Menu
Get Started
How to Get Started with Speech and Language Services

How to Get Started with Speech and Language Services

You’re already juggling enough, and the last thing you need is a maze of forms or unclear next steps. Sage Speech & Learning Associates has designed the getting-started process to be simple, supportive, and responsive. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you reach out. You just need to take the first step. Keep reading. We’ll walk you through what happens from the first call to the first session, so you know exactly what to expect.

Reach Out and Tell Us What You Need
The process starts with a phone call or contact form. However you reach out, you’ll hear back from someone who’s ready to listen. You don’t need to know the technical language or have a diagnosis. Just describe what you’ve noticed. Maybe your toddler isn’t talking yet, or your child is struggling to be understood at school. This is the time to talk it through. We’ll ask a few questions to get a better sense of your child’s age, background, and current communication skills. We might also ask about any previous services, school support, or medical history that’s relevant. Once we’ve heard your concerns and goals, we can suggest next steps, either a screening, a full evaluation, or, in some cases, a direct referral to a trusted provider if your needs fall outside our scope. We serve families throughout the Atlanta metro area. Once we understand your situation, we’ll offer you the best options for care and scheduling.
 

Complete the Intake Paperwork

Complete the Intake Paperwork

Once you’ve decided to move forward, we will send you a secure link to complete your intake forms. These forms include basic contact details, medical and developmental history, and questions about your child’s communication abilities. This information helps us prepare for your child’s session. It also makes sure that we meet specific needs related to allergies, mobility, or family structure. We know paperwork can be tedious, especially when you’re already busy. That’s why we keep the process simple and manageable. Most forms take 10–15 minutes to complete. If anything is confusing, we’re available to help. You won’t be left guessing. You’ll also receive information about insurance or private pay options. Once paperwork is complete, we’ll get you scheduled quickly. We respect your time, and we don’t keep families waiting for months.

Come In for Your First Appointment

Come In for Your First Appointment

Your child’s first session is a chance for us to observe, interact, and get to know them. If you’ve scheduled a screening, it will be brief. If you’re starting with a full evaluation, it may take closer to an hour. Either way, the setting is low-pressure and age-appropriate. Young children are usually assessed through play. Older kids may be asked to complete some structured tasks. We adjust based on your child’s age, attention span, and comfort level. Afterward, the therapist will speak with you directly about what they observed. You’ll get clear feedback. If everything looks on track, we’ll tell you that. If concerns are identified, we’ll explain what they mean, what next steps might help, and how to move forward. For evaluations, you’ll receive a detailed report that includes observations, scores when applicable, and recommended goals. The report can be shared with schools, pediatricians, or other care providers as needed. Above all, the goal of the first session is to build a connection. Kids do best when they feel safe and understood, so we make that our first priority.

Begin Therapy and Track Progress

If therapy is recommended, we’ll match your child with a therapist and schedule sessions based on your availability. We’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your life and fully supports your child’s progress. Our therapists create personalized treatment plans that reflect your child’s needs and goals. Your child’s plan might focus on articulation, expressive language, fluency, comprehension, or social communication. Therapy is active, engaging, and built around age-appropriate activities. It looks different for every child, because every child learns differently. You’ll receive regular updates on your child’s progress, including strategies to use at home. Therapy works best when parents are part of the process. We’ll show you how to reinforce what’s being taught, and we’ll always take the time to answer your questions. Therapy goals will evolve. Some children reach their goals quickly. Others benefit from longer-term support. 

Take the First Step

Starting speech therapy and language services is easier when the process is simple. Sage Speech & Learning Associates is here to walk you through it. From your first question to your child’s first breakthrough, you’ll be supported by an experienced team. Call us today to schedule your child’s first screening or evaluation.