About

Hello, I’m Christy Hack, M.S., CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the owner of Outreach Speech Therapy. Ever since my brother was diagnosed with a speech sound disorder as a child, I have loved speech therapy. I fondly remember going to my brother's speech therapist, Ms. Rebecca. She allowed me to participate in sessions, play games, and practice speech with my brother. Gradually I watched as my brother's intelligibility and confidence improved and as my parents' relief grew. My brother is now an adult man with a great job, perfect articulation, and excellent communication skills. In fact, Rebecca might have done too well as it's hard to get him to stop talking... It's been decades since my brother received speech therapy, but my family still remembers Rebecca and the incredible impact she had on all of our lives. Now, as the owner of my own practice, it's my goal to help children with speech and language impairments find their voices and to support their families the way that Rebecca supported mine.

Beyond my private practice, I contract with Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) to provide services to children ages 0–3 through California's Early Start Program, and I work alongside the wonderful team at Golden Gate Pediatrics (GGP) every Monday to provide speech services to their patients. When I'm not working, you can find me tending to my home garden, reading with my book club, hiking through Golden Gate Park and Lands End, and soaking up everything San Francisco has to offer.

Certifications and Special Training

I love working with all children, but I especially enjoy working on speech sound disorders, Natural Language Acquisition and Gestalt Language Processing, school-age language disorders, and early language intervention for children ages 0-3. I have special training or certifications in the following areas:

• PROMPTs for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)

• Lidcombe Program for Stuttering

• Hanen - More Than Words

• Meaningful Speech - Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)/Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) Trained Clinician

If you’d like to learn more about me, my services, and whether or not I am the right fit for you and your child, then please schedule a call with me. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is pediatric speech therapy?

  Pediatric speech therapy is a service provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) that aims to improve a child’s communication, intelligibility, speech, articulation, understanding of language, production of language, and more!

• What are the signs that my child needs speech therapy?

  While every child develops at their own pace, there are a few milestones to keep in mind. Typically, children begin babbling between 3 and 6 months of age, attend to music between 9 and 12 months of age, say their first words around 12 months of age, follow simple directions by 12 months of age, and produce 2-word phrases by 24 months of age. If your child is not meeting these milestones, then it may be a good idea to reach out to your pediatrician or to discuss your concerns with a pediatric speech therapist.

• What types of speech and language disorders do you treat?

  Speech Sound Disorders: Speech sound disorders include articulation and phonological disorders as well as motor speech disorders. If your child produces specific articulation errors (e.g., mispronounces their "s" sound), produces a number of phonological errors (e.g., substitutes one sound for many other sounds), or appears to have difficulty getting their jaw or tongue into the correct position for speech, then treatment for a speech sound disorder may help.

  Early Language Delays and Disorders: If your child is under three and has not hit their language milestones, then early language therapy may be appropriate. Signs of an early language disorder can include late talking, producing few words or signs, not responding to their name, not following simple directions, and/or not copying parent words and actions.

  Preschool- and School-Age Language Delays and Disorders: There are three main areas of language where a child may need support. Receptive Language is the processing and understanding language. If your child has trouble listening, following directions, or remembering what they hear, they might have a receptive language deficit. Expressive Language is the use of words, gestures, writing, or signs to share thoughts and feelings. Kids with expressive language deficits might find it hard to form sentences, use age-appropriate vocabulary, or tell a story. Pragmatic Language is social communication. Pragmatic language includes greeting people, having conversations, and understanding body language. If your child struggles with social and nonverbal language, they might have a pragmatic language disorder.

  Stuttering and Fluency Disorders: Stuttering is when an individual's speech becomes less fluid and more "bumpy." Stuttering can present in three different ways: repetitions (e.g., I-I-I-I am trying), prolongations (e.g., hhhhhi Mom!), and blocks, or tension-filled stops in speech. Stuttering is often accompanied by physical tension or movement, such as excessive eye blinking, rigidity or twitching in the face or limbs, or turning away of the face or body during speech.

• How often will my child attend speech therapy?

  Speech therapy sessions can be 30-, 45-, or 60-minutes in length and are scheduled one-three times per week. The frequency and duration is based on the needs and availability of the child, their caregivers, and the speech-language pathologist.

  Generally, it is recommended that children with speech sound disorders (e.g., articulation disorders, phonological disorders, apraxia) attend speech therapy for 30 minutes two-three times per week. Children with language deficits are typically scheduled for 45- or 60-minute sessions one time per week.

• How long will my child need speech therapy?

  The length of therapy varies depending on several factors, including the type and severity of your child’s speech or language disorder, their individual progress and motivation, and how consistently they practice their skills at home. Some children may only need therapy for a few months, while others may require long-term support. During the initial evaluation, the speech therapist will provide an estimate based on your child’s specific needs. Regular progress reviews will be conducted and these will help determine when the child can graduate from therapy.

• Will I be involved in the therapy sessions?

  Yes! Parent involvement is highly encouraged. Depending on your child’s needs and the treatment approach used, you will be asked to either observe or actively participate in therapy sessions. By watching the therapist, you will learn how to use the same techniques and strategies at home, ensuring consistency and helping your child to make faster progress. While an hour of weekly speech therapy helps to teach a child new speech and language skills, the carryover of these techniques into their daily life is what creates real change and progress!

• How can I support my child’s speech therapy progress at home?

  The easiest way to support your child’s progress is by incorporating speech and language practice into their everyday routines. Speech and language practice doesn't need to include flashcards or drills. You're likely already doing a great job of engaging in activities like reading, imaginative play, singing or saying rhymes, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging conversation during meal, drive, or playtime. During these activities, make sure that screens are put away, your child's attention is focused on you, and try to encourage and reinforce the skills your child is learning in therapy. Following any “homework” or exercise routines provided by the therapist can also support your child's speech and language, as regular practice is essential for reinforcing new skills.

• Where do you provide services?

  Outreach Speech Therapy provides services to children within the city of San Francisco. Services are typically provided within the home of the child. However, services can also be provided in a child’s daycare, preschool, or private school as long as the school approves.

• Do you take insurance?

  I do not take insurance at this time; however, I do provide Superbills for all speech and language services. You can submit this Superbill to your insurance provider to request reimbursement for your child's services through your out-of-network benefits.

• What forms of payment do you accept?

  You will be asked to provide a credit card to keep on file. We do not accept cash or check payments. Fees are are based on time spent during assessments, treatments, and documentation. You will be provided with an estimate prior to receiving services. Please contact us for more information.