FAQ’s

 

Getting Started

What services do you offer?

ASTI offers speech, myofunctional, and occupational therapy. We also provide literacy services.

What areas do you serve?

ASTI has locations in Brandon and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

How do I know if my loved one needs ST/OT?

If you would like to speak to a therapist about your concerns, ASTI offers free phone screenings. Our phone screenings consist of a 15-minute phone call where you can discuss your concerns before committing to a complete evaluation. The therapist will ask you questions about your loved one’s development and provide recommendations for proceeding with an evaluation or not.

What can I expect from an evaluation?

Evaluations are used to determine if treatment is necessary and may include standardized tests, observations, medical history, and/or parent/guardian report. Evaluations typically last 1 hour and we ask that you stay for the duration of the evaluation. An assessment report is provided after the evaluation appointment.

Is there paperwork that needs to be completed before an evaluation?

Yes, intake paperwork will be sent electronically and should be completed no later than 72 hours prior to the initial evaluation.

We started therapy elsewhere. Can we transition our care to you?

Absolutely. Call the clinic or submit a Phone Consultation Form to begin the process of transferring care.

Therapy

What is the average frequency & duration of therapy?

Therapy needs vary from patient to patient. Most patients are seen at least 1x/week and therapy sessions are typically 30 minutes.

How long will my loved one need therapy?

Just as each person is unique, their therapy journey will be unique to them as well. Your therapist will keep you updated on the progress of your loved one and will remain transparent with you on your loved one’s plan of care.

How soon will my loved one see progress from OT/ST?

Therapy is not linear, and all people respond to therapy services differently. To set your loved one up for the most success attend therapy consistently and practice carry-over at home.

Do you offer virtual/telehealth?

Yes, we can provide quality therapy services through a HIPPA compliant platform.

What ages do you work with?

We work with a variety of ages, from infants to adult.

Do you provide in-home or in-school services?

No, at this time we only provide therapy on-site at our 2 clinic locations.

How are services at Anderson-Smith Therapy Institute different from services offered through the school district?

Therapy at Anderson-Smith Therapy Institute is provided in a one-on-one (one therapist to one child) setting. Parents are given individual instruction on how to continue therapy activities at home. Many children participate in therapy at ASTI in addition to receiving school-based therapy.

Anderson-Smith Therapy Institute also evaluates and treats many children who do not meet the strict criteria needed to qualify for school-based services. Many children who do not qualify for services in the school may still benefit from therapy services.

Myofunctional Therapy

What is myofunctional therapy?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a muscle-based therapy approach for children, teens, and adults. We work closely with dentists, orthodontists, and medical doctors to create an individualized plan for you. Read more about OMT, what it consists of, and what it aids in here.

Do you provide release procedures?

No, at this time we do not provide release procedures, but we do work with preferred providers who can get the release taken care of for you.

How many pre/post appointments will I need?

Clients can expect at least 2 pre-frenectomy appointments (not including the initial evaluation) and at least 2 post-frenectomy appointments. Therapy will be designed to fit the needs of the patient and appointments will be discussed at the evaluation.

Tutoring/Literacy Services

What types of tutoring are offered?

We currently offer literacy services and work with patients who struggle with spelling, reading, reading comprehension, or have a diagnosis of dyslexia. Our literacy specialist can provide you with a phone consultation to help you decide if your loved one may benefit from services. To schedule a phone consult you can call the clinic at 605-271-1852 or click here.

Can you diagnose a child with dyslexia?

Yes, a licensed speech-language pathologist will assess and determine if your child has dyslexia in a dyslexia evaluation. Learn more about dyslexia assessments here.

What programs/curriculum do you use?

Our tutors are trained in and utilize several different approaches including Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell, and the Barton Method.

Are tutoring services covered by insurance?

Tutoring services are not covered by insurance. Please call the clinic at 605-271-1852 to learn about our tuition rates.

Insurance

Do you take insurance?

Yes, ASTI is in-network with the following:

Aetna, Avera, BCBS (PPO), CIGNA, DakotaCare, HealthPartners, Sanford, SD Medicaid, Tricare Western Region.

We will also bill for out-of-network benefits for most other insurances.

How do I know if my insurance covers therapy services?

ASTI will call your insurance company and check coverage before your first session. However, we also encourage you to verify your specific policy’s coverage as well.

Do I have to use my insurance?

No, you may elect to not file claims to insurance and pay for services privately. We offer out-of-pocket rates that are available in our financial policy.

Current Patients

Where can I get a copy of your Attendance & Cancellation policy?

The policy is included in the initial intake paperwork. Please contact the clinic and we can provide you with an additional copy.

How do I access the patient portal?

The patient portal can be accessed here.

How can I pay for services?

You can pay your bill online using the patient portal or in person at the front desk when you come in for any appointment.

What holidays are you closed on?

Anderson-Smith Therapy Institute is closed on the following dates:

  • New year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Please note that we are not associated with any school district and we do not follow an academic calendar for non-school days or weather related closings.

Unscheduled Closure Procedure:

In the event of an unscheduled clinic closing due to weather or other reasons, we will notify affected patients by text. Closing information will also be available on our website.

Contact Information

What is your address?

Our Sioux Falls clinic is located at 8011 S Cinnamon Ridge Pl, Sioux Falls, SD.

Our Brandon clinic is located at 1513 W Holly Blvd, Brandon, SD.

What is your phone number?

Both of our clinics can be reached at 605-271-1852.

What is your fax number?

Our fax number is 1-844-676-6539.

How do I schedule a phone screening?

You can call the front desk at 605-271-1852 to schedule a phone screening or click here to fill out a form online.

What are your hours?

Monday – Thursday: 8am-6pm

Friday: 8am-12pm