Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

ABOUT OUR PRACTICE

  • We provide speech and language services for children from infancy through high school. Our approach ensures that each child's therapy is tailored to their unique developmental needs, promoting effective communication skills at every stage of growth.

  • Yes! We proudly offer therapy in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Sessions may be conducted in one or more languages depending on your child’s strengths, communication goals, and your family values. This multilingual approach ensures personalized support that respects and incorporates your family’s unique linguistic and cultural background.

  • Yes, teletherapy is available for families across Massachusetts. Online sessions are interactive, flexible, and follow the same evidence-based approach as in-person therapy.

  • We are based in Saugus, Massachusetts, and offer both in-person and virtual options for your convenience. We service families across the North Shore and Greater Boston Area. In-person sessions can be conducted either in your home or within the community, providing convenient options tailored to each family's needs.

  • Yes. We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). If your child is covered by BCBS, services may be billed directly to insurance according to your specific plan benefits (including deductibles, copays, and authorization requirements, if applicable).

    At this time, we are out-of-network with all other insurance providers. Families who wish to use out-of-network benefits may request a superbill, which is a detailed receipt that includes the information insurance companies typically require (diagnosis codes, treatment codes, session dates, and the amount paid).

    A superbill does not guarantee reimbursement, as coverage varies by plan; however, many insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network speech-language therapy services.

    If you plan to use a superbill, we recommend contacting your insurance company to ask:

    • Do you cover out-of-network speech-language therapy?

    • Do you accept superbills for reimbursement?

    • What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed?

    • Is a referral or prior authorization required?

    We are happy to provide superbills and guide you through what to ask your insurance provider.

  • You can request a consultation directly through our Contact page. After filling out a brief form, you’ll be prompted to book your 15-minute free consultation! We’ll reach out to learn more about your child and guide you through the next steps.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

  • No. Research shows that learning multiple languages does not cause speech or language delays. In fact, bilingualism strengthens overall communication, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility. At The Talking Dolphin, we view bilingualism as an asset and celebrate linguistic diversity.

  • Not at all. We encourage families to speak the language they are most comfortable with, and are able to provide the strongest language models in. Children learn best when communication feels natural and loving — whether that’s in one language or many.

  • Mixing languages (code-switching) is completely normal for bilingual children. It’s a sign that they are developing both languages and using all the tools they have to communicate. Code-switching can happen across languages and communication partners.

  • If you’ve noticed difficulties with understanding, expressing thoughts, pronunciation, or social communication, a screening can help determine if your child would be a good candidate for a full evaluation. This can help identify your child’s strengths and areas for growth. Book a consultation with us now to get started!