Speech-Language Therapy In Manhattan
Individualized speech-language therapy for children and young adults in Manhattan, designed to support clearer communication, stronger language skills, and greater confidence. Therapy is tailored to each patient unique needs and can be provided in the comfort of your home or at school.
How Do Speech-Language Therapy in Manhattan Work?
I work with children and young adults ages 1–21 who are navigating speech and language challenges, including speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, and other communication difficulties. I provide one-on-one speech-language therapy in a child’s home or school, as well as through telehealth. For in-person therapy, I work with families on Manhattan. My goal is to create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable, understood, and encouraged to grow.
I believe that an effective speech-language therapy starts with getting to know the patient. I take time to understand each child’s personality, interests, strengths, and learning style, and I use those things to make therapy engaging and meaningful. Every child learns differently, so I tailor my approach rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all plan. I also want parents to feel confident supporting their child between sessions, which is why I share practical strategies that can naturally fit into everyday routines.
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Virtual Speech-Language Therapy
Virtual speech-language therapy offers families a flexible way to access individualized support from the comfort of your home. Through telehealth, I work with children and young adults in a way that keeps sessions engaging, interactive, and focused on their individual communication goals.
Virtual therapy can be especially helpful for families with busy schedules or those who prefer the convenience of receiving services without traveling. When appropriate, I also provide parents with strategies and activities they can incorporate into everyday routines to support communication development between sessions.
Speech That Is Difficult to Understand
If your child is frequently difficult to understand, changes sounds, or becomes frustrated when trying to communicate, a speech-language evaluation may help identify what is getting in the way of clear speech.
Frustration With Communication
When a child regularly becomes upset, avoids speaking, has difficulty expressing their wants and needs, or struggles to participate in conversations with others, speech-language therapy can provide strategies to make communication easier and more successful.
Difficulty Understanding or Using Language
Some children have trouble finding the right words, putting sentences together, following directions, answering questions, or understanding what others are saying. These can be signs that additional support with receptive or expressive language may be helpful.
Difficulty With Social Communication
If your child has trouble taking turns in conversation, staying on topic, understanding social cues, or interacting comfortably with peers, speech-language therapy may help build the communication skills needed to connect and participate more confidently.
How to know if a child requires Speech-Language Therapy?
Your trusted Speech-Language Therapist in Manhattan
I am a New York State licensed and nationally certified Speech-Language Pathologist working with children and young adults. I earned my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and have dedicated my career to helping children develop the communication skills they need to participate more fully at home, at school, and in their communities.
What they say about my work
I work with passion so each patient gets the individualized treatment they require.
Melissa is incredible at what she does. She helped my son with processing issues for two years and gave him tools that he still uses to this day. She made therapy fun and as a result he learned a lot and looked forward to the sessions. She is highly professional, reliable and honest. I appreciated the fact that she was a non-alarmist. She was confident that my son would go on to thrive academically and, in fact, he has. We are very grateful to have found her.
Denise M.
My son worked with Melissa when he was in preschool. He had trouble saying certain sounds. Melissa is knowledgeable, patient, energetic and engaging. She makes therapy fun and my son was excited for his sessions with her. He showed improvement with his speech quickly.
Jodi.
Melissa’s knowledge and expertise in the treatment of speech & language pathologies is exceptional. She conducts thorough evaluations, works with families to develop goals, & produces meaningful results! Further, children have a fond affection for her ability to be engaging and are challenged to become the best version of themselves. As a colleague, she has been an excellent mentor and our efforts in collaboration has brought a deep connection to both our craft and community.
Jamie Holland.
Like any first time Mom, I was unsure whether I should get my 2-year old son evaluated for speech. I came across Melissa's name on UES Mommas multiple times and decided to contact her, and I am so thankful I did. Besides being the nicest person, she came to my home and asked me questions before completely engaging my son which to me is so important (since she was unfamiliar to him). The way she goes about the evaluation is so unassuming and natural, it's play-based. She is an expert in developmental milestones and was able to alleviate a lot of my own concerns; she explained as my son was excelling in other areas he was treading water in others. After she sent me a full report and specific tasks to work on and which to stop which was extremely helpful. Melissa is one expert you want on your team!
Deborah M.
I can not recommend Melissa enough! I had some concerns about my son's pronunciation of certain sounds and Melissa was able to fully engage him via Zoom. They played different video and word games. He had a blast and had no idea he was in a session. Melissa is a true professional and her passion for working with kids is beyond evident.
Michal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Consulations at Manhattan
How do I make an appointment?
Email melissa@melissaspeechtherapy.com to begin the process of scheduling a time to meet one-on-one to discuss your family member’s specific needs.
Frequency of therapy sessions?
There is no one answer to this question as no two patients are the same. It depends totally on the condition and the needs. While some patients receive treatment one time a week, others may be seen multiple times a week. I strive to make therapy as convenient as possible.
The scope and duration of your therapy will be decided at the initial visit consultation and be reassessed on an on-going basis.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance; however, I provide families I work with invoices, with the appropriate codes, so they can be submitted to insurance for their reimbursement.
Do you have private pay rates?
Yes, I can provide a listing of our private pay rates.
Are you licensed to work in Manhattan?
Yes, I'm certified to work in Manhattan, New York among other places. You can check my credentials by clicking here.
How do I know I should book a speech-language therapy for my child?
If you have doubts that essentially a good starting point, you can also email me to:
melissa@melissaspeechtherapy.com explaining your concerns, from there I'll guide you to the right needs you or your children may have.
What is your cancellation policy?
There is no charge for cancellations made 24-hours prior to a scheduled appointment. Failure to cancel with less than 24-hours’ notice will result in a no show fee proportionate to the appointment cost. This policy is strictly enforced and applies to all patients.