Please read for our most Frequently Asked Questions!
How do I get started?
Please email us at info@mangoelephants.com to schedule your free phone consultation or call 858-356-2553.
Do you take insurance?
We are considered an in-network provider with Tricare-West and we accept San Diego Regional Center funding.
For all other insurance providers, Mango Elephants will be considered an out-of-network provider. Payment is expected at the time of service via cash, check or credit/debit card. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network reimbursement for speech therapy. We can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider following payment if you are eligible. Coverage varies based on your specific plan and/or specific diagnosis. It is important for you to connect with your insurance provider to understand the details of your policy.
We do not require a physician referral to begin services for private pay clients. However, your insurance may require one if you plan to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. We encourage you to contact your insurance company prior to starting services to learn about any requirements for reimbursement and ask about your out-of-network benefits. Please email info@mangoelephants.com for more information.
Where are services provided?
We offer evaluations and therapy sessions in homes or an outdoor space (e.g., park) in San Diego, California.
We also offer online sessions via tele-therapy for anyone in California or Illinois.
What ages do you work with?
We work with children ages birth to 12 years.
How do I know if my child needs speech and language therapy?
Your child may benefit from speech and language therapy if you have any concerns in the following areas:
- Delayed in meeting speech and language milestones
- Using gestures or words to communicate wants/needs
- Nonverbal Imitation skills made with the body or with objects/toys (e.g., shake a rattle, clap, wave hi/bye, jump)
- Verbal imitation skills (e.g, sounds effects of animals/vehicles, words)
- Joint attention (e.g., back-and-forth turn taking games, attends to pointing, responds when spoken to, shows items by gesturing/pointing, uses gaze shift to direct another person’s attention, brings items to share with another person, uses words such as “look,” “come,” or “watch me!”)
- Combining words into sentences
- Speech intelligibility
- Following instructions or understanding what someone says
- Answering questions in conversation
- Interacting in social settings
- A family history of speech and language difficulties
- Production of speech sounds (e.g., articulation, phonology)
- Fluency or stuttering
- Cognitive/executive functioning
- A medical diagnosis that is known to impact language development
What are the benefits of tele-practice?
Tele-practice or tele-therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person speech therapy for many children. Tele-therapy is convenient and encourages family participation. Online sessions are carried out in a very similar way to in-person sessions. We make these sessions fun and engaging by using digital strategies and live parent feedback and coaching.
Did I cause my child to have speech and language difficulties?
No! Parents or caregivers are not responsible for speech or language disorders. These are developmental in nature. With intervention, speech and language disorders are very treatable. In order to make faster progress, your child’s intervention will involve parent/caregiver participation regularly as you apply the learned strategies in your daily routines.