Do I need a doctor’s referral to access private speech therapy?
No. I do not require a doctor's referral. It’s important to note here that if you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development it’s important to seek out help, even if your family doctor or paediatrician suggests waiting. The sooner a problem is discovered and targeted, the better the outcome for the child. Waiting even six months may make development gaps larger and more difficult to remediate. Research has shown that the earlier a child receives therapy for a communication disorder, the more effective the therapy will be.
What will speech and language therapy look like?
Speech and language therapy will look different for adults and children, as it is tailored to the individual's developmental stage, communication goals and specific needs. For children: The first session will be used to get to know you and your child. I typically use informal testing procedures to assess their speech and language skills. I may also gather a language sample as well as ask you questions regarding your concerns and your child’s abilities. Once we decide on goals, the therapy sessions typically consist of direct therapy along with information/suggestions for home programming.
For adults: The first session will be used to get to know you, listen to your concerns, and discuss what goals you would like to work on. Depending on your skills and goals, we may work on language exercises, memory tasks, and strategies for relearning how to communicate effectively. Homework and/or practice outside of therapy is included to encourage and reinforce skills.
What is the length of a typical therapy session?
Speech and language therapy sessions can vary, while most are typically between 30 minutes to an hour. This is discussed prior to or during the first visit.
Does my insurance plan cover speech therapy?
Most insurance plans do provide coverage for a portion of the fees up to a maximum amount. Please check with your plan, as each insurance company is different. You will also need to submit claims, as I do not provide direct billing.
Why choose private speech and language services?
Private speech and language services can be beneficial to children and their families. Public preschool and early intervention programs can have long waitlists, and families may have to wait several months up to a year to receive therapy. Private speech and language therapy can be accessed while families wait for services. Your child’s therapy can be provided solely by a private Speech-Language Pathologist, or in addition to the publicly provided services. Similarly, private speech and language services can be a helpful addition to your child’s ongoing school therapy. Frequent and consistent therapy enables children to become successful in reaching their goals and help them use their new skills across the various settings of their daily routines.
How much do speech and language services cost?
My current rates are: 60 minutes = $135 45 minutes = $110 30 minutes = $85
