diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/cartesia/stt.py b/src/pipecat/services/cartesia/stt.py
index e213652c1..2606e0d6d 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/cartesia/stt.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/cartesia/stt.py
@@ -323,9 +323,7 @@ class CartesiaSTTService(WebsocketSTTService):
         if not changed:
             return changed
 
-        if self._websocket:
-            await self._disconnect()
-            await self._connect()
+        await self._request_reconnect()
 
         return changed
 
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/stt_service.py b/src/pipecat/services/stt_service.py
index 03c59b653..8fe83be33 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/stt_service.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/stt_service.py
@@ -626,6 +626,7 @@ class STTService(AIService):
         schedules a reconnect that fires as soon as ``UserStoppedSpeakingFrame``
         is received.
         """
+        logger.debug(f"{self} requesting to reconnect!")
         if self._can_reconnect:
             await self._reconnect()
         else: