client and their family arrive 15 minutes early. Parents or caregivers are expected to stay at the facility during their scheduled appointment as their assistance and input may be required during the assessment.

The evaluation plan will be reviewed by Daylinda with the client and family. Additional clinical interview questions may be asked prior to test administration.

For children younger than three years old, assessment procedures may include play assessments, observation of functional skills, parent interview and informal language probes.

Clients age three and up will usually involve more formal or standardized language measures. However, other alternative methods will be considered by the clinician if certain factors make it difficult for the client to participate in formal assessment measures.

Upon completion of the assessment procedures, Daylinda will provide the clients and their families a re-cap of what transpired during the session and future scheduling options if needed.

The speech-language assessment report is usually released approximately 2 weeks following the completion of all testing procedures. A copy may be emailed or mailed to you and a phone or clinical consult will be conducted to discuss the results and recommendations. If you signed a release form so that other professionals or individuals may receive a copy, the copy will be sent out upon completion of the phone or clinical consult with Daylinda.

Speech therapy intervention or programming is individualized and developed based on the client's communication disorder, severity of deficits, and other factors. We strive to make recommendations and service delivery models that are based on research and evidenced-based data as well as on client's/family's needs and treatment objectives.

Individual speech therapy is available as well as group therapy options. Group therapy may be an option if there is another client who has needs similar to yours and if working with a partner can allow for both of you to work on your goals together. 

Teletherapy or telehealth can also be a good way to access speech therapy. To ensure the quality of therapy is maintained and comparable to in-person therapy, the appropriateness of teletherapy for yourself or your child should be discussed with your clinician. 

Special programming may also be offered during the summer focusing on social skills, speech sound disorders, aphasia, early language, feeding, etc. 

Please let us know if you have specific intervention groups or camps that you would like to be part of during summer. 

Support services to clients and families are definitely available. The professional fee is charged based on an hourly basis and is typically not covered by insurance. For more specifics regarding out-of-facility consultation and in-service training options, please contact us directly.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, a minimum of 24-hour notice is requested. Please call our office at (406) 422-4213.

Speech Therapy Solutions Montana values the role of family members and parents in the process of intervention. Family/parent education and active involvement during direct speech therapy sessions is strongly recommended. Please refrain from leaving the facility during the client’s speech therapy session.