Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Our office is located at 110 Main St in Saco, ME. We also offer online sessions via Zoom. Our office is accessible to wheelchairs, and an elevator is available for public use.

Why is a speech-language pathologist a good person to help with interpersonal coaching?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely qualified masters level professionals. We can provide interpersonal coaching due to our extensive training in communication and human interaction. We are holistically trained in all aspects of communication, including both verbal and non-verbal elements.

Why should I choose The SLP by the Sea as a coaching or therapy provider?

We are a small, independent practice with a very personalized approach. We are not, and will never be a “therapy mill”— everything we do will be tailored to fit YOU. We embrace all progress, fast and slow, and will work to celebrate and support you every step of the way!

Additionally, we offer texting for questions and concerns during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9-5pm), at no additional charge. If you want feedback on how your practice is going, need more materials, or want to send a video for feedback, we will respond in between sessions. You will find that this level of care is not available everywhere!

What is the difference between coaching and speech therapy?

Coaching services are elective, and will not be covered by insurance, as they do not have an accompanying medical diagnosis. Speech therapy may be partially or fully covered by insurance, depending on your specific plan and diagnosis.

Will my insurance company pay for speech therapy? reimburse me if you are out-of-network?

This is highly dependent on your insurance plan. Some plans have limitations, while others will cover speech therapy in full. It’s important to check with your insurance company prior to beginning therapy. Many insurance plans will still reimburse you for out-of-network speech therapy services, and we can provide the itemized receipt (SuperBill) that you need to submit for that.

Which insurances do you take?

We are in network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, and MaineCare. The SLP by the Sea is considered out-of-network with all other insurance companies at this time.

How old are your clients?

The SLP by the Sea specializes in services for school-aged children, teens, and adults. We provide an office setting that isn’t overly “pediatric”, and will make people of all ages feel comfortable and relaxed. That being said, please feel free to reach out about your younger child’s specific needs. If our practice is not the right fit for you, we will direct you to one of our trusted colleagues in the southern Maine area!

What kinds of activities do you do in speech therapy?

Depending on the speech and language goals, this will vary a lot! We might read articles or passages, do mock presentations, role play situations, have conversations, or play games targeting different goals. We love to incorporate real life tasks such as using the phone to order an item, or filling out a job application, wherever applicable.

How long will I need speech therapy for?

The answer is…it depends! Some people might need a month or less, especially if they have a very specific, short term goal (like preparing for a job interview). Sometimes, speech therapy is long-term. Many people start by seeing a speech therapist once a week or biweekly. This can taper down, as you become more confident in your skills! We will determine scheduling together as you progress through therapy.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can email alisha@theslpbythesea.com, call 207-292-3628, or use the website contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!