If your child is starting speech therapy—and you’ve been told it will happen online—you may be feeling hopeful, curious, and a little unsure. Parents often wonder whether kids can stay engaged on a screen or if virtual speech therapy is “as good” as in-person sessions. As a parent myself I wondered the same thing when my own son was going to meet virtually with a provider, and I’m a speech language pathologist!
As a bilingual speech-language pathologist who works with students across the Midwest, I want you to hear this clearly: teletherapy can be highly effective for children. When sessions are structured, communication with your provider is consistent, and the home environment supports focus, kids can make meaningful progress online.
This guide breaks down what teletherapy looks like, what questions to ask your SLP, and simple ways you can support your child at home—without feeling like you need to become a speech therapist yourself.
What Is Teletherapy—and Does It Really Work?
Teletherapy is speech and language therapy delivered through a secure video platform. Your child still works directly with a licensed SLP; the session simply takes place on a screen instead of in a therapy room. During online sessions, children may play interactive games that target speech sounds, use digital visuals to build vocabulary or grammar, practice social skills through guided conversation, or work on fluency and voice strategies with immediate feedback. Teletherapy isn’t a watered-down version of speech therapy, it’s a different but fully valid service delivery model. Research supports its effectiveness for many school-age children, and thousands of districts and private practices nationwide rely on virtual services to provide consistent, high-quality care.
What a Teletherapy Session Typically Looks Like
Most virtual speech therapy sessions are one-on-one, last about 30–60 minutes, and occur once or several times per week depending on your child’s goals. Your child logs into a secure link—often Zoom, Google Meet, or a district-approved platform using a computer. Both of my kids have used Simple Practice for virtual support, which is a common platform among private practices. From there, the SLP shares their screen, uses digital activities, and guides the session just as they would in person. Teletherapy is not “just talking on a screen.” Sessions are intentional, engaging, and structured to support your child’s attention and communication needs.
Understanding Everyone’s Role
Your SLP’s Role
Your SLP selects activities aligned with your child’s communication goals, adjusts tasks in real time based on attention or behavior, and provides modeling, visual support, and direct feedback. They track progress, monitor engagement, and communicate with you regularly so you always understand how therapy is going. This is identical to their role during in person sessions.
Your Child’s Role
Your child’s job is simple: log in, participate, and try their best. It’s normal for kids to wiggle, get distracted, or have an off day, teletherapists are used to that and know how to adapt.
Your Role as the Caregiver
Parents often assume they need to be heavily involved, but your main responsibilities are helping with computer setup and session access, staying close by if your child needs support, and sharing what you’re noticing at home. You’re not expected to run the session or teach the skills, your insight simply helps your SLP tailor therapy effectively.
Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their Teletherapy Provider
Asking thoughtful questions helps you understand what to expect and builds your confidence with the process. Consider asking your SLP how they keep kids engaged during online sessions and what happens if your child refuses or has a difficult day. It’s also appropriate to ask what to do if the audio or video cuts out, what device works best, and whether they prefer you to stay in the room or nearby. I personally like to give my cell phone number to my families or paraprofessionals so they can quickly text me if there is a problem. Finally, check in about home practice. A simple question like “What’s one easy way I can support these goals this week?” can help you reinforce skills naturally without overwhelming your routine. A strong provider will explain their backup plans, communicate clearly, and ensure you are a part of your child’s therapy team.
How to Set Your Child Up for Success in Teletherapy
Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of families, and these are the strategies that truly make a difference, especially for elementary and middle school students.
1. Create a Calm, Therapy-Ready Space
Your space doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. A quiet area away from TV or high-traffic zones, a supportive chair at a table or desk, and a device placed at eye level are usually all it takes. We can even adapt this to meet the needs of our friends who need to move around a bit more by encouraging them to stand or find a non-traditional place to complete the therapy session. When I say ‘non-traditional” I mean a couch or a play tent etc. Please know that while a car would be a “non-traditional place,” completing therapy in a car is not a therapy-ready space. Overall, removing distracting toys or objects helps sessions feel predictable and calm.
2. Prepare Technology Ahead of Time
A little preparation goes a long way. Check that the camera and microphone are working, make sure the device is charged or plugged in, and close extra apps that might slow down the connection. If a platform update is needed (I’m looking at you, Zoom…), doing it before the session prevents a mid-session freeze and reboot. Older children can take on parts of this routine to build independence and confidence.
3. Use Simple, Predictable Routines
Most kids do better when they know exactly what will happen. A short pre-session routine—using the bathroom, getting a sip of water, and doing a quick stretch—helps them transition. Previewing the session in kid-friendly language (“You’ll see your speech therapist, play a game, and practice your sounds”) reduces anxiety and builds readiness. For children who benefit from structure, a simple visual schedule works wonders.
4. Support Focus and Regulation
Online learning takes energy, even for older students. Some children focus best with a movement break before or after sessions. Others benefit from a simple fidget like putty or a stress ball. Sitting nearby can be helpful for younger children or those who need reassurance, though some kids stay more engaged when parents step back—follow your child’s cues and ask your SLP what they recommend.
The SLP will build in short breaks and vary activities to help maintain engagement, but your presence and preparation can help your child stay grounded and comfortable.
5. Partner With Your SLP Between Sessions
You don’t need to become the therapist, but you can support goals through everyday activities. Use new vocabulary during bedtime reading, model a strategy the SLP demonstrated, or talk about one focus sound during daily routines like mealtimes or car rides. Checking in weekly and asking, “What’s the one thing we should practice this week?” ensures your home practice is simple, clear, and sustainable. Progress grows fastest when therapy and home life work together. In my own sessions I like to ask my families - “when do you think you can focus on this best” - THAT’s the time my families will be most successful implementing carryover strategies. You can get ahead of the game and identify the times in your day that you might be most successful.
When to Revisit the Teletherapy Plan
It’s completely normal to reassess how things are going - this goes for both in person and virtual therapy. Reach out to your SLP if your child is consistently upset before or during sessions, if tech issues frequently cut into therapy time, or if you’re unsure about goals or progress. Sometimes a small shift, like scheduling therapy earlier in the day, adjusting your frequency, or adding movement breaks, can change the entire feel of a session.
In some cases, your team may discuss whether a different service model is needed. The important thing is keeping communication open. You should never feel discouraged or alone in this process.
Teletherapy Works When We Work Together
Virtual speech therapy can be an empowering, flexible, and effective option for school-age children. It can be a huge help for busy families as well! When families understand what to expect and have clear, supportive guidance, kids thrive, online and at home. Your SLP brings professional expertise. You bring insight into your child’s world. Together, you create a strong foundation for communication growth.
If you have any questions about teletherapy you can find me at www.theessentialteletherapist.com or on Instagram @theessentialteletherapist
Grab the Parent Teletherapy Freebie HERE
Ellie Richter, M.A. CCC-SLP