Is Telehealth the Right Fit for My Family?

A Reference Guide to Telehealth Services in Today’s World

Written by Kristie Owens

July 2025

Let’s face it—life gets hectic. Between work, school, extracurriculars, and everything in between, finding time for important appointments can feel like a juggling act. If your family is constantly on the go, teletherapy might be the flexible solution you’ve been looking for.

At Playful Paths Speech Therapy, we understand that every child deserves dedicated time and support to develop communication skills, no matter how busy life gets. That’s why we offer virtual speech therapy sessions designed to fit seamlessly into your family’s routine.

Our teletherapy option brings high-quality, interactive speech therapy right to your home—no commute, no stress. Whether you’re managing multiple kids' schedules or simply prefer the comfort of home, virtual sessions can offer the structure and consistency your child needs to thrive.

Why Telehealth Might Be the Right Fit for Your Family’s Speech Therapy Needs

Communication happens everywhere. It happens in the real moments of daily life, at breakfast, during play, while brushing teeth, or chatting before bed. That’s why telehealth is such a powerful tool. It brings therapy into your home and invites you, the parent or caregiver, to play a central role in your child’s growth.

But telehealth is not just about convenience. When implemented correctly, and with the right support, it can deliver life-changing results across a wide range of communication needs, from the most complex to the most subtle.

Real Life Is Busy, Telehealth Makes it Work

Let’s start with the practical benefits. Between school, work, therapies, and the constant buzz of daily life, finding time for yet another appointment can feel impossible. With telehealth, therapy can happen from the comfort of your home. That flexibility means fewer missed sessions, less disruption to your day, and more consistency for your child, which is critical for progress.

Parents Are Essential in Teletherapy

One of the greatest strengths of telehealth is how it invites families into the therapy process. You get a front-row seat, not just to observe, but to engage. Whether you are holding flashcards, modeling AAC use, or cheering your child on, your involvement is key.

ASHA (2022) emphasizes that family involvement is essential for effective telepractice, especially for younger children and those with complex communication needs. Research shows that when caregivers are engaged, children generalize skills more easily across environments, from the screen to the dinner table.

Carryover Isn’t a Bonus, It’s the Goal

No matter how skilled your therapist is, real progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when a child begins to apply what they’ve learned outside the session, during real moments of daily living. That’s why telehealth is so impactful, it also teaches the caregiver, enabling them to extend learning opportunities throughout the day.

Whether it is narrating your actions during a morning routine or prompting a request during snack time, these simple moments become powerful tools for building communication.

Familiar Spaces Foster Better Focus

For many children, especially those with autism, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities, the familiarity of home removes barriers that might otherwise interfere with participation. There are fewer distractions, less sensory overwhelm, and more comfort. This can lead to more focused sessions, higher engagement, and greater emotional regulation, all of which set the stage for meaningful progress.

Supporting a Wide Range of Communication Needs

Whether your child is nonspeaking and learning to use AAC, has mild articulation delays, or is working on pragmatic language and social skills, telehealth can meet them where they are.

When caregivers are supported and trained by a knowledgeable therapist, they become powerful facilitators of communication. ASHA (2022) notes that telepractice is effective across ages and severity levels, from toddlers learning their first words to older students working on expressive language or fluency.

With thoughtful implementation, individualized strategies, and active caregiver involvement, telehealth works for a broad spectrum of abilities.

Making It Work: What “Properly Implemented” Really Means in Teletherapy

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), telepractice can be just as effective as in-person therapy when it’s done right. But what exactly does done right mean? Let’s break it down.

Speech and language therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored to telehealth
Sessions are goal-driven and adapted to the child’s needs
Families are coached and equipped to participate during and between sessions
Technology is used to enhance (not replace) connection and engagement
There is a clear plan for follow-through, collaboration, and progress monitoring

Growing Together: A Commitment to Learning

Telehealth gives families and therapists a unique opportunity: to learn together. As therapists, we’re here to share strategies, adapt plans, and respond to what’s working (or not). As a parent, your insights help us tailor sessions to your child’s interests, needs, and personality. This collaborative approach builds confidence, not just in your child, but in you as a communication partner.

At Playful Paths Speech Therapy, we go beyond just showing up on a screen. We are continually growing our knowledge of telepractice, communication development, and family coaching to ensure that every child, and every family, has the tools they need to succeed.

Families shouldn’t just receive therapy, they should feel empowered by it. Through regular check-ins, coaching, and open communication, our goal is to equip you with tools you can use well beyond the session.

Every child deserves the chance to connect, express themselves, and feel heard. And every family deserves a model of therapy that works with their life, not against it. We believe telehealth is more than just an option, it’s a bridge between professional support and everyday life.

When you join your child’s speech therapy sessions, whether you’re modeling a sound, reinforcing a sign, or helping with AAC, you’re not just helping in the moment. You’re shaping how your child communicates in the world.

Ready to See What Telehealth Can Do?

If you’ve been curious about telehealth, or maybe even skeptical, we invite you to give it a try. With the right support, the right knowledge, and a strong partnership between you and your therapist, telehealth can become a deeply meaningful and effective part of your child’s speech and language journey.

References:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2022). Telepractice.

Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/telepractice/