How to Start an SLP Telepractice: Your Complete Guide

ASHA reported that telepractice use among SLPs jumped from roughly 2% before 2020 to well over 50% during the pandemic, and employer demand for remote speech-language pathologists has remained elevated through 2025. That shift was not a temporary workaround. School districts, early intervention programs, and private clients have continued choosing virtual sessions because they solve a real access problem, especially in rural and underserved areas where SLP shortages persist.

If you hold your CCC-SLP and a state license, the clinical barrier to entry is low. The operational barriers are what trip people up: multi-state licensure, HIPAA-compliant platforms, insurance credentialing, and the private-pay-versus-insurance decision that determines your per-session revenue. This guide walks through each of those pieces, from SLP compact states and ASHA scope of practice speech-language pathology compliance to technology setup and billing, so you can get them right before your first billable session and build a sustainable practice rather than an expensive experiment.

What Is SLP Telepractice?

Telepractice is the application of telecommunications technology to deliver speech-language pathology services at a distance. That definition comes directly from ASHA, which chose the term "telepractice" deliberately to distinguish the work speech pathologists vs speech therapists and audiologists do from the broader healthcare umbrella of "telehealth." Understanding that distinction is one of the first steps toward launching a successful virtual practice.

Telehealth vs. Telepractice: What Is the Difference?

Telehealth is a generic term used across medicine, nursing, psychology, and other health professions to describe any remote delivery of clinical services or health information. Telepractice is ASHA's discipline-specific term, reserved for the remote delivery of audiology and speech-language pathology services. When you see job postings or state regulations that reference "telehealth," the rules typically apply to telepractice as well, but ASHA's guidelines, ethical standards, and scope-of-practice documents use "telepractice" as the preferred label. Knowing which term a state licensing board or payer uses can save you confusion when you begin applying for credentials or submitting claims.

More Than Just Therapy Sessions

A common misconception is that telepractice only covers direct intervention, meaning the therapy sessions themselves. In reality, telepractice encompasses the full scope of SLP service delivery:

• Evaluation: Standardized and informal assessments conducted via live video, sometimes supplemented by materials sent to a caregiver or facilitator on the client's end.
• Intervention: Ongoing treatment sessions targeting articulation, language, fluency, voice, swallowing, and other communication disorders.
• Consultation: Collaboration with teachers, parents, caregivers, and other professionals to support carryover and plan goals.

If a service falls within an SLP's scope of practice in person, it can potentially be delivered through telepractice, provided the clinician determines it is appropriate for the individual client. Clinicians working in schools, for example, often find telepractice aligns well with the responsibilities of a school speech language pathologist.

Synchronous, Asynchronous, and Hybrid Models

Telepractice can take several forms. Synchronous telepractice is the most common model in speech-language pathology: clinician and client connect through live, real-time video. Asynchronous telepractice, sometimes called "store-and-forward," involves collecting data such as voice or speech samples that a clinician reviews later. A hybrid model blends both approaches. The vast majority of SLP telepractice relies on synchronous sessions because real-time interaction is essential for cueing, modeling, and providing immediate feedback during therapy. However, asynchronous methods can be valuable for certain assessment tasks, progress monitoring, or consultation with other professionals across time zones.

Credentials and Licensing Requirements for Telepractice SLPs

Telepractice does not require a separate or special credential beyond what you already hold as a speech-language pathologist. You still need your ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and a valid state license. What makes telepractice uniquely complex is not the credential itself but the fact that your clients may sit in a different state than you do. If you are still working toward your credentials, our speech pathologist career guide covers the full pathway from education through certification.

The Client-State Rule

This is the single most important licensing concept for telepractice SLPs: you must hold a license in the state where your client is physically located at the time of the session, not the state where you are sitting. If you live in Texas but your client logs on from their home in Florida, you need a Florida license to provide that session legally. The rationale is straightforward. State licensing boards exist to protect consumers within their borders, so the client's location determines which board has jurisdiction.

For SLPs who want to serve clients in multiple states, this rule historically meant applying for, paying for, and maintaining individual licenses in every state where a client might reside. That process is expensive, time-consuming, and administratively burdensome, especially when licensing timelines, renewal cycles, and continuing education requirements differ from state to state.

The ASLP Interstate Compact: A Game-Changer

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) was designed to solve exactly this problem. It is a formal agreement among participating states that allows eligible SLPs to obtain a "compact privilege" to practice in other member states without applying for a full license in each one. For a deeper look at eligibility rules and member states, see our SLP interstate compact guide.

Here is how it works in practice:

• Eligibility: You must hold an active license in good standing in your home state, and that home state must be a participating compact member that has been onboarded into the system.¹
• Application method: You apply online through CompactConnect, the digital platform that manages compact privileges.¹
• Scope of practice: A compact privilege is the functional equivalent of a full license. It allows you to provide the same range of services you would with an individual state license.¹
• State-specific rules still apply: Even with a compact privilege, you must follow the laws and regulations of the state where your client is located. Telepractice rules, supervision requirements, and scope-of-practice details can vary.¹

As of 2026, 37 states have enacted the ASLP Interstate Compact.¹ However, enacting the compact and actively issuing privileges are two different milestones. As of early 2026, three states (Louisiana, Ohio, and West Virginia) have begun issuing compact privileges through CompactConnect.¹ Other enacted states are in various stages of implementation, with a broader rollout expected through 2025 and 2026. Because this landscape changes frequently, check the official ASLP Compact Commission website for the most current list of states that are actively issuing privileges before you make business decisions based on compact access.

Keep in mind that the compact privilege is not automatic. You must apply through CompactConnect and receive formal issuance before practicing in another member state. Simply holding a license in an enacted state does not grant you immediate authority to treat clients elsewhere.¹

Can You Do Telepractice Part-Time While Working for an Employer?

Yes, many SLPs run a small telepractice on the side while working full-time for a school district, hospital, or private clinic. There is no licensing rule that prevents you from holding both roles. However, there are practical and contractual considerations you need to address first:

• Non-compete clauses: Review your employment contract carefully. Some employers include non-compete language that restricts you from providing speech-language pathology services to certain populations or within a geographic radius, which could extend to virtual clients.
• Moonlighting policies: Even without a formal non-compete, many employers have policies requiring you to disclose outside employment or obtain written approval before starting a side practice.
• Conflict of interest: Avoid soliciting current clients or referral sources from your employer for your private telepractice. Beyond being an ethical concern, it can be grounds for termination.

If your contract is clear and your employer has no objections, part-time telepractice is one of the most accessible ways to test the waters before committing to full independence. It lets you build clinical confidence with virtual service delivery, experiment with scheduling and technology, and begin developing a client base, all while maintaining the financial stability of a salaried position.

Questions to Ask Yourself

ASHA Telepractice Guidelines and Compliance

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognizes telepractice as an appropriate model for delivering speech-language pathology services, provided it can produce outcomes equivalent to traditional in-person care. That last part is critical: ASHA places the responsibility squarely on the individual SLP to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether telepractice is appropriate for each client. There is no blanket approval or blanket restriction. You must use your clinical judgment, consider the client's needs, and document your rationale.

Understanding and following these guidelines is essential before you see your first virtual client.

HIPAA Compliance Essentials

Because telepractice involves transmitting protected health information (PHI) over the internet, HIPAA compliance is non-negotiable. Here is what that looks like in practice:

• HIPAA-compliant platform: Use only videoconferencing and practice management tools that meet HIPAA security standards. Consumer apps like FaceTime, Skype, or standard Zoom do not qualify unless they offer a HIPAA-eligible plan.
• Business Associate Agreement (BAA): Every third-party vendor that handles PHI on your behalf must sign a BAA. This includes your video platform, cloud storage provider, electronic health record system, and even your email service if you discuss client information through it.
• Encryption: All communications, whether live video sessions, stored session recordings, or emailed documents, must be encrypted both in transit and at rest.
• Secure storage: Client records should be stored in encrypted, access-controlled systems. Avoid saving session files to personal devices without proper safeguards.

Violations can result in significant fines and damage to your professional reputation, so treat HIPAA compliance as a foundational requirement rather than a checkbox.

Informed Consent Requirements

Before treatment begins, clients (or their legal guardians) must provide written informed consent that specifically addresses the telepractice format. Your consent form should clearly explain:

• That services will be delivered remotely using audio and video technology
• The specific technology platforms being used
• Potential risks, such as technology failures, reduced ability to observe certain physical cues, and privacy limitations inherent to internet-based communication
• Potential benefits, including increased access to specialized services and scheduling flexibility
• The client's right to withdraw consent and request in-person services at any time

Keep signed consent forms on file and revisit them periodically, especially if your technology setup changes.

Documentation Specifics for Telepractice

Session notes for telepractice carry a few additional requirements beyond standard clinical documentation. Each note should reflect:

• That the session was conducted via telepractice (specifying synchronous video, asynchronous, or a hybrid model)
• The client's physical location at the time of the session, which matters for state licensing and billing purposes
• Any technology disruptions that occurred during the session, such as dropped connections, audio or video lag, or platform crashes, and how those issues affected service delivery

These details protect you legally and support accurate billing. They also help you track patterns. If a particular client consistently experiences connectivity issues, that may factor into your ongoing assessment of whether telepractice remains appropriate for them.

State-Specific Rules Beyond ASHA Guidelines

ASHA guidelines represent the professional standard, but they are not the only rules you need to follow. Many states layer their own telepractice regulations on top of ASHA's framework. These can include requirements around where the client must be located during the session, whether an initial in-person evaluation is required before telepractice can begin, specific technology standards, and additional consent language.

Because you must be licensed in the state where your client is physically located at the time of service, always check the licensing board in that state for its current telepractice rules. The ASLP-IC can simplify multistate practice, but it does not override individual state telepractice policies. Regulations in this area are evolving quickly, so make it a habit to review state requirements at least once or twice a year.

Technology and Platform Setup for SLP Telepractice

Your technology stack is the backbone of your telepractice. Choosing the right platform affects everything from session quality to compliance, so it pays to evaluate your options carefully before committing.

Choosing a HIPAA-Compliant Platform

Any platform you use for telepractice must be HIPAA compliant, and the vendor must provide a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) that spells out how protected health information is handled. When evaluating a platform, go directly to the vendor's website and look for a dedicated "Security" or "Compliance" page. If a BAA is not prominently mentioned, treat that as a red flag.

Several platforms are popular among SLPs in 2025:

• TheraPlatform: Built specifically for therapists. Includes interactive whiteboards, screen sharing, digital therapy materials, and integrated practice management (scheduling, documentation, billing). A BAA is included. Monthly plans generally start around $39 per month for a basic tier.
• SimplePractice: A robust practice management platform with a built-in telehealth portal, scheduling, insurance claim filing, and a client portal. A BAA is provided. Plans start near $29 per month, with telehealth included in higher tiers.
• Zoom for Healthcare: A HIPAA-compliant version of Zoom with a BAA included. It offers reliable video, screen sharing, and annotation tools, though it lacks SLP-specific therapy materials and built-in practice management. Pricing for healthcare plans typically starts around $13 to $22 per user per month.
• doxy.me: A browser-based telehealth platform with a free tier that includes HIPAA compliance and a BAA. The free version is basic, while paid tiers (starting around $35 per month) add a virtual waiting room, session analytics, and custom branding.
• TheraNest: Geared toward mental and behavioral health practitioners but usable by SLPs. Includes telehealth, notes, billing, and a client portal. A BAA is provided. Plans start at roughly $39 per month.

Newer platforms enter the market regularly. To stay current, monitor telehealth industry news through outlets like HIMSS Media or HIPAA Journal, and follow discussions through ASHA's Special Interest Group 18, which focuses on telepractice.

Features That Matter Most for SLPs

Not all telehealth platforms are created equal for speech-language pathology. When comparing options, prioritize features that directly support your clinical work. You may also want to explore best speech therapy apps that complement your primary platform and expand your digital toolkit.

• Interactive whiteboards: Essential for articulation drills, language activities, and visual supports.
• Screen sharing with annotation: Lets you share digital materials and mark them up in real time with the client.
• Built-in therapy materials: Some platforms, like TheraPlatform, include libraries of SLP-specific games and activities, which saves you from cobbling together separate resources.
• Practice management integration: Scheduling, documentation, billing, and client communication in one place reduces the number of subscriptions you juggle and minimizes data-entry errors.

How to Research and Compare Platforms

Beyond vendor websites, use industry-specific review sites such as Capterra and Software Advice. Filter results by "telehealth" and "HIPAA compliant" to surface platforms with verified SLP user reviews, updated pricing, and detailed feature comparisons. These sites often let you compare platforms side by side.

ASHA's website at asha.org also publishes practice resources and member forum discussions where clinicians share firsthand experiences with specific tools. Checking these forums before you sign up can surface practical insights, like how well a platform handles poor internet connections or how responsive customer support is during session outages.

A final tip: most platforms offer free trials or demo sessions. Take advantage of these with a colleague before your first client session. Testing video quality, audio clarity, screen-sharing responsiveness, and whiteboard tools under realistic conditions will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you go live.

Populations and Disorders Best Suited for Telepractice

Not every client is an ideal fit for a virtual session, but the research base for telepractice in speech-language pathology is broader than many clinicians realize. Understanding which populations and disorder types respond well to telepractice, and which need extra planning, will help you build a caseload that sets both you and your clients up for success.

Strong Evidence: Pediatric Speech and Language

School-age children working on articulation and phonology goals represent one of the best-studied telepractice populations. Studies compiled in ASHA's Telepractice Evidence Map have found that outcomes for articulation therapy delivered via telepractice are equivalent to those achieved in person.² The same holds for expressive and receptive language intervention in both pediatric and adult populations, where research shows comparable gains across service delivery modes.¹

These findings are encouraging if you plan to contract with school districts or serve families privately. If you are still exploring the clinical path, our guide on how to become a pediatric speech pathologist covers the educational and credentialing steps in detail. Pediatric telepractice does carry one important requirement, though: the presence of a facilitator on the client side. Often called an "e-helper," this person is typically a parent, caregiver, or school aide who can position materials, redirect attention, and provide physical prompts when needed. Without a trained facilitator, sessions with younger children can lose momentum quickly.

Adults Post-Stroke, Fluency, and Voice

Adult populations also benefit from telepractice across several disorder categories:

• Aphasia: Research demonstrates that telepractice outcomes are non-inferior to traditional face-to-face treatment for adults recovering from stroke.³
• Fluency disorders: Studies show equivalent results for stuttering intervention delivered remotely. Programs often run two sessions per week, 20 to 40 minutes each, over a span of 12 to 18 weeks.⁴
• Voice disorders: Evidence supports comparable outcomes for voice therapy across the age span, from pediatric to adult clients.⁵

ASHA has endorsed telepractice as an effective service delivery model, and its evidence maps compile the growing body of research across these areas.⁶

Populations That Need Extra Consideration

Telepractice is not universally appropriate. Certain populations require additional planning or may not be ideal candidates:

• Very young children (under age 3) without a facilitator: Toddlers rarely sustain attention to a screen without a skilled caregiver actively participating. Early intervention via telepractice can work well through a parent-coaching model, but the parent must be willing and able to serve as the hands-on partner.
• Clients with severe cognitive impairment: Individuals who cannot attend to a screen, follow remote instructions, or self-regulate during a virtual session may need in-person services or a hybrid approach.
• Limited technology access: Reliable internet, a device with a camera and microphone, and a quiet environment are baseline requirements. Clients in rural or underserved areas may face connectivity barriers that undermine session quality.

Clinical Judgment Comes First

One critical principle to keep in mind: telepractice appropriateness is always an individual decision, not a blanket determination based on diagnosis alone. Two clients with the same disorder profile may have very different outcomes in a virtual setting depending on their attention skills, home environment, caregiver involvement, and comfort with technology. As the treating clinician, you are responsible for evaluating each case and documenting your rationale for choosing telepractice, in-person services, or a combination of both. ASHA's Telepractice Practice Portal reinforces that this kind of ongoing, case-by-case clinical judgment is central to ethical and effective service delivery.⁶

Employed vs. Independent Telepractice: Which Path Fits You?

Choosing between an employed or contractor telepractice role and launching your own independent practice is one of the biggest decisions you will face. Each path has clear trade-offs in earning potential, flexibility, and administrative burden. Many SLPs start with an employer-based telepractice position to build clinical confidence with virtual service delivery, then transition to independent practice once they feel comfortable managing the business side.

SLP Telepractice Startup Costs at a Glance

Launching a telepractice is significantly less expensive than opening a brick-and-mortar clinic, with total first-year startup costs typically ranging from $2,300 to $8,800. The breakdown below uses midpoint estimates for each major expense category so you can budget realistically. Many SLPs report breaking even within three to six months when charging $100 to $250 per session.

Billing, Insurance, and Pricing Your Telepractice Sessions

Getting your clinical skills online is one challenge. Getting paid reliably is another. Whether you plan to accept insurance, bill privately, or blend both models, understanding the mechanics of telepractice reimbursement will shape your revenue from day one.

Insurance Credentialing: Plan Ahead

If you want to bill insurance companies, you must first complete a credentialing process with each payer you intend to accept. That means submitting applications to Medicaid (in every state where you hold a license and plan to serve clients), as well as major commercial insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare.

Expect the credentialing timeline to run 60 to 120 days per payer, sometimes longer. Because each insurer has its own application, documentation requirements, and review schedule, the process can become a significant administrative burden, especially if you practice across multiple states. Clinicians holding licenses through the ASLP-IC may find credentialing across state lines somewhat more streamlined, but each payer still requires its own approval. Many telepractice SLPs hire a credentialing service to manage applications on their behalf. These services typically charge a per-payer fee or a monthly retainer, but the time savings can be substantial when you are juggling several state licenses simultaneously.

Keep in mind that you cannot bill a payer until your credentialing is fully approved. Building this lead time into your business launch plan prevents a gap in revenue during your first months of operation.

Billing Mechanics: Codes and Modifiers

Telepractice claims require specific coding to process correctly. For synchronous (real-time, audio-video) sessions, most payers recognize the 95 modifier appended to the appropriate CPT code. Some payers still use the GT modifier instead, so verify requirements with each insurer before submitting claims.

For place-of-service coding, POS code 10 (telehealth provided in the patient's home) applies to the majority of private telepractice clients. School-based contracts or facility-based arrangements may use different POS codes, so confirm with the contracting entity.

Common CPT codes for SLP telepractice sessions include:

• 92507: Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder.
• 92521-92524: Evaluation codes for fluency, speech sound production, language comprehension/expression, and swallowing function.
• 97530: Therapeutic activities (sometimes used for cognitive-linguistic interventions).

Coding errors are the fastest route to denied claims. Double-check modifier and POS requirements for every payer on your panel.

Billing Software Worth Considering

Electronic claim submission is essentially a requirement for any telepractice that accepts insurance. Platforms like SimplePractice and TherapyNotes are popular among SLPs because they combine scheduling, documentation, and claim submission in one system. Monthly costs typically range from around $40 to $100 depending on the plan and features.

Weigh the cost of the software against the revenue insurance clients generate. If you are only seeing a handful of insured clients per week, the subscription may eat into margins. If insurance makes up a large share of your caseload, the efficiency gains in automated claim tracking and denial management pay for themselves quickly.

Private-Pay Pricing

A private-pay model sidesteps the credentialing timeline entirely. You set your own rates, collect payment directly from clients, and avoid the administrative overhead of claim submission and denial follow-up.

Typical private-pay rates for SLP telepractice sessions fall between $75 and $175 per 30-minute session. Where you land within that range depends on your geographic market, clinical specialization, and years of experience. SLPs with niche expertise in areas like accent modification, executive function coaching, or feeding disorders often command the higher end of the spectrum.

The tradeoff is client access. Many families rely on insurance coverage to afford ongoing therapy, so a private-pay-only model can narrow your potential client pool. Some clinicians offer superbills (detailed receipts clients submit to their own insurer for potential out-of-network reimbursement) as a middle-ground solution that keeps the billing process off your plate while giving families a path to partial reimbursement.

Blending Both Models

Many successful telepractice SLPs accept insurance for a core caseload and reserve private-pay slots for specialty services or clients in states where they are not yet credentialed. This hybrid approach balances steady referral volume from insurance panels with the higher per-session margins of private pay. As your practice matures, you can adjust the ratio based on which revenue stream best supports your goals.

How to Find Clients and Build Your Telepractice Caseload

Launching your telepractice is only half the equation. Filling your schedule with clients requires a deliberate, multi-channel approach that blends digital visibility with old-fashioned relationship building. Here is how to get started.

Establish Your Online Presence

A simple, professional website is the foundation of your marketing strategy. Focus your site content on the specific states where you hold licensure and the populations you serve. Using keywords that potential clients actually search for (for example, "online speech therapy for toddlers in Texas") helps your site appear in local search results. Beyond your own website, take these steps to increase your digital footprint:

• Google Business Profile: Claim and complete your listing so you appear in local map results, even as a virtual provider. Select your service area by state or region.
• Therapist directories: Create profiles on platforms like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, and speech-therapy-specific directories. Many parents and caregivers begin their search on these sites.
• Professional communities: Explore professional resources and community features that can connect you with colleagues and potential referral partners.

Build a Referral Network Through Personal Outreach

In the early months of a telepractice, personal outreach consistently outperforms passive marketing. Identify the professionals who already interact with your target population and introduce yourself directly. Strong referral sources include:

• Pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, and family physicians
• School-based SLPs who carry full caseloads and need overflow options
• Special education advocates and parent coordinators
• Occupational therapists and behavioral analysts who serve overlapping populations

A brief introductory email, a short informational flyer, or an in-person visit to a local clinic can open doors that a social media post cannot. Follow up periodically so your name stays top of mind when a referral opportunity arises.

Pursue Contract and Agency Channels

Telepractice opens access to institutional clients that can fill large blocks of your schedule at once. Many school districts contract with telepractice SLPs to cover staffing shortages or serve students in rural areas. If you are considering the school setting, understanding the role of a how to become a school speech language pathologist can help you tailor your outreach to special education directors. Early intervention agencies are another reliable channel, particularly for providers credentialed in birth-to-three services. Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies are also increasingly open to virtual speech-language pathology sessions, especially for patients with mobility or transportation barriers. Responding to posted requests for proposals or reaching out directly can yield contracts worth dozens of weekly sessions.

Use Content Marketing and Social Media

Short, educational content positions you as an expert and generates organic client inquiries over time. Consider recording brief videos on topics like speech milestones, when to seek an evaluation, or simple home practice tips for parents. If your niche focuses on younger children, drawing on your expertise as a pediatric speech language pathologist gives your content added credibility. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are well suited for this kind of content. You do not need a large following to see results. Even a handful of shares from a local parent group can drive meaningful traffic to your website.

Set Realistic Timeline Expectations

Most independent SLPs report that it takes three to six months to build a full caseload from scratch. During that ramp-up period, maintaining a part-time position with a school, agency, or telepractice staffing company provides steady income while you grow your private client base. This hybrid approach also expands your professional network, which feeds back into your referral pipeline. Patience and consistency matter more than any single marketing tactic. Track where each new client heard about you so you can double down on the channels that work best for your niche and location.

Frequently Asked Questions About SLP Telepractice

Starting a telepractice raises plenty of practical questions, from licensing logistics to platform choices. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from SLPs exploring virtual service delivery. For deeper detail on any of these topics, refer to the relevant sections earlier in this guide.

How much does it cost to start an SLP telepractice?

Initial startup costs typically range from roughly $500 to $3,000. Major expenses include a HIPAA-compliant video platform subscription, a reliable computer with a quality webcam and microphone, professional liability insurance, business registration fees, and digital therapy materials. Costs stay on the lower end if you already own suitable equipment and choose a monthly platform subscription rather than an annual contract.

Do I need to be licensed in the client's state for telepractice?

Yes, in nearly all cases you must hold a valid license in the state where your client is physically located during the session. Some states participate in interstate compacts or offer temporary telepractice permits, but requirements vary widely. Always verify each state's licensing board rules before accepting out-of-state clients, and check ASHA's state-by-state telepractice resource for current regulations.

What HIPAA-compliant platforms can SLPs use for telepractice?

Popular options include platforms designed specifically for therapy, such as TheraPlatform, SimplePractice Telehealth, and Zoom for Healthcare. Each offers end-to-end encryption, a signed Business Associate Agreement, and features like screen sharing and interactive whiteboards. When evaluating any platform, confirm it meets HIPAA security standards and that the vendor will provide a BAA before you begin seeing clients.

Can I do telepractice part-time while working for an employer?

Many SLPs operate a small private telepractice alongside a salaried position. Before doing so, review your employment contract for non-compete or moonlighting clauses. You will also need your own professional liability insurance for private clients, a separate NPI number if billing insurance independently, and enough scheduling flexibility to avoid conflicts with your primary employer's hours.

What speech therapy activities work best over telepractice?

Activities that translate well to a screen include articulation drills with visual models, language games using shared digital slides, social skills role-play scenarios, fluency techniques with real-time feedback, and interactive literacy exercises. For younger children, parent-coached activities tend to be highly effective. Hands-on oral motor work and certain feeding therapy tasks are generally less suited to a virtual format.

How do I bill insurance for telepractice speech therapy sessions?

You submit claims using the same CPT codes you would for in-person sessions, adding the appropriate place-of-service code (typically POS 10 for telehealth in the patient's home) and the 95 modifier to indicate synchronous audio-video delivery. Verify each payer's telepractice reimbursement policies beforehand, because coverage, approved modifiers, and required documentation can differ between Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurers.