Kara West - Pediatric Speech Therapist in Southampton County, VA
Helping Kids Thrive with Speech Therapy
Hi, I’m Kara West
I’m a passionate Speech Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping children build confidence in their communication skills. I take a personalized approach to therapy and work closely with families to create individualized plans that support each child’s unique needs and growth.
Why I love what I do:
I love working with children and their families to build communication skills and support meaningful, confident connections in everyday life.
Why I’m passionate about in-home care:
I love working with children and families in the comfort of their familiar environment, where learning feels natural and meaningful.
What does a Speech Therapist Do?
Speech-language pathologists (also known as speech therapists or SLPs) help kids communicate—whether they’re late to talk, hard to understand, or struggling to express themselves. They also support kids with feeding, swallowing, and social interaction.
SLPs focus on:
• Speech sounds – helping kids say words clearly so others can understand them
• Language development – building vocabulary, following directions, and expressing ideas
• Social skills – learning how to have conversations, ask questions, advocate for their needs, and take turns
• Stuttering – supporting smoother, more confident speech
• Feeding and swallowing – helping with picky eating, chewing, swallowing challenges, and texture sensitivities.
Speech therapy gives kids the tools to express themselves and connect with the people around them—at home, in school, and in the world.
Learn more about Speech Therapy with Coral Care, or see where we provide care in Virginia.
My Specialties
I specialize in:
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How my practice is special
Engaging Learning Experiences
Therapy is designed to be fun and motivating, and I work to keep children actively involved in each session.
Creative, Evidence-Based Practice
Interventions are imaginative and tailored, and I always adhere to best practices ensuring safe and effective outcomes.
Flexible Use of Materials
I can work with both everyday items in the child’s natural environment and specialized therapy materials, making sessions practical and versatile.
Areas I Serve
I work with families in Southampton County, and these surrounding areas: Wakefield, Waverly, Smithfield, Suffolk, Franklin, and Isle of Wight County.
Wakefield
Waverly
Smithfield
Suffolk
Franklin
Isle of Wight County
Local Places I love!
Publix
Harris Teeter
Walmart
Frequently asked questions
Does Kara West accept insurance?
Yes. Kara West sees families through Coral Care, which is in-network with major commercial insurance plans in Virginia. We check your benefits before the first session, so you know your cost up front.
How quickly can my child start with Kara West?
Most families start within 1 to 2 weeks of signing up, depending on Kara West's schedule. Book a 10-minute consultation to check availability.
Where do sessions with Kara West happen?
Kara West comes to you, in Southampton County and nearby towns like Wakefield and Waverly. Sessions are in person, about 45 minutes, usually once a week.
Do I need a referral or diagnosis to start?
No. You can book directly. Some insurance plans need a pediatrician referral, and we'll tell you if yours does when we check your benefits.
Unsure about what your child needs?
Book a quick 10 minute consultation with me! Serving families in Franklin near Barrett's Landing Park. Easily accessible from US Route 58.
Who is Coral Care?
Coral Care supports families with exceptional in-home pediatric therapists in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Every provider in our network is thoroughly vetted through a clinical review process and receives ongoing support through monthly education, community, and access to specialized resources.
We believe the best care happens when disciplines work together. That’s why we actively support cross-specialty collaboration—ensuring kids get care that’s not just high-quality, but truly holistic.
Need more care for a child—or know a family who does?
