Common Questions About Telehealth Speech and Voice Therapy

Blue Ridge Speech & Voice offers therapy entirely online, and many people have questions about how it works. Below we answer some of the most common ones—perfect for anyone considering telehealth services for voice, speech, swallowing, or cognitive concerns.

What conditions can be treated through telehealth?

Telehealth is effective for every service we offer, including gender-affirming voice therapy, Parkinson’s disease voice and speech therapy, swallowing (dysphagia) treatment, aphasia therapy, cognitive-communication retraining, and care for voice disorders like muscle tension dysphonia or vocal nodules.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person sessions?

Yes. Research shows that speech-language pathology services delivered via secure video platforms are just as effective as traditional in-clinic therapy for most communication and swallowing goals. It's just a different service delivery method, not a different level of service.

How long are sessions?

Most sessions last about 45 minutes, allowing time for guided practice, feedback, and discussion without causing vocal or cognitive fatigue. Some clients do best with 30 minute sessions, so we tailor the length of our sessions to each individual client and their needs.

How often will I need therapy?

Frequency varies based on your goals and diagnosis. Many clients start with weekly sessions to build skills, then taper to biweekly or monthly check-ins as they gain independence.

Will my insurance cover telehealth speech therapy?

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary speech-language pathology services, including telehealth. Coverage differs by plan and state, so we provide a courtesy benefits check and encourage you to confirm details directly with your insurance provider. Remember, the check we do can only show what your plan benefits are, and is in no way meant to be a guarantee of insurance payment. Insurance companies make that decision at the time claims are processed. Having benefits doesn't always mean that a member actually gets to use them, with the current healthcare system in our country.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

A referral isn’t usually required, unless you're a Medicare beneficiary. Some insurance plans may request a referral or a prior authorization/precertification, and we can guide you through any paperwork if that applies to your coverage. We take care of the prior authorization request for you, when needed.

Which states can you see clients in?

Because licensing rules require that your clinician be licensed in both the state where they practice and the state where you are physically located, we currently serve clients in New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Oregon, Colorado, and California (this list is current as of today, 9/22/2025, but more states will be available soon with the SLP compact license that begins around the end of 2025)

What technology do I need for a session?

All you need is a stable internet connection, a computer, phone, or tablet with a camera and microphone, and a quiet space. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform to protect your privacy.

How do I get started?

You can schedule a free consultation through our website here. We’ll use this brief chat to answer your questions and help you determine if we're the right practice for you. If you know that you would like to use us as your practice, we recommend that you schedule an evaluation instead of a consultation. The evaluation appointment is when we create a personalized plan that fits your goals.

Key Takeaway:Telehealth speech and voice therapy is effective, convenient, and fully personalized. Whether you’re working on gender-affirming voice, Parkinson’s communication, swallowing safety, or cognitive skills, Blue Ridge Speech & Voice provides expert care wherever you are licensed to receive it.