Speech Sound Mastery
Help your child produce sounds clearly and confidently through play-based therapy techniques.
Learn MorePediatric Therapy Evaluations: What to Expect
Pediatric Therapy Evaluations: What to Expect
If someone has suggested your child “get evaluated,” it can sound bigger and scarier than it is. A pediatric therapy evaluation is a friendly, play-based assessment where a licensed speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist looks at how your child communicates, moves, senses, and manages everyday tasks — to see whether therapy would help and, if so, exactly where to focus. At Therapy Clubhouse it happens in your home or by telehealth today (and in-home and telehealth today; our Westlake Village clinic opens Fall 2026 from Fall 2026), and it always starts with a free 15-minute consultation. Call (805) 702-3427.
Is the evaluation the same as the free consultation?
No — and this trips a lot of families up. The free 15-minute consultation is a no-obligation conversation with a speech or occupational therapist to answer your questions and point you to the right next step. The evaluation is a separate, in-depth, roughly 1 to 1.5-hour assessment that actually measures your child’s skills and produces a written plan. The consultation is free; the evaluation is a clinical service that insurance often helps cover.
Our Services
Therapy Clubhouse serves families in Westlake Village and nearby Southern California communities through pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, Early Intervention support, in-home therapy, telehealth, and clinic-based care.
Language Development
Build vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension skills through interactive learning.
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Early Intervention
Specialized support for toddlers showing early signs of speech delays or difficulties.
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Social Communication
Develop conversation skills, turn-taking, and social play in a warm environment.
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Fluency Therapy
Support for smoother communication, stuttering, and related confidence skills.
Learn MoreDaily Living Skills
Support independence with routines, self-care, regulation, and age-appropriate participation goals.
Learn MoreWhat actually happens during a pediatric therapy evaluation?
It mostly looks like play. Your therapist spends time with you and your child, uses standardized tools alongside careful observation, and asks about your concerns and your child’s history. Afterward you receive a clear summary of strengths and needs, specific goals, and a recommended plan — so you leave understanding what’s going on and what to do next, not with more questions than you started with.
Do I need a diagnosis or a doctor’s referral first?
No. You don’t need a diagnosis or a referral to book a consultation or a private evaluation. Some insurance plans require a referral or a diagnosis to cover treatment, so it’s worth checking — and we’re glad to help you understand what your plan needs before anything begins.
Does insurance cover the evaluation, and how much does it cost?
Speech and occupational therapy evaluations are commonly covered when medically necessary, though every plan is different — coverage can depend on your benefits, referral requirements, and whether we’re in- or out-of-network. For out-of-network families we provide a superbill for reimbursement. Call (805) 702-3427 and we’ll give you a clear picture of cost and coverage before you commit.
How do I prepare my child?
Keep it simple and positive — let your child know a friendly grown-up is coming to play. Have any prior reports and your insurance details handy, and jot down your top few concerns. If we’re meeting at home or by telehealth, a quiet, familiar space helps your child show their best. Bring glasses or hearing aids if your child uses them.
What happens after the evaluation?
You’ll get your child’s results and a personalized plan, and if therapy is recommended we set up a regular schedule that fits your family — weekly, bi-weekly, or as needed. If your child doesn’t need therapy right now, we’ll tell you that honestly too, sometimes with a few strategies and a “let’s check back in a few months.”
Which evaluation does my child need — speech or occupational therapy?
It depends on what you’re seeing. Talking, understanding, clarity, and social communication point toward a speech evaluation; handwriting, fine-motor, sensory, and daily-living struggles point toward an occupational therapy evaluation. Many children benefit from both, and the free consultation is the easiest way to figure out where to start.
Evaluations at Therapy Clubhouse are performed by our founding licensed clinicians — Nita Anavim, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Rachel Yashouafar, MA, OTR/L (USC-trained, certified in sensory integration).
Ready to take the next step? Call (805) 702-3427 or schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a licensed pediatric therapist.
Therapy Clubhouse provides in-home and telehealth services today; our Westlake Village clinic opens Fall 2026.
