Title: Empowering Caregivers: Expressable’s Tech-Forward Approach to Speech Therapy
Introduction:
Pediatric speech therapist Leanne Sherred recognized the challenges of implementing caregiver-led therapy in traditional care settings. However, recent research has shown the effectiveness of involving caregivers in speech therapy. To address these roadblocks, Sherred partnered with Nick Barbara, Spencer Magloff, and Ryan Hinojosa to establish Expressable in 2020. This innovative platform offers virtual sessions with speech language pathologists, placing caregivers “at the center of care.”
Empowering Caregivers with Tech-Forward Speech Therapy:
Expressable’s approach goes beyond traditional speech therapy models by leveraging technology and involving caregivers in the treatment process. Alongside synchronous care, the platform provides multimedia home programming, interactive practice activities, and therapist support via SMS. By offering these comprehensive resources, Expressable ensures that speech therapy is not limited to a few sessions per week but extends into daily life with caregiver participation.
Flexibility and Accessibility:
Expressable accepts various insurance plans, including Medicaid, while also offering private pay rates. Patients are matched with speech therapists who can meet their specific needs and accommodate their schedules. Through regular online sessions, therapists develop tailored treatment plans and engage with patients and caregivers. Expressable’s self-service platform allows patients and caregivers to track progress towards goals and milestones at their convenience.
Specialized Care for Diverse Patient Groups:
Expressable caters to both adult and child patients with a range of conditions, such as language disorders, speech delays, aphasia, stuttering, and autism spectrum disorder. What sets Expressable apart is its commitment to hiring health specialists as W2 employees rather than contractors. This decision has positioned the company well to handle complex speech cases that often require long-term, intensive treatment plans.
Caregiver Involvement for Faster Outcomes:
Expressable aims to empower parents and caregivers as active members of their patient’s care team. By extending care into the home and throughout the entire therapeutic progress, Expressable facilitates faster outcomes. This approach recognizes the crucial role caregivers play in supporting patients and ensures a collaborative and holistic treatment experience.
Investing in the Future of Speech Therapy:
Despite the cooling trends in the digital and telehealth sector, Expressable has defied the odds. Recently, the company secured a $26 million Series B funding round led by HarbourVest Partners, with participation from Digitalis Ventures, F-Prime Capital, and Lerer Hippeau. With a total funding of $50 million, Expressable plans to enhance its care delivery model and core technology, expand payer relationships, grow its network of therapists, and invest in operational advancements. Additionally, the company is exploring AI applications to catalog speech errors, reduce administrative burdens, and improve operational efficiency.
Conclusion:
Expressable’s tech-forward approach to speech therapy revolutionizes the field by involving caregivers and leveraging technology to provide comprehensive care. By empowering caregivers as active members of their patient’s care team, Expressable ensures faster outcomes and a more collaborative treatment experience. With its recent funding success, the company is poised to further enhance its services, expand its network, and explore innovative AI applications for continued excellence in speech therapy.