Our Unique Approach
Karen Okrent Therapy Services is a pediatric speech and language therapy practice providing exceptional assessment and treatment services for children of all ages. Populations served include early intervention, school age and adolescents. We believe language-based therapy occurs in everyday settings and strive to foster an environment of exploration and enriched communication for continued development.
We employ a child-directed developmental play approach that utilizes the child’s natural surroundings to enhance sessions and create teachable moments that maximize learning opportunities. Every session is goal-oriented and structured according to the child’s individualized treatment plan, to ensure effective and appropriate intervention.
We believe in multidisciplinary collaboration. Families, Allied health professionals and Teachers are our most valuable partners in therapy. We work directly with client families to integrate techniques that accelerate progress, improve communication and strengthen carryover outside of formal therapy sessions.
Working together is key to success!
Karen Okrent is a licensed, certified Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Karen holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from California State University, Northridge. She consistently earned Dean's List achievements and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. She has been practicing since 2010.
Karen has extensive experience assessing and treating the pediatric population (0-18 years of age) exhibiting a wide range of speech and language needs including Expressive and Receptive Language delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Apraxia of speech, ADHD and Auditory processing. With over 10 years of experience working in elementary and middle schools, Karen's knowledge and expertise of the school-setting encompasses a broader understanding of academic criteria and as well as navigating Special Education in the school-system.
Karen has experience in school-based, clinical, home-based and private practice settings. She vendors with Westside Regional Center to provide home-based Early Intervention.
Karen was the lead therapist and co-developer of Social Clues, a prototype video game built with the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and School of Cinematic Arts, teaching pragmatic language and social skills geared toward children with Social Communication Disorders.
Meet the Therapist
Services
Comprehensive evaluation and intervention of:
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Expressive Language delays and deficits
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Receptive Language delays and deficits
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Articulation Disorders
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Phonological Disorders
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Developmental Language Disorder
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Stuttering/Fluency Disorders
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Early Intervention
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Language-based learning disabilities
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Social Communication Disorders
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Apraxia of Speech
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Reading and pre-reading difficulties
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Family training to facilitate progress and carryover of speech and language strategies
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Repetition creates a predictable environment for children to learn. When expectations are set, they are easier to follow. Say it again!
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Ask Questions
Wait and Listen
Give your child the opportunity to formulate a response. By pausing and giving your child time to process the information, you’re promoting their comprehension skills and confidence in you as a trusted communication partner. No need to rush, haste makes waste!
It Starts at Home
Testimonials
"I cannot thank you enough for helping our son! We are so impressed with how much he's saying! We just cant believe he is speaking as much as he is! What you do is amazing! Our son loves working with you and we are so so grateful that we found you, we feel so lucky!! Thank you so much for everything!!"
- Parent
"Karen has a very approachable style and is able to make assessment results meaningful by giving useful recommendations that are practical and appropriate to their child’s developmental level."
- Psychologist
"Karen’s genuine caring for the families and children she serves comes through in her interactions with them, which makes for a positive and collaborative atmosphere."
- Educational Psychologist
"Along with her undeniable talent, her knowledge of children and expertise in speech and language pathology was a huge advantage to our team. She put this skillset to work in order to provide services, completing professional, thorough assessments and providing effective treatment..."
- Occupational Therapist
"My son always looked forward to his time with her and was always engaged in her activities . She always took the time to explain what she was doing during her sessions and encouraged me to continue the techniques she taught me, throughout the week... ”
- Parent
