Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is speech therapy?
The main goal of speech therapy is to achieve better communication by improving the ability to understand and express thoughts, ideas and feelings effectively.
Q: What is involved in a speech and language assessment?
A speech and language assessment is conducted to accurately evaluate a person’s communication needs. It can take between 30 minutes and two or more hours depending on the nature of the challenges being assessed. When you book your assessment, your SLP will be able to approximate how much time will be required.
Young children attend assessment sessions with parents. Early communication assessments involve parent reporting, observation of communication and play skills in informal play-based activities, as well as more structured testing activities as required.
School aged children’s speech and language is assessed through parent and school reports, informal observation of communication skills in varied speaking contexts and structured testing activities.
Adult assessments involve collection of history information, current concerns and personal goals for seeking support. Informal and formal assessment protocols are used as needed to obtain information required.
Some form of assessment is required to determine treatment goals as well as any other additional referrals that may be indicated. Immediately following the assessment session in most cases, your SLP will be able to offer impressions of the results and suggest whether or not intervention is required. Analysis and consultation will be required to establish individualized goals and therapy plans.
Q: What does a typical therapy session look like?
Therapy sessions at The Speech People are one-to-one meetings with one of our registered SLPs. Parents or caregivers are asked to attend sessions with children. All sessions are individually designed to target the speech and language goals that were established by the SLP and the client/client’s parents following assessment. As clients make progress, goals will be updated. As much as possible, therapy for children will be play-based to encourage participation and motivation. Suggestions and activities for home practice will always be provided at the end of each session. Feedback from clients and families is essential, welcomed and obtained regularly.
The frequency and length of the therapy sessions will depend on the specific needs of every client. Generally, therapy sessions are weekly and last 1 hour in length—which includes client/parent education and discussion regarding follow-up activities. Therapy sessions take place at our clinic.
Q: Do you provide speech therapy plans for each child?
Yes, we provide a personalized speech therapy plan for each child who is seen for an initial appointment or evaluation and for whom it is determined that they would benefit from speech therapy services.
Q: Where are speech therapy services offered?
We offer in-clinic services at our Orleans location. In special circumstances and if our schedules allow, we can provide some in-home, daycare, and school services for your convenience. However, please note that availability for these types of services is more limited. Virtual therapy is an option as well.
Q: How often will my child need speech therapy sessions?
The frequency and length of therapy sessions depend on each client’s specific needs and family preferences. Generally, sessions are held weekly and last between 45 minutes to 1 hour. This time includes not only direct therapy but also parent education and discussion of follow-up activities to reinforce progress at home, as well as mandated progress notes and charting.
Q: Is 15-months too young to see a speech therapist?
It is never too early to start speech therapy! Early intervention is crucial as a child’s brain is highly adaptable, allowing for significant growth in the early years. Research shows that early speech and language support can positively impact cognitive, social, play, communication, language and academic skills.
A speech-language pathologist can provide evidence-based strategies to promote your child’s language and communication development from a young age. Starting therapy early helps lay a strong foundation for your child’s future success in communication and learning. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
Q: What is a CDA?
Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs) are trained professionals who carry out clinical tasks under the supervision of a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Their training typically includes an undergraduate degree plus a post-graduate college program leading to a CDA diploma or certificate.
CDAs can provide speech therapy treatment and share general updates on progress. However, the supervising SLP is responsible for assessments, interpreting results, giving clinical advice, and making referrals.
Supervision of a CDA by an SLP may be direct (e.g., observing a session) or indirect (e.g., meetings, reviewing files). The supervising SLP is always available to support both the CDA and the client/family.
For more details, please visit the CDAAC or CASLPO websites.
Q: Are speech and language services covered by OHIP?
No, our fees are not covered by OHIP as we are a private clinic. However, most insurance plans cover speech therapy services up to a certain maximum amount. Please consult with your insurance provider to determine the amount you are eligible to claim.
Q: What are your rates?
| Speech Language Pathologist |
Communicative Disorders Assistant |
|
| 1 hr Assessment visit* | $165-185 | N/A |
| 1 hour service fee | $160 | $135 |
| 45 min service fee | $145 | $120 |
| 30 minute service fee | $115 | $100 |
*(report writing if requested is extra)
Payment is due immediately following each session in the form of credit card, cash, e-transfer or cheque. Once payment is processed, you’ll be able to access a paid invoice document that is appropriate for submission to private insurers or for tax purposes
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that sometimes schedules change unexpectedly. However, to help us continue providing quality care and fairly compensate our clinicians for preparation and lost time, we have the following policy:
- Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are billed at a flat rate of $35.
- Missed appointments (no-shows) will be billed at the full session rate.
We truly appreciate your understanding and support in helping us keep our schedule reliable for all families.
Q: Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to meet with one our speech therapists, although you may want to check with your insurance provider to see if they require one to have fees reimbursed.
Q: Do you do evening and weekend appointments?
We offer early morning appointments starting at 7am, late day appointments ending at 7pm and weekend appointments depending on therapist availability.
Q: Who is the artist who painted the pieces in your office?
A local artist named Alexandra Urosevic. Feel free to check out more of her work HERE
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