Pediatric speech evaluation in North Hollywood, from babies to teens
Your child can be evaluated at home or on video. A school can host the visit too, but only if the school agrees and you give your written consent. A licensed speech-language pathologist leads every speech evaluation, and we visit homes in North Hollywood.
Birth to age 18
Private Westlake Village office on request. Home or video. Or a school visit, with the school's agreement plus your written consent.
3 business days or fewer, counted from your free call
Maybe your child's doctor mentioned a speech evaluation, or a teacher did. Or maybe you were the first to notice something. And it has not let go of you. A pediatric speech evaluation in North Hollywood is a play-based session. A licensed speech-language pathologist might notice what a child understands, how a child talks, and which sounds are clear. No diagnosis or referral is needed.
Where is my child evaluated, and how soon can it begin?
Home and video are both options. When the free 15-minute call shows that an evaluation fits, it follows no later than the third business day.
Your written consent and the school's agreement make a school visit possible, and families can request a private office in Westlake Village. Block out about 60 to 90 minutes for the evaluation. The exact time depends on age, on how many areas are covered, and on how your child is doing that day.
As of October 2026, a family here does not wait on a list to begin in-home or telehealth therapy. A call on a Monday could mean an evaluation that Wednesday. When you are ready to talk, request a free 15-minute consultation.
Something about your child's words on your mind?
Send a note about your child, and a licensed therapist will read it. Expect a reply within one business day. Two sentences will do: your child's age, then the concern.
On request, meetings can also happen in a private Westlake Village office. We visit homes in North Hollywood. Video calls work too. A visit at school cannot happen unless the school agrees. A parent must also give written consent.
What goes on during a pediatric speech evaluation in North Hollywood?
The therapist begins by talking with you. Play comes next, with standardized tests picked for a child's age tucked inside it.
During play, the therapist may watch for how a child follows directions, asks for what they want, and takes turns. The areas that get a closer look come from your child's age and your concerns. What you tell the therapist counts alongside what the tests show.
Nita Anavim, M.S., CCC-SLP, who leads each speech evaluation, is a co-founder of Therapy Clubhouse. She is also a licensed speech-language pathologist. For more detail, see our speech evaluation page.
What do I have in hand afterward, and what if therapy is not advised?
Fourteen business days is the outer limit for the written report, counted from the evaluation. If the report advises therapy, a therapy plan is part of it.
The report names a child's strengths and gives a specific recommendation, all in plain language. Should the recommendation be no therapy, you are told that plainly. You are also given what to watch for.
Starting therapy does not require the finished report. The earliest first session falls five days after your call. When therapy is recommended, our page about speech therapy in North Hollywood describes the skills it can work on.
What if my child is under 3?
Babies and toddlers are welcome. These evaluations cover children from birth to age 18.
On its Early Start page, North Los Angeles County Regional Center says the program provides services and supports to infants and toddlers, birth to 36 months, and their families. Bring any Early Start questions to the free call.
What do North Hollywood school pages say about special education?
Saticoy Elementary, an LAUSD school in North Hollywood, says the special education process has four basic steps. They run from referral for assessment to review of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The page says the process determines whether or not a child is eligible for special education services. Its parent resources include the LAUSD Special Education Service Call Center and parent guides in English and Spanish.
Arminta Street Elementary is another LAUSD school in North Hollywood. It lists PALS (Preschool for All Learners) among its special education programs. It also lists Language and Speech (LAS) among its related services.
What story and reading events did the North Hollywood library list?
In October 2026, a STAR storytime was listed at the Los Angeles Public Library's North Hollywood branch, in its Babies and Toddlers category. The last date in the listing is December 17, 2026.
The library says STAR sessions can change or be canceled, depending on volunteer schedules. In October 2026, the North Hollywood branch listed a Cover to Cover Reading Club for ages 4 to 12, with November 14, 2026 as the last date in the listing. A child who is not yet reading may have a parent or guardian read to them.
The Los Angeles Public Library's page for its North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library lists language collections. They are Russian and Spanish.
How do families pay for the evaluation?
The evaluation counts as a clinical service. Insurance may be used for it through Village, and each plan sets its own coverage.
Village bills your plan. Whatever copay or deductible the plan sets is yours to cover, plus Village's own per-visit charge. PPO plans from several major insurers, along with TRICARE, are accepted by Village.
A family paying privately gets a superbill from us, and the insurer decides about reimbursement. On the free call, we go through your coverage with you. Book the free consultation and bring your coverage questions.
What else should I know before I call?
Does a doctor have to refer my child first?
No. Booking does not need a referral or a diagnosis. If you spotted something yourself, that counts too.
How long until I hear back?
Within one business day. A licensed therapist and our team look at each request, and our team writes back.
Do I pay for the first call?
No, that first conversation is free. It lasts 15 minutes, and the evaluation is a separate visit.
We offer the same speech evaluation in Burbank, Sherman Oaks, and Lake Balboa. Questions about hands, balance, or sensory needs? The North Hollywood page covers occupational therapy too.
Not sure if your child needs therapy?
Start with a free 15 minute consultation. No commitment, just clarity on whether your child would benefit and what the next step looks like.
Speech therapy and occupational therapy for children ages 0 to 18.
“If you or the doctor thinks there might be a delay, ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child.”
This is what CDC tells parents about getting a closer look. A referral is one route, and it is not required to start with us.
Wondering about your child's talking is a sign of how closely you are paying attention.
Request your free 15-minute consultation
Tell us what you are noticing about your child. A licensed therapist and our team read every message. Within one business day, our team calls to learn what you need and check insurance, then sets up a free call with Nita, Rachel or both. The consultation is free, lasts about 15 minutes, and carries no obligation. There is no waiting list. If you would rather talk now, call (805) 702-3427.
Send a note about your child, and a licensed therapist will read it. Expect a reply within one business day. Two sentences will do: your child's age, then the concern.
