FAQS
Financial
HOW DO I PAY FOR SERVICES?
I accept cash, check, credit card payments, or wireless payments via Zelle on the day of service prior to the start of the session. I am currently accepting Medicare and am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. I am in the process of enrolling with other insurance providers, but am unable to work with Aetna/Holista. Contact me to find out more about session rates. Screenings and initial consultations are free.
CAN I USE MY HSA, FSA, OR INSURANCE TO PAY FOR TRAINING OR SPEAKER COACHING?
No. Only disordered speech, language, voice, or swallowing is covered by insurance.
ARE WEB-BASED THERAPY SERVICES COVERED BY INSURANCE?
During the pandemic, many insurance companies began covering online therapy, but have since rolled back coverage. You will need to confirm coverage with your insurance provider.
Web-based services
DO YOU PROVIDE SERVICES TO CLIENTS OUTSIDE OF TEXAS?
Accent training and speaker coaching services are available online to clients worldwide via a secure web-based platform. Speech therapy services are only available to Texas clients due to licensing restrictions.
ARE WEB-BASED SERVICES EFFECTIVE?
Research has shown that web-based speech therapy is effective even for early childhood intervention. In some cases, teletherapy may be the only way a family or client can receive services due to scheduling or mobility issues.
In-person services
I HAVEN’T HAD IN-HOME TRAINING/THERAPY BEFORE. HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
If you didn’t have time to fold your laundry before the session, that’s OK! All that’s required is a quiet space reasonably free from distractions. In some cases, you may be asked to provide some items you already own, such as frequently used books or games, that will be integrated into the session.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Polished Speech, PLLC is based in southwest Houston and provides in-person speech-language therapy for clients located in central Houston, Bellaire, Meyerland, Westbury, Ft. Bend, Sugar Land, and Katy at the client's home or office.
Accent Training
WHY DO I NEED ACCENT TRAINING IF I GREW UP SPEAKING ENGLISH?
Accent training helps native English speakers modify their regional dialect. Polished Speech also provides dialect training to those who want to learn regional or foreign accents.
WILL ACCENT TRAINING MAKE ME LOSE MY CULTURAL IDENTITY?
I value and respect diverse cultural backgrounds. During training sessions, I focus solely on teaching you new skills to reduce misunderstandings and frustration when communicating, rather than taking away from your unique culture. I will work with you to identify the scope of your goals in accent modification, whether that is learning an entirely new accent, or targeting vocabulary used in specific situations.
Speaker Coaching
WILL YOU HELP WRITE MY PRESENTATION?
Yes and no. With speaker coaching, I will work on your enunciation, tempo, rhythm, vocal quality, eye contact, hand gestures, body posture, and stage (or camera) presence. We can either work on an upcoming presentation or performance, or review a past recording. I will also give suggestions for refining your written content if requested.
For speechwriting, I will refer you to my affiliate.
COVID-19
WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19?
Out of an abundance of care and to keep our communities safe and healthy, I can set up web-based sessions for all clients. If you live in the Greater Houston area, and are comfortable meeting in person, we can schedule sessions at your home or office. You must complete a health screening and sign a waiver on the day of each in-person visit before services can be provided. Masks may be required according to government guidelines and on a case-by-base basis.
Cancellations
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
We request 24 hours’ notice for cancellations, except in case of emergency. For repeated cancellations or no-shows, clients risk discontinuation of services.
Privacy
WHY DO I NEED TO CREATE A CLIENT ACCOUNT?
Your client account is a secure way to submit forms and payments through the website. Accent training clients may also purchase and view some training materials through the website. I may notify clients who have expressed an interest when new publications are available. I will never share your personal information with anyone without prior written consent from you.
IS MY WEB-BASED TRAINING OR THERAPY SECURE?
Yes. Polished Speech sessions are held on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Your identity and information are secure.
Tech Support
HOW DO I RESET MY PASSWORD TO MY CLIENT ACCOUNT?
Passwords may be reset using the “Forgot Password” link on the login page.
If you are locked out of your account, please call 713-723-2295, or email kim@polishedspeech.com
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