Getting started

Getting Started with Fisher-Jost Therapy

If you're wondering whether your child needs help with talking, understanding or eating, you're in the right place. Getting started takes five simple steps, and there's no waitlist.

Book a Free Screening Call (815) 200-8851
Speech therapist and a smiling preschooler celebrating his speech therapy graduation

Five simple steps, no waitlist

From your first call to your first session, we keep things simple and explain each step along the way. Most families start therapy within a month of their first call. Here's how it works.

  1. 1Free phone screeningCall (815) 200-8851 or send us a message. We usually call back within one day. The screening is a short call: we'll ask a few questions about your concerns, your child's history and your goals, and tell you honestly whether an evaluation makes sense.
  2. 2EvaluationIf an evaluation is recommended, a speech-language pathologist assesses your child's speech, language, feeding or social communication skills, using play, conversation and standardized tests where appropriate.
  3. 3Your child's care planYou'll get a clear, plain-language summary of what we found, plus recommended goals and how often therapy should happen. We'll go over it together.
  4. 4Choose where you meetIn your home, at our Frankfort or Manteno home therapy space, on-site at Elevated Therapeutics, or online.
  5. 5Weekly therapy and updatesSessions usually last 30 to 45 minutes, typically once a week, though some children do best with more frequent sessions. You'll get strategies to practice at home and regular updates on progress toward your child's goals.

What to expect at an evaluation →   Where we meet →

Do I need a referral?

You don't need a referral to call us. Some insurance plans require a doctor's referral or prior authorization for coverage, so check your plan. If your pediatrician or an Early Intervention coordinator suggested speech or feeding therapy, mention that when you call. Insurance details →

What to have ready

  • Your main concerns, with examples (“he says about 10 words,” “she only eats 6 foods”)
  • Your insurance card, if you have BCBS
  • Any past evaluations, school reports or doctor's notes
  • A few times of day that work well for sessions

  • No. We grow our team as needed so families can start without waiting.

  • No. You can call us directly for a free screening. Some insurance plans require a referral for coverage, so check your plan.

  • We see children from birth through age 18.

  • We're in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Other families pay privately. See insurance and costs.

  • In your home, at our Frankfort or Manteno home therapy spaces, on-site at Elevated Therapeutics, or online. See where we meet.

Getting started FAQs

Related: Insurance & costs · Where we meet · Evaluations

Ready for step 1?

Book a free screening. We'll listen, answer your questions, and help you decide on next steps.

Book a Free Screening Call (815) 200-8851