Exploring the Benefits of Teletherapy for SLPs in Private Practice

Brought to you by Presence

For speech-language pathologists (SLPs) considering private practice, teletherapy offers an exciting opportunity to do the work they love without traditional boundaries. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of teletherapy for SLPs in private practice—and how teletherapy agencies can support their journey.

Breaking Service Barriers With Teletherapy

Remote speech-language teletherapy involves providing synchronous speech-language services using the Internet and a secure videoconferencing platform. Unlike traditional in-person service delivery, teletherapy transcends geographic boundaries, allowing SLPs to expand their impact by connecting with clients online.

For example, in PreK–12 educational settings, special education–related teletherapy addresses regional staffing shortages by virtually connecting students with remote clinicians. SLPs can also use teletherapy to provide assessments and accessible support to students in rural areas.

The Benefits of Teletherapy for Private SLP Practices

One of the most significant advantages of teletherapy for SLPs in private practice is the elimination of daily commutes. No more rush hour driving: Remote service delivery means that clinicians can work where they want. This can both improve work–life balance and provide significant time-saving benefits. SLPs who spend less time traveling have more bandwidth to connect meaningfully with patients.

Considerations for Getting Started

When it comes to starting your private practice, there are a few fundamentals to keep in mind, like:

  1. Building a clientele. A strategic social media presence can help you connect with potential patients. Don’t shy away from provider networking events, either–professional connections work wonders when you’re starting out.
  2. Setting rates and fees. Consider your skills, expenses, and insurance when establishing rates. Refer to reputable sources, like ASHA, when it comes to determining business practices and financial reimbursement.
  3. Establishing clear boundaries. Cancellations, no-shows, phone consultations, screenings, individualized education program (IEP) meetings, Social Security paperwork . . . they all add up. Communicate clearly around attendance policies and compensation in a contract before initiating services.
  4. Securing patient data. Securing patient data isn’t just good practice–it’s a legal and ethical imperative. Invest time in understanding and implementing data security best practices. Familiarize yourself with HIPAA regulations, and ensure that your practice is fully compliant.
  5. Partnering with a teletherapy agency. SLPs in private practice have two options: going solo or partnering with an agency as a contractor. Be sure to weigh your options and consider which one best suit your clinical goals.

How Teletherapy Agencies Can Support Private Practices

Collaborating with a teletherapy agency can be a game changer for clinicians who want to build their private practice while simplifying their workday. These agencies secure clients and then offer assignments to SLPs based on their preferences. By shouldering the burden of rate negotiations, fee management, and contract intricacies, agencies give SLPs the space to zero in on delivering top-notch care to patients. It’s also worth noting that many agencies acknowledge the significance of behind-the-scenes work, enabling you to bill for time spent on administrative duties.

An agency’s know-how in complex areas like cross-licensing can also be a powerful resource, particularly for clinicians looking to spread their wings across state boundaries. Some agencies offer access to platforms that follow HIPAA and FERPA standards, giving you both peace of mind and essential tools to conduct efficient, compliant teletherapy.

Teletherapy: An Empowering Resource for SLPs

Teletherapy presents an array of benefits for SLPs in private practice, including increased flexibility, work–life balance, and the ability to reach a broader patient population. Collaborating with a teletherapy agency can further streamline the process, handling administrative tasks and providing expert support. As the profession of speech-language pathology continues to evolve, teletherapy stands out as a powerful resource for clinicians looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying extra flexibility.

About Presence®

Inspired to create solutions for the national shortage of school clinicians, Presence® is unlocking the potential of schools and clinicians through an elevated approach to teletherapy. As a trusted partner and advocate for clinicians since 2009, Presence® offers its large community of teletherapy providers access to an award-winning platform with assessment and therapy materials, continuing education, and networking opportunities to help them succeed. With over 6 million remote evaluations and teletherapy sessions delivered and nearly 10,000 schools supported across the nation, clinicians trust the experience and expertise of Presence®, a pioneer in special education and mental health teletherapy.

Presence® is teletherapy, elevated. Learn more at presence.com.

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