Have you considered telepractice (also known as teletherapy)?  Do you want to explore your options but don’t know where to begin?  One of the questions I receive MOST often about telepractice from fellow SLPs is, “which teletherapy companies would you recommend?”  I absolutely love to help and want to empower you to make informed decisions, but this is a question that I am very careful about answering.  The reality is, it really depends on what your personal needs are.  Doing your research is very important.  This will allow you to determine the best fit for YOU and your family. 

I have been an SLP for over thirteen years.  The last four years of my journey have been as a teletherapist.  Before I ventured into this model of service delivery, I definitely did my research.  I joined the ASHA Special Interest Group 18 for Telepractice.  I read through as much literature and research that I could find at the time.  A lot has changed in the past four years since I started in telepractice.  I expect things will continue to change for the better in the coming future. 

Questions to Ask

If you are seriously considering telepractice here are a few questions that you might want to consider when researching the best company for you:

Does the company offer full-time, salaried positions with benefits?

There are a few companies, that I am aware of, that DO offer teletherapists full-time, salaried positions with benefits.  Unfortunately, FT salaried positions are the exception and not the norm at this point. I am very hopeful that as more companies enter into the space of telepractice, that there will be an increased demand to remain competitive.  In order recruit and maintain the most talented SLPs, offering competitive wages with benefits is going to be a must.

For those already working in the telepractice space, you should be proud of yourself for helping to blaze a trail for others.  This service delivery model is going to continue to grow and it is partly due to the brave efforts of those who took a risk and stepped outside the box to explore a very effective and cutting-edge approach to therapy.

How many hours per week do I need to work? Will the company be able to offer me an immediate caseload to meet my needs?

If you will be working as a contract therapist, most companies will need time to help you build an adequate caseload to meet your needs.  Building a caseload can take several days and sometimes weeks depending upon the number of licenses you hold and your flexibility with your availability.  It is very important that you are aware of this so that you can budget accordingly.  Be very open and honest with the companies that you interview with. 

It can be extremely challenging and a financial burden to have to wait several weeks to grow your caseload.  The more flexible you are with your availability, the easier it will be to build your caseload.  For instance, if you are only available for 4 hours a day between 8:00-12:00 you may find that your caseload grows slower than if you are available for 4 hours a day between 8:00-5:00.   Offering a wider range of availability at the onset will be beneficial and you can always adjust your schedule as necessary once you have an established caseload.

Will I be reimbursed for the expenses associated with licensure (i.e. state fees, fingerprinting cost, time to obtain, etc.)?

The licensure process can be very cumbersome, expensive, and time consuming.  It is important to know how much of the expense you are expected to absorb.  Question whether the potential company you are going to be working for will reimburse you for your out of pocket costs and time spent applying for multiple licenses.  Be sure to get clarification during your interview regarding expectations related to obtaining licenses.  As you acquire more licenses in various states, you will be more marketable.  However, you should definitely educate yourself on the maintenance procedures for each state because they do vary. 

What equipment will I need and, is any of the cost for my equipment covered by the company?

This is a very good question.  Please note that most independent contract working arrangements will require that you absorb the total cost of your equipment.  If you are an independent contractor, you are not employed by the company.  You will be expected to have the necessary equipment to perform the duties of your job.  The basics are a computer (desktop or laptop), headset, webcam, and high-speed internet.  If you are working for the company as an “employee” (W2 status), the equipment generally will be provided to you but definitely ask this question during your interview process to ensure that you are prepared and know what to expect once hired.

Will I be provided with materials to treat my students?  If so, what is included?

Resource materials for telepractice platforms have come a long way since I started four years ago.  Many telepractice companies provide access to platform friendly materials for their teletherapists (both contractors and employees).  The number of resources available varies widely by company.  Some companies may also provide you with a stipend to purchase resources to “fill” your digital toolbox.  This is a great benefit to have.  This will allow you to purchase and customize your materials based on the individual needs of your caseload, which is very important. 

I personally use a wide variety of resources with my students.  To get a better understanding of what formats of digital materials are telepractice platform friendly you may want to read my blog post: How to Save Time and Money with Digital Resources.  Everything that I create in my shop is designed with a telepractice platform in mind.  My resources are digital for use on telepractice platforms but work great face to face too!

Will I be required to maintain liability insurance?

If you plan to work as a contract therapist, most companies will require that you maintain your own liability policy.  This is something that you will need to discuss with the company you plan to work for to determine the amount of coverage necessary.  If you work directly for a company as their “employee”, generally you will not be required to maintain your own personal liability policy. However, it is something you need to think about to determine if you would like to have an added layer of protection.

Will I be paid for cancellations and no-shows?

Cancellations and no-shows are an unfortunate part of our business.  Whether you will be paid for your time depends upon your contract.  This is something that you will need to negotiate and get clarification on during your interview process.  The policy for cancellations and no-shows does vary among telepractice companies.

If you’re working as a contract therapist you will want to ensure that you thoroughly understand this policy.  When a client does not show up for a scheduled session it is important to know if you will be compensated for your time.  This should include the time you spent preparing for the session as well as the time you have allocated in your schedule for the treatment. 

Will I be provided with access to assessment protocols and batteries?

When you are equipped with the appropriate tools, completing evaluations can be very seamless via a telepractice platform.  Be sure that the company you plan to work for clearly explains what will be provided to you to aid in completing evaluations.  This will vary greatly depending upon the company, so be sure you are clear on what is available to you. 

These are just a few questions to consider when researching prospective telepractice companies.  I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to do your own research.  When it comes to finding the best fit for you, please know that one size does not fit all. 

Companies to Work For

I have included a list of telepractice companies, that I am aware of, to help you on your journey.  This list is in no way all inclusive.  If you work for a company that is not listed here, please contact me and I will be happy to add it.  I am not affiliated with nor do I endorse any one company.  This information is based on the questions that I receive from so many of you. I just want to help you feel empowered on your quest for information.

• AmplioSpeech
• DotCom Therapy
• EBS Healthcare
• E-Luma Therapy
• Global Teletherapy
• Pearson Online and Blended Learning (Connections Academy)
• Presence Learning
• ProCare Therapy
• SLP Tele
• Speech and Reading Resources
• Teleteachers
• Therapy Travelers
• TinyEYE
• VocoVision

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please comment below or email me directly at belinda@bvgslp.com.  I’m happy to help!  I look forward to providing you with more valuable information to help you navigate through the world of telepractice.  If you would like to learn more about my personal experience as a teletherapist, please read my post: Teletherapy – What to Know Before You Start. 

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