Frequently Asked Questions


If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to contact our office—we’re always happy to help and guide you.

  • First, you need to contact your Primary Care Physician and have them send a referral directly to our clinic for speech/language cognitive-linguistic, and/or swallowing evaluation. Once our clinic receives the referral, we will give you a call to schedule. 

    To view our full intake and evaluation process, please click here.

  • Depending on the diagnosis, most evaluations last between one hour to one and a half hours long. 

  • SLP, Speech therapist, Swallowing therapist, Speech teacher....you've heard them all.  But what exactly are we? 

    A Speech-Language Pathologist, abbreviated as SLP, is a professional who holds a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology and/or Communication Disorders. He/she holds extensive training in the pathology, or study of diseases/disorders, that affect any part of the body responsible for communication and/or swallowing. In a nut shell, we deal with everything from the chest up. 

    This includes:

    • throat (swallowing) 

    • oral cavity (mouth, tongue, lips, teeth, chewing)

    • voice (vocal folds)

    • brain (memory, attention, comprehension, 

    If there are weaknesses in any of these areas of functioning, we are one of the members of the team that is called upon. An SLP is responsible for the assessment and treatment of any person who has symptoms and/or diagnosis of a communication or swallowing disorder. 

  • Children develop speech and language skills at their own pace. Understanding what typical development looks like can help parents know when to seek extra support.

    Use the resources for guidance on age-appropriate milestones in speech, language and hearing, and reach out to us with any additional questions or concerns.

  • Walaʻau Therapy is currently contracted with most Hawaii-based insurances.   

    • HMSA (PPO, HMO, Quest, Akamai Advantage)

    • United HealthCare (Commercial, Medicare Advantage)

    • Aetna Health Plans (Commercial)

    • Alohacare (Quest, Medicare replacement plan)

    • Kaiser Permanente

    • Medicare 

    • Ohana Health Plan 

    • UHA Health 

    • HMAA/HMA

    • Tricare

  • Please contact us directly to find out about our current rates.