SHANNON O'BRIEN
MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE
FAQ
WHAT IS SPEECH THERAPY?
Speech therapy helps individuals use language to communicate and understand others better. Communication can involve any combination of thinking, finding words, voicing, speaking, and having a conversation. Speech therapy is a broad field that includes many different areas. You can learn more about speech therapy at WhatsSLP.com.
WHAT IS FEEDING THERAPY?
Feeding therapy helps individuals bite, chew, and swallow the least restrictive diet they can manage. Feeding therapy is great for children born prematurely, who are learning to eat by mouth for the first time while a feeding tube provides their nutrition. It can also be good fit for children with sensory sensitivities, who need extra support in trying new tastes and textures. For more information, please visit Feeding Matters.
Note: feeding therapy is distinct from therapy for individuals experiencing eating disorders.
WHAT IS AAC?
AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication and refers to any communication in addition to speaking. Everyone uses AAC, but some use it more than others. AAC can look like gestures (a wave!), pointing to pictures or words, using a speech-generating device, and more. AAC is a wonderful tool for giving more options to kids who are having a hard time talking.
For more information, please visit PrAACtical AAC.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
I am an out-of-network provider, and I provide a super bill upon request. Depending on your insurance plan, you may have out-of-network benefits that reimburse you for some or all of the cost of sessions.
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
30-minute session - $110
45-minute session - $150
60-minute session - $170
Evaluation - $400-600
WHEN AND WHERE CAN WE MEET FOR SESSIONS?
I do not have a physical location. I primarily work lower Manhattan and the BoCoCa region of Brooklyn. We can meet in your home or at your child's preschool (if permissible). If you live outside of those areas, I am also available for teletherapy via Zoom. I am generally available for early morning sessions (before 9am) or early evenings sessions during the week.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WITH OUR FIRST FEW SESSIONS?
We’ll start with a phone call and completing my intake form together. Our first few sessions will be getting to know each other and establishing rapport. This time is crucial for helping your child to think of our sessions as fun and something they look forward to. I also need time to get to know what your child enjoys, and how I can best help them. We’ll move through a speech or feeding evaluation, set goals, and make a treatment plan. If you are already on a journey with speech or feeding therapy, I can also work within the treatment plan you have in place. I am always happy to work with other providers involved in your child’s care.
HOW DID YOU LEARN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE?
Growing up, I was always interested in ASL. As a dancer, I loved the idea of moving to communicate. I went to undergrad at the George Washington University in DC, a city with a prominent Deaf community. I took a few ASL classes there and was lucky to have access to many Deaf culture events, like ASL poetry slams. Upon moving to NYC, I continued taking classes at the Sign Language Center, ASL NYC, and LaGuardia Community College. I also hosted the ASL tours at the Whitney Museum for a few years. Along the way, I made a few Deaf friends who have generously continued to guide me through learning more ASL.
For more information about learning ASL, please visit Language First.
DO YOU HAVE TOYS OR BOOKS YOU RECOMMEND?
Yes! I love using books in therapy and would gladly share my library with you.
While I’d be happy to provide toy recommendations unique to your child, I would also love to show you how to use what you already have at home to help your child’s language grow.
DO YOU WORK WITH ADULTS?
Yes! I love working with individuals across the lifespan, and have experience working with adults with aphasia and apraxia, secondary to a stroke. If that describes you or someone you know who is looking for therapy, please reach out.