FAQ

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: Are speech and language services covered by OHIP?

No, private speech and language services are not covered by OHIP.

If your child is under the age of 5 years old, they may qualify for free services from the government-funded speech and language agency in our area, First Words. If your child is school-aged, services may be available in the school or through the School Health Support Services Program through the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).

Many private insurance benefits cover a specific amount for speech and language services. Please check with your insurer to find out if you have coverage for speech and language services.

Q: What are your rates?

The Speech People’s current hourly billing rate is $145.00. This rate is in keeping with the guidelines provided by the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA) and is applied to the following services: assessment, therapy, report preparation, consultation/counseling, home programming, and travel. Forty-five minute sessions will be billed at $130.00 per session and 30 minute sessions will be billed at $100.00 per session.

Payment is due immediately following each session in the form of cash, e-transfer or cheque. Receipts will be provided for submission to insurers or for tax purposes.

Q: Do I need a referral from my doctor?

In most cases, a doctor’s referral is not required by SLPs. Referrals can be made directly by clients or by caregivers. The exception to this at The Speech People are voice disorders; we required a referral from an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor/otolaryngologist before we begin voice therapy.

Some insurers require a medical referral. Please check with your insurer to see if this is required.

Following assessment or during the course of therapy there may be recommendations for additional testing or services that would require a doctor’s referral.

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