Question 1

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We currently accept Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United HealthCare. For private pay or out-of-network, we will be happy to provide you with a superbill for reimbursement from your insurance company.

Question 2

Do I need an ENT referral to begin voice therapy?

Accepted Answer

No, you can contact me directly to discuss your case.

However, if you have not already completed an evaluation with an ENT (Ear, Nose, & Throat) physician, it may be recommended before voice therapy can begin. If you have had symptoms such as hoarseness, roughness, loss of voice, discomfort while talking or singing, increased effort, or any other changes in speech, swallowing, throat sensation, or voice quality for two weeks or more, it is recommended that you see an ENT who can visualize your vocal folds and determine any underlying causes for your voice problem.

Question 3

My child does not have a voice disorder, he has trouble saying his sounds. Can you help him?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While I do specialize in diagnosing and treating children and adults with voice disorders, I have years of experience working with children and would love to help your child with his/her articulation and/or phonological difficulties. I also treat children who stutter.

Call me and we can talk about your child's specific needs.

Question 4

My voice is tired/weak/strained by the end of the day. Does voice therapy address this?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many of us have high vocal demands at our jobs, in our communities, and at home. Sometimes the amount we are speaking and/or the way in which we are speaking can lead to vocal fatigue or a even a change in voice quality by the end of the day. Voice therapy offers tips and education on how to care for your voice and exercises on how to use it efficiently so that you can avoid fatigue and prevent further problems.

Please note, if you have experienced persistent hoarseness, fatigue, or feeling the need to strain to speak for two week or more weeks, it is adviced that you see an ENT for evaluation.

Question 5

I have Parkinson’s, can voice therapy help me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I am certified in both LSVT LOUD and the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program.

LSVT LOUD and the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program are effective speech treatments for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurological conditions.

LSVT LOUD trains people with PD to use their voice at a more normal loudness level while speaking at home, work, or in the community. Key to the treatment is helping people "recalibrate" their perceptions so they know how loud or soft they sound to other people and can feel comfortable using a stronger voice at a normal loudness level.  
(Resource: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTLOUD)

The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program offers a unique speech treatment to help patients regain and retain their speech and communication while minimizing swallowing issues. SPEAK OUT! combines education for the patient and family, individual speech therapy, daily home practice using workbooks, flashcards, and online practice sessions, weekly speech and singing groups, and regular re-evaluations.
(Resource: https://pvprebuildstg.wpenginepowered.com/program/speak-out/)

Voice therapy has been demonstrated to be the most effective method of treating the lower volume, lower energy, and rapid rate of speech in persons with Parkinson’s disease (Dromey et al., 1995; Fox et al., 2006).

Reach out with any questions you may have about either program!

Question 6

I am not a singer, is voice therapy appropriate for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Voice therapy is for anyone who is having difficulty with their voice. No prior knowledge of the voice is needed to begin treatment.

Question 7

How long does voice therapy take?

Accepted Answer

While each case is different and depends on your diagnosis, prognosis, and your ability to participate in an individualized home practice program, voice therapy generally runs between 5-12 sessions. We will ideally meet once per week for 45 minutes, or as your schedule permits.

Those with Parkinson's disease or similar conditions participating in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) will follow a more intensive schedule, either online or in-person. LSVT clients will meet four times per week for four consecutive weeks (16 total sessions after the initial evaluation). After the initial 16 sessions we will meet for follow up sessions around every six months, or as needed. There is also the option to participate in virtual online group exercise classes (LSVT Loud for Life) once the initial course of treatment has been completed.

Question 8

What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction? How do you treat this?

Accepted Answer

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD), also referred to as Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM), Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO), or Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO), is an upper airway disorder that can be exercise induced, and/or triggered by emotional stress or environmental irritants such as perfumes, chemicals, or fumes. During episodes of VCD, it is difficult to breathe because the vocal folds are closing when they should be open during inhalation. VCD can present like asthma and is often misdiagnosed as such.  It is possible to have both asthma and VCD.

Symptoms of VCD include:
 - shortness of breath 
 - lightheadedness
 - difficulty breathing in 
 - noise on inhalation
 - tightness in the throat or chest
 - frequent throat clearing/cough
 - changes in voice
 
VCD is treatable and treatment is frequently successful. Sessions targeting VCD involve education on vocal health and hygiene, exercises that allow the vocal folds to stay open during breathing and during episodes of VCD, and becoming aware of triggers that cause episodes. Each session is personalized to meet your specific needs.

Question 9

What is Chronic Cough and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Cough is a cough lasting longer than 4 weeks in children and longer than 8 weeks in adults. It can be caused by allergies, acid reflux, asthma, previous viruses that impact the respiratory system, and muscle tension.

Symptoms of Chronic Cough include:
 - frequent need to cough
 - voice changes related to frequent coughing

Treatment of chronic cough involves education on vocal health and hygiene, identifying triggers or irritants that may cause the cough, and exercises that encourage a relaxed and open airway.

Frequently asked questions