Speech therapy through the Self-Determination Program
If you or a family member is enrolled in California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP), you can use your individual budget to work with me directly. I work with SDP participants from early childhood through young adulthood.
My approach is the same as always: person-led, connection-focused, and built around what actually matters to the person I’m working with. For younger kids, that usually looks like play. For teens and young adults, it means real-life interests, routines, and goals (and, let’s be honest, still a little play).
SDP was designed so people could choose the services that fit their lives, and that matches how I like to work: at home, at school or work, out in the community, wherever communication actually happens.
What we can work on
Everyday communication
Sharing wants, needs, and opinions
Self-advocacy: saying no, asking for a break, asking for help
Communicating within daily routines at home, school, or work
Intelligibility strategies, so it’s easier to be understood
Executive functioning: planning, organizing, and following through on routines
AAC
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Using AAC in real places, like the library, with friends, or at school or work
Communication partner training: coaching family members, caregivers, and support staff to model and respond to AAC
Building vocabulary around personal interests
Connection and community
Connecting with peers and friends
Communication for safety and getting around the community
Shared activities they genuinely enjoy
Skills for the transition to adulthood, like work, appointments, and independent living
Fitting therapy into the Person-Centered Plan
SDP services need to connect to the goals in the participant’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP). Communication touches almost every goal, whether that’s making friends, building independence, or taking part in community life, so speech therapy usually fits naturally. I’m always glad to talk with your Independent Facilitator about how therapy can support those goals.
How it works
Reach out for a free consultation. We’ll spend 15 minutes talking through goals and whether we’re a good fit.
Add speech therapy to your spending plan. Work with your Independent Facilitator to budget for speech and language services.
I set up billing with your FMS. I complete the onboarding paperwork with your Financial Management Service and send my invoices to them. Depending on your FMS, you may be asked to review and approve invoices.
We start sessions. In person or by telehealth, whichever works best.
$200 per 50-minute session, billed through your FMS
The same rate as private pay.
Common questions
Do you work with adults?
Yes. Through SDP, I work with people from early childhood through young adulthood, including young adults navigating life after school.
Do you work with my FMS?
I’m currently set up with ACE. If you use a different FMS, reach out and we can figure out what’s possible.
Is your rate different for SDP?
No. It’s $200 per 50-minute session, the same as private pay.
Can you talk with my Independent Facilitator?
Absolutely. I’m happy to chat about how therapy can support your goals.
Do you offer telehealth through SDP?
I do. Telehealth can be a great fit for some people, and we can talk through what it might look like during your free consultation.
New to SDP? The California Department of Developmental Services has an overview of the program.
Questions about SDP?
Let’s talk through your goals and whether we’re a good fit.
