Services

Speech Therapy: Medically Necessary Services

Skilled services provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist, certified for over 20 years by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Documentation to show medical necessity will be requested. Acceptable documents include prescriptions or referrals with a medical diagnosis. In some cases, an entry from your medical chart taken from your online patient portal can be accepted. Payment is due at the time of service. Michelle Tapalla is not in-network with any insurance carriers.

Speech Therapy Evaluation

Duration: Up to 90 minutes

Speech therapy evaluation, diagnosis, individualized plan of care with shared decision-making for goal-setting
Specialties: dysphonia (voice), induced laryngeal obstruction (aka ILO, EILO, VCD, PVMFD), aphasia, cognitive communication deficits, dysarthria
Written report provided

Speech Therapy Session

Duration: Up to 60 minutes

Individualized care for skilled intervention
Patient and family/care partner education
Customized home exercise program
Written progress notes and discharge summary provided

Communication Coach: Concierge Services

Communication coaching

Duration: custom

Support to build confidence & ease in everyday communication
Practical strategies for more effective connections
Conversational practice, role-playing, and troubleshooting
Common scenarios: social, professional, school-related, presentations/meetings, interviews, reading out loud, small talk, meaningful conversation
Common skills to develop: loudness control, match nonverbal language & tone to the intent of a message, sensory regulation, recovery strategies, slower pacing, clarity

Guided breathwork and mindfulness exercises

Duration: custom

Guided breathing exercises and mindfulness exercises
Designed to connect your mind and body
Fosters relaxation and inner balance of your nervous system
Supports effective communication

Myofascial Release, Stretches, and Massage

Duration: typically 45-minutes

Myofascial release, massage, and stretches
Breathwork will be incorporated
Focus is on speech and vocal musculature, as well as supporting structures to enhance communicative function and comfort
Medical history will be requested to tailor your care and avoid contraindications

Resources and therapy coordination

Duration: 30 minutes minimum charged per service request; additional minutes billed at prorated hourly rate

Concierge services include:

Education for individuals and communication partners about existing diagnoses and communication strategies
Vocal hygiene and lifestyle management education
Customized lists of community resources and opportunities for communication practice
Assistance with navigating and scheduling medical and skilled services

Digital Skills for Communication and Daily Life

Duration: Up to 60 minutes

This service was created in response to client requests for assistance with using smartphones, Zoom, online searches, apps, and tools like ChatGPT.
I love working with people from all walks of life — whether you're navigating neurological changes, learning differences, or new-to-you technology.
My personal a professional experiences help me meet you where you are.
We’ll move at your pace, building skills that support your independence, communication, and confidence.

Extended sessions

Extended sessions available for any service, in 15-minute increments, as scheduling allows. Billed at prorated hourly rate.

Contact Us

HELPFUL INFORMATION

Specialty:

Voice & Upper Airway Disorders

Communication Coaching Concierge Services

Complimentary Fit Check:

After receiving your connection request, I will reply via secure email.

If appropriate, we can schedule a brief phone consult (typically 15 minutes or less) to determine if my services are the right fit for your needs.

Location:

In-person office in Burlingame, CA

Virtual & hybrid services available

Payment:

Private pay

Not in-network with any insurance providers