Consultation can mean many things ...

What does it mean to you?

• Flexibility of scheduling for individual therapy--consultation is considered any therapy occurring less than 2 times/month because it involves more carryover of strategies by the caregivers and more research, planning and preparation by the therapist. 
• Advocacy...if you need an SLP to attend an IEP meeting with you or help determine goals, understand the law, etc.

When is consultation recommended?

Consultation is only considered when the therapist and family have agreed that it is the best option for the family.  Because consultation rates are slightly higher than typical rates due to the increased preparation time by the therapist, therapy or services will only be billed as consultation after an agreement has been signed by both parties. 

If the rate is increased, how would consultation save me money?

Consultation services may save families money because they pay for fewer therapy sessions and are required to carryover strategies more on their own.  For example, a family may select therapy one time/month at the rate of $90/hour versus four times/month at $75/hour each week totaling $300.  However, consultation does require more commitment by the family to do suggested techniques and more self-accountability.  It is not an option for everyone.

What if I need advocacy consultation services?

If a family is not currently receiving therapy from Family Time but needs a therapist to provide help at IEP or IFSP meetings, with knowledge of the law, or in other ways, consultation services are billed.  Consultation fees cover attendance at IEPs as well as pre-planning meetings between the family and therapist.  Time that is not billed would include research by the therapist, most phone calls unless calls frequently last longer than 15 minutes, and the therapist's document preparation time not completed during a pre-planning meeting.   

What is the cost for consultation services?

$90/hour by a speech therapist

$75/hour by a developmental therapist

All services by Family Times will be charged mileage at the rate of $.40/mile (for each mile over 30 miles) if greater than 30 miles from Greenfield, IN.