Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I do if I suspect my child has a speech or hearing problem?

Contact a Speech/Language Pathologist or an Audiologist to discuss scheduling a speech or hearing evaluation. Refer to the Links Section for more information on services that are available in Santa Barbara and in other areas as well.

2. How much do your services cost?

All of our services are free, thanks to the generosity of Scottish Rite Masons, community grants, and donations. Also, there are other agencies that provide free services (Tri-Counties Regional Center and the Santa Barbara County of Education, for example).

3. What are your eligibility guidelines?

Our Center provides services for preschool children with speech and language disorders who the therapist believes will benefit from such services. We typically serve children with articulation problems, phonological delays, language disorders, stuttering, and auditory processing problems. Children will not be enrolled if they are receiving services from two or more agencies. If there is a question about the appropriateness of therapy here, the child will be enrolled for a 3-month trial period. If significant progress is made, therapy will continue as deemed appropriate by the treating therapist.

4. Do you have a waiting list?

Yes, due to the large number of inquiries. The average wait time is approximately 9 months to a year.

5. How often will my child attend speech therapy, if it is needed?

Children are usually scheduled for therapy 1-2 times a week for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their needs and therapy availability.

6. How long will my child need to attend therapy?

It is dependent on many factors, such as the disorder being treated, the severity of the problem, motivation, and parental involvement. There is an 18-month therapy limit at our Center.

7. Are your speech therapists licensed?

Yes, our clinicians are required to have a Master's Degree, ASHA Certification, and a current license from the State of California. All have met national standards and hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence.

8. What should I do if I am concerned about autism?

If you suspect autism or want to rule it out, there are agencies in Santa Barbara that can help. Contact the Tri-Counties Regional Center and/or the UCSB Koegel Autism Center (refer to the Links Section for their websites). Santa Barbara County offers preschool day programs for children with autism, such as LEAP (Learning Enrichment Autism Program).

9. How can I help as a parent?

You have already taken the first step by finding out more about your child's development. Continue to advocate for your child. Take time to read to your child every day. Get involved with your child's daycare provider, teacher, therapist, or other service provider. They can give you more specific tips for your child.

Some books that we recommend are the following:

Childhood Speech, Language, and Listening Problems by Patricia McAleer Hamaguchi and
Teach Me How to Say it Right by Dorothy Dougherty.