"Where we see the world through the eyes of children."™

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Are your services covered by insurance plans?

Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover our services. However, many of the therapies and medical treatments that we recommend are covered. Only a few organizations have employee assistance programs that contribute to children with emotional or learning problems. We require that our fees be paid on time and in full even if insurance claims are being submitted.

 

Who can benefit from Fast ForWord?

Any child who does not acquire speech and language naturally. Also children with listening or reading problems.

 

Who can benefit from Samonas Sound Therapy?

People of all ages, from infants to mature adults, can benefit from a Samonas program. Benefits reported by clients utilizing individualized Samonas programs include:  

- Reduced sound sensitivity - Improved speech & language ability  
- Heightened auditory perception - Establishment of hemispheric dominance
- Hearing loss restoration - Enhanced inter hemispheric communication  
- Improved short-term memory   - Better focus and concentration

Samonas should be considered for individuals with a history of ear infections, those with short- and long-term memory problems, those concerned about hearing loss, and individuals who experience auditory discrimination problems or have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Also, parents should consider Samonas if their children have any of the following:  

- Dyslexia   - Sensory dysfunction  
- Learning disabilities   - Hearing loss  
- Down Syndrome   - Speech & language problems  
- Autism   - Cerebral Palsy  
- Hyper auditory hearing   - PDD  
- Brain Injury   - Developmental delays  
- Deafness   - ADD /ADHD  
- Central auditory processing disorder  

 

What are Diane Provo's fees for speaking engagements?

These fees are approximate and depend on factors such as speaking duration, waiting time, travel time, audience size and topic preparation. The following would be fairly representative of her charges:

1 hour

$350

Plus travel & wait time @ $90 per hour

2 hours

$650

Plus travel & wait time @ $90 per hour

3 hours

$900

Plus travel & wait time @ $90 per hour

* Out of town travel will include airfare, car rental, hotels and meals.

Why does Diane make house calls and school calls to work with children?

Diane feels very strongly that to make the best assessment and subsequently create a program with the greatest impact she must see the child in their real world environment. To bring a child to her office doesn't generally show her what she needs to see.

 Why do you charge for travel time?

As Diane maintains, seeing a child in his or her own environment enables her to achieve the best results. And while this may be good for the children, it is not optimal for her business. So rather than incorporating this time into her fees, she felt that charging a lesser amount for travel time would be the most fair to all involved. She still maintains an office for consulting with parents or for those times when it is not necessary or practical to visit the child at home or at school. In other words, she pays for its availability even though its not often used..

Why do you have different rates for the various payment methods?

At Time of Visit Rate - $170 per hour 

 

  This method requires the least amount of administrative time and rarely  results in an uncollectable account.
Credit Card Rate - $180 per hour

 

  This method requires less administrative time, payment is immediate and collection is less of a problem than with invoicing.
Billed Rate - $190 per hour 

This option is only for clients prior to November 1, 2008.

 

  This method requires the most administrative time and expense.  Also, uncollectable accounts do occur  with this method.

 

 

 

 

Where is the office located?

Our office is located at 12 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Suite E, Larkspur, CA 94939.
Directions -- Important Please Read and Note: The office is only accessible from the South. 
 
From the South:
Take 101 N
Take Richmond Bridge Exit (stay in the right lane when exiting)
As you merge onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. make an immediate right turn into a parking lot. It's the first building on the right and comes up quickly (only about 50 feet from the Sir Francis Drake traffic light). The office is a gray building on your right, Suite E
 
From the North, West Marin or East Bay:
Take 101 South
Exit 101 @ Lucky Drive
Turn Left onto Tamal Vista Blvd.
Turn Left onto Wornum Drive
Turn Left onto Redwood Highway
Left to enter 101 North / Sir Francis Drake -Richmond Bridge Exit
Take the Richmond Bridge Exit
Make an immediate right turn into a parking lot -  right turn before the Bamboo store. The office is a gray building on your right -- Suite E
 

Alternative Parking:

The lower parking lot of Wood Island Office Complex - 80 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Between Diane's office and the Larkspur Ferry Terminal Approximately fifty feet from Diane's office driveway.

Also, the Ferry Terminal has a new parking lot (an immediate right at the entrance) which is only one block East of Diane's office and accessible from all directions.