Bluffton, SC · Pediatric SLP
Hi, I'm Katie — a speech-language pathologist who believes therapy should feel like play, progress should be celebrated loudly, and every family deserves a therapist who truly knows their kid.
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About Me
Hey there! I'm Katie Branum, MS, CCC-SLP — and if you've landed here, chances are you're a parent who wants more for your child than a rushed appointment squeezed between insurance paperwork and a waiting list. I get it, and I'm so glad you're here.
I've spent the last several years doing what I love most: sitting on the floor with kids, following their lead, and helping them find their voice — whether that's spoken words, an AAC device, or something beautifully in between. I earned my Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Old Dominion University and my linguistics degree from the University of Mary Washington, but honestly, the classroom never stopped after graduation. I'm always learning.
My clinical roots are right here in the Lowcountry. Before opening my own practice, I spent three years at a pediatric private practice in Bluffton and have worked as a school-based therapist supporting students from preschool through 5th grade on Hilton Head Island. I've worked with kiddos across a wide range of needs — articulation, language, fluency, autism, ADHD, and AAC — and I genuinely love the variety.
One thing I'm especially passionate about? Gestalt Language Processing. It's a newer, evidence-based lens for understanding how some children — especially autistic kids — naturally acquire language, and it's been a game-changer for families I've worked with. I've even trained other therapists in it! I'm also LAMP certified and experienced with a wide range of AAC systems, so if your child is minimally speaking or uses an alternative communication device, you're in good hands.
Outside of the therapy room, you'll find me volunteering with the Lowcountry Autism Foundation and cheering on the families in this community. I love what I do, and it shows. 🌿
What We Work On
Why Self-Pay?
Choosing a self-pay practice isn't just about skipping the insurance headaches — it's about choosing a completely different kind of care. Here's why families across the country are making the switch, and why it might be the best decision you make for your child.
No insurance company decides how many sessions your child gets or which goals are "approved." Frequency, duration, and focus are driven entirely by your child's needs — not a billing code.
Insurance-based clinics often have months-long waitlists. Private pay practices can get your child started quickly, which matters when communication development is time-sensitive.
Insurance claims create a permanent medical record. With self-pay, your child's diagnosis and therapy history stays between you and your therapist — no third-party access required.
Insurance often only covers "approved" approaches. As a self-pay provider, Katie can use cutting-edge methods like Gestalt Language Processing and naturalistic AAC that insurers frequently deny.
Smaller caseloads mean more time for parent coaching, home program support, and collaboration with your child's teachers and other providers — all the things that make progress stick.
Know exactly what you're paying — no surprise bills, surprise denials, or EOBs arriving months later. Superbills are available so you can seek out-of-network reimbursement on your own terms.
* Superbills are available upon request — many families with PPO or out-of-network benefits receive partial reimbursement directly from their insurance provider. Ask about this during your free consultation.
Services & Pricing
No hidden fees, no insurance surprises. Below are Katie's current service offerings — all focused on giving your child the individualized attention they deserve. Superbills are available for all sessions so you can seek out-of-network reimbursement from your insurer.
Not sure if speech therapy is right for your child? Let's chat! A 15-minute call to talk through your concerns, answer questions, and see if we're a good fit.
Free 15-minute phone or video callOne-on-one therapy sessions tailored entirely to your child's goals. In-person in Bluffton/Hilton Head or via teletherapy. Frequency recommended based on your child's needs.
Starting at $50 / Session Typically 45–60 minutesA thorough assessment using standardized testing, language sample analysis, and dynamic assessment. Includes a written report and personalized recommendations for next steps.
Starting at $150 Includes written report & parent debriefKatie provides superbills upon request — a detailed receipt that you can submit directly to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many PPO plan holders receive partial reimbursement. Ask about this during your free consultation!
Testimonials
Nothing means more than hearing from the families Katie has had the honor of working with. These are placeholder reviews — real testimonials coming soon! 🌿
"[Placeholder] Katie has been an absolute game-changer for our son. Her knowledge of AAC and genuine love for kids is evident in every session. We saw progress within the first month!"
"[Placeholder] We were nervous about self-pay, but Katie made it so clear and easy. The results speak for themselves — our daughter is now initiating conversations she never would have before."
"[Placeholder] Katie took the time to really understand my son as a whole person, not just his diagnosis. Her approach to gestalt language processing completely changed how we see his communication."
Worked with Katie? We'd love to hear from you.
Leave a ReviewFamily Resources
You don't have to navigate this alone. The Bluffton and Hilton Head area has a wonderful network of organizations supporting kids and families. Here are some of Katie's favorite local resources — many of them free — that she recommends to the families she works with.
Katie personally volunteers with LAF's Parents' Night Out program. Based right here in Bluffton, LAF offers free services to families including diagnostic support, art therapy, swim lessons, social skills groups, sensory-friendly events, and monthly caregiver support groups — all at no cost to families. A must-know for any Lowcountry family touched by autism.
lafinc.org → 10 Pinckney Colony Rd., Bluffton Financial AssistanceA wonderful volunteer-run nonprofit serving the Hilton Head and Bluffton area since 1991. CRF provides financial assistance for speech, occupational, and physical therapies, as well as specialized equipment for children with disabilities. If cost is a barrier, this is a great first call to make.
thechildrensrelieffund.org → 14 Wedgefield Dr., Hilton Head Island Play & LearningA fantastic hands-on learning space in Hilton Head designed to support language development, social-emotional growth, and communication through play. Great for practicing real-world language skills in a low-pressure, fun environment — exactly what SLPs love to recommend!
thesandbox.org · Hilton Head Island School ServicesChildren ages 3 and up may qualify for free speech-language services through the public school system under IDEA. Katie is experienced working within the district and can help families understand the IEP process, advocate for appropriate services, and bridge school and private therapy goals.
beaufort.k12.sc.us · Serving Bluffton & Hilton Head Early InterventionIf your child is under 3 and you have concerns about speech or language development, SC BabyNet provides free evaluations and services through South Carolina's early intervention program. Early support makes the biggest difference — don't wait to reach out.
scdhhs.gov/babynet · Statewide, serving Beaufort County AAC EducationIf your child uses or may benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), ASHA's family resource library is a great starting point. Katie is also happy to walk families through AAC options — from low-tech picture boards to high-tech devices — during a consultation.
asha.org · AAC Family ResourcesLet's Connect
Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We'll chat about your child's needs, answer your questions, and see if we're a great fit together.