Parent Consultations: The Missing Piece of Your Virtual Services
Guest Blog by Ali Manahan of Word Play Speech Therapy LLC
Hi, I’m Ali Manahan, a speech-language pathologist, mom, and owner of Word Play Speech Therapy in O’Fallon, MO. I’m thrilled to be sharing insights into my private practice journey with The Essential Teletherapist.
I launched my private practice in May 2024 after spending 14 years as an SLP in nonprofit and school settings. I knew it was time to build something of my own when I realized I wanted more flexibility, autonomy and the ability to make decisions that truly supported best practices for my clients.
When I opened Word Play, I began by offering traditional services, evaluations and therapy, both virtually and in person. But it didn’t take long to recognize a significant gap in our field: one-on-one training for parents. Far too many parents leave eligibility meetings, IEP meetings, or pediatrician visits with more questions than they arrived with, and there are rarely follow-up opportunities to gain clarity.
At the same time, as my caseload filled and my waitlist grew, I hated telling families they’d need to wait months before getting help. I knew I needed to offer a service that fit into busy parent schedules and offered a lot of bang for their buck. That’s when Word Play’s parent consultations were born. No more waiting without support. No more parents wondering what they could be doing at home. Parent consultations empower families to become agents of change in their child’s communication journey. When caregivers understand what to do, why it matters, and how to embed strategies into daily routines, children make faster and more meaningful progress.
During my virtual parent consultations, we talk through the caregiver’s primary concerns and any important background information. I invite parents to share where they feel they need the most support, whether that’s encouraging a toddler to start talking, helping a child navigate social situations or supporting emotional development. This dedicated one-on-one time gives parents space to ask questions, process information, and share openly without the rushed feeling that often comes at the end of a therapy session. Virtual consultations also create room for shared decision-making, collaborative goal-setting and long-term buy-in.
Parents often come with questions such as:
How do I help my toddler start talking?
What strategies work for children with speech delays?
How can I support social communication at home?
If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful impact in your community, without adding more after-school therapy sessions to your calendar, or if you want to better support families on your waitlist, I highly encourage you to consider offering parent consultations. They allow you to show up as a family-centered, collaborative and forward-thinking therapist. Plus they truly change the trajectory for the children you serve.
I’ve created a Parent Consultation Template with 20 resources for families to help get you started. You can access the freebie here. If you have any questions about offering parent consultations, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can find me at www.wordplayspeechtherapy.com or on Instagram at @word.play.speech.therapy.
