Promoting independence and confidence for adults in Jefferson and Clallam Counties through person-centered speech, cognitive, and swallowing therapy.
Welcome to Peninsula Speech Therapy. I’m Julia Franz.
My private practice was created in 2018 with the goal of increasing accessibility of therapy services to older adults in Jefferson County. Medicare and many other insurances allow outpatient therapy to take place in a person’s home as well as in a clinic setting; this affords more people the opportunity to receive therapy services without needing to adhere to strict homebound requirements.
In May of 2020, Medicare approved the use of telehealth for speech pathologists during the public health emergency through at least 2021, if not longer. Certain types of speech and cognitive therapy are covered, and I am happy to provide teletherapy services when indicated.*
Bio / Certifications
I moved to Port Townsend in 2015, after working for several years as a traveling speech therapist throughout the west coast. I received my Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Georgia in 2008, and have since practiced in a variety of settings including acute care, inpatient rehab, outpatient clinics, and home health. Current certifications include “Speak Out!” for Parkinson’s and the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT). I am now in my 12th year of clinical practice, with an emphasis on treating adults and elders with language and neurocognitive impairment.
Benefits of speech therapy in the home:
Convenience — No need to arrange transportation or manage multiple schedules.
Privacy and comfort — We’re often the most comfortable and at ease in our own space, and may prefer not to be in a clinical environment if possible, especially during these uncertain times.
Functionality — This is the exciting part! When therapy is modeled around an individual’s preferences, environment, and routines, truly meaningful work can take place. Whether it’s looking at family photographs to stimulate memories and word-finding, incorporating favorite music into voice treatment, communicating with a pet, or walking down the street to say “hi” to a neighbor, making use of a person’s environment has profound effects and increases the likelihood of carry-over between therapy sessions.
Many of my clients…
have experienced a stroke in the past year
have a recent or long-standing diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
are adjusting to memory changes while continuing to live independently or with family
have experienced changes in communication, swallowing, or thinking related to a neurological diagnosis (Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury)
are motivated to maintain or re-establish independence and quality of life
Geographical areas served for in-person sessions (East Jefferson County only):
Port Townsend
Port Hadlock/Irondale
Chimacum
Marrowstone Island
Gardiner
Port Ludlow
Quilcene
*Therapy for residents of Clallam County will be provided exclusively via telehealth at this time.
Services
Initial Evaluation and Goal Development
Combination of contextual/observational assessment and standardized assessment, as appropriate
Collaborative goal-setting with the client and family/significant others
Speech and Language Therapy
Articulation exercises and techniques to improve speech intelligibility
Word-finding strategies
Techniques and cueing to improve language organization
Development of augmentative and alternative communication strategies (for those who have extreme difficulty communicating verbally)
Voice Treatment
“Speak Out!” program for Parkinson’s (https://www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/OurSpeechTherapyProgram)
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTLoud)
Swallowing Therapy
Exercises to strengthen muscles of the swallow mechanism, and to improve respiratory/swallow strength and coordination
Recommendations for modifying food textures and liquid viscosities to maximize safety with eating and drinking
Modifications and strategies to reduce unsafe eating behaviors
Referral for instrumental swallow study, when appropriate
Videofluoroscopy or FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
Cognitive Therapy
Evidence-based techniques to improve attention, memory, problem solving, planning, and task initiation
Development of supportive memory and organizational strategies that are meaningful and fit within the individual’s daily routine
Home modifications and adaptations to reduce reliance on family/caregivers
Medicare + Insurance
I am a participating provider with Medicare, and speech therapy sessions are billed directly to Medicare Part B.
Individuals enrolled in Medicare Part B have approved outpatient therapy services covered at 80% (after the annual deductible of $203), with the remaining 20% typically covered by secondary insurance.
I plan to become in-network with additional insurances in the near future. At this time, many insurances are reimbursing out-of-network providers as part of the public health emergency. I can assist in checking covered services with your insurance company if needed.
Referral Process
(I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation prior to formal assessment)
Contact your primary care physician or neurologist to request an order for outpatient speech therapy. Provide them with my name and direct fax line.
Julia Franz, CCC-SLP Fax: 360.219.9487
Once I receive a doctor’s order, we will arrange our first visit.
I will either come to your home or schedule an online appointment for an initial intake and assessment (which usually takes between 60-90 minutes). During this time we will work together to identify goals and a treatment schedule appropriate for your individual situation.
I submit the plan of care and any required reassessments to your physician. Frequency/scheduling varies depending on the client’s needs.
“Of all the life skills available to us, communication is perhaps the most empowering.” — Bret Morrison
Please contact me for further information or to arrange a phone consultation.
I look forward to hearing from you.
