School Speech Therapy vs Private Speech Therapy in NYC: What’s the Difference?
I am a pediatric speech therapist who has worked within both the school systems and private outpatient clinics, prior to opening my own comprehensive, private speech therapy practice in New York City.
As a neurodivergent individual myself, I have also been the recipient of therapeutic services within various models and locations, including medical institutions, schools, home, and private clinics.
I can speak to the crucial differences between receiving services within the school system versus within a holistic private practice as both a neurodivergent learner and an experienced pediatric speech-language pathologist.
Creating Space for Every Child’s Unique Voice
The Chatty Child clinic I created was born out of the frustration I often experienced on both sides of the therapeutic process – as a patient and then as a treating therapist within the field.
- Too often, people are treated simply as a case to be filled or a number to be checked off the list.
- And too often, the school system’s speech therapy programs are under-resourced, under-funded, and chronically under-staffed.
- Too often, delays and long waits are present in receiving needed assessments and treatments.
As a school speech therapist, you are often tasked with the job of treating as many children (as you possibly can) within any given day in as many group speech therapy sessions as humanely possible.
These speech groups can be beneficial for improving social communication skills with peers; however, often a child is not given enough individualized support and focus on their specific personal goals. One-on-one attention is frequently required to address common speech and language differences.
And so … Chatty Child was born to provide a more personalized, consistent, caring, and holistic approach to speech therapy practices.
A holistic and effective practice is one that treats the whole child and family, while working together as partners on shared therapeutic goals and possibilities.
Beyond the Classroom: A More Personal Approach to Speech Therapy
At Chatty Child, our speech therapy services aim to look different than school-based services.
Our aim is to always meet the unique and personal needs of each one of our clients by using tailored and varied approaches.
These approaches are guided and supported at Chatty Child by a team of allied professionals – speech and occupational therapists, theatre educators, and wellness practitioners.
Tailored Speech Therapy That Meets Your Child Where They Are
Private speech therapy can be a game-changer in your child’s life.
It allows for one-on-one compassionate care and tailored support for your child.
This personalized and attentive care can mean the difference between achieving one’s goals and struggling further each year – academically and socially.
If you’re ready to experience the unlimited possibilities that can be unlocked through gentle, caring, supportive, neurodivergent affirming care, we are here and ready to help your child and family soar!
Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language developmental needs and craft an individually tailored treatment plan to address any areas of concern; while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.
To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Discover the Benefits of Private Speech Therapy in NYC
When your child needs extra support, the choice between school speech therapy and private speech therapy can feel overwhelming. At Chatty Child, our private speech therapy in NYC offers personalized, flexible care designed to meet your child where they are, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and a stronger sense of self.
Here’s how to get started with private speech therapy in NYC:
- Schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to share your child’s needs and explore the difference private therapy can make.
- Book a comprehensive evaluation to gain a full picture of your child’s communication strengths and challenges.
- Create a customized therapy plan that blends evidence-based techniques with individualized strategies for growth.
- Begin private speech therapy sessions that give your child the tools, encouragement, and support they need to thrive.
Supporting Growth Beyond Speech Therapy: Comprehensive Services for Children
At Chatty Child, we go beyond traditional speech therapy to provide a full spectrum of services that foster resilience, confidence, and meaningful progress—while also giving caregivers the strategies they need to support their child’s development.
- InterAct – A unique therapy model combining play, storytelling, and performance to spark creativity, boost communication, and encourage self-expression.
- Occupational Therapy – Builds fine motor skills, strengthens sensory processing, and promotes independence in daily life.
- Teletherapy – Accessible online speech and occupational therapy available to families throughout New York State.
- Tutoring Services – One-on-one support in reading, writing, and academic skills to nurture curiosity and academic success.
- Functional Nutrition – Practical guidance to support both emotional well-being and physical health during key developmental years.
- Consulting – Collaborative coaching for caregivers, teachers, and professionals to align strategies across home and school environments.
- Programs – Group-based sessions designed to grow emotional awareness, build social connections, and inspire learning through joyful movement and play.
By blending creativity with evidence-based approaches, our team helps children build communication skills, emotional regulation, and the confidence to thrive.
Meet the Author: Private Speech Therapist in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a licensed New York State and nationally certified speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Beyond her clinical expertise, she is also a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and someone who proudly identifies as neurodiverse and differently-abled—perspectives that uniquely shape her therapeutic style.
Heather’s personal experiences inspired her to create Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice committed to helping children find their voice through compassionate, individualized care. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book designed to encourage confidence, curiosity, and friendship, complete with a parent- and educator-friendly teaching guide.
Through both in-person sessions at her Tribeca clinic and online therapy across New York State, Heather and her team support children in building communication skills, emotional awareness, and self-expression in a safe and affirming environment.
