Online therapy refers to the delivery of therapy services via videoconferencing. Speech Partners offers online assessments and therapy to children with speech and language disorders and to adults with communication and swallowing difficulties through a secure teletherapy platform. All you need is a computer or a mobile device with a camera and microphone and a high-speed internet connection. We also offer online and telephone consultations and parent and caregiver education. Therapy sessions that we offer via a combination of telephone and video conferencing options are affordable, effective, convenient, secure and time-saving.  

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Frequently Asked Questions 

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What is teletherapy? 

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Teletherapy refers to the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to provide long-distance speech therapy services.  Such technology may include but is not limited to videoconference, telephone, telefax, email, internet. Other terms for teletherapy include telepractice, telespeech, speech teletherapy, telehealth, telemedicine, and telerehabilitation. 

 

What credentials do your Speech-Language Pathologists have? 

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Teletherapy services are provided by Speech-Language Pathologists registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).  

 

Is teletherapy covered by insurance and other funding sources? 

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Speech teletherapy services are covered by most extended health care plans. Funding is also available for eligible families through various private and government assistance programs. All funding sources that cover onsite speech-language pathology services can be used for teletherapy. For more information visit the FUNDING page.

 

In what areas of treatment do you offer teletherapy? 

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We offer teletherapy in the following areas of treatment: 

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• Language delay and disorder 

• Speech delay and disorder

• Reading and Literacy

• Autism Spectrum Disorders 

• Learning Disabilities ​

• Stuttering

• Swallowing Disorder (Dysphagia)

• Cognitive-Communication

• Aphasia

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Is teletherapy appropriate for all clients?

 

Online therapy is appropriate for most individuals with speech, language, social communication, swallowing and cognitive-communication difficulties. We offer online therapy to children as young as 3; however, a parent or family member will need to be present during online sessions to provide support. For older children, the presence of a family member is not necessary but it is recommended that they are nearby to optimize the children’s participation. Parents of younger children can work directly with the Speech-Language Pathologist to learn strategies to improve their child's communication. Adults with communication and swallowing difficulties may also need a family or caregiver to assist them during an online therapy session. Appropriateness of online intervention for assessment and management of swallowing disorders will be considered on a case-by-case basis weighing individual factors such as hearing and physical difficulties. Modifications may be required to address these issues. 

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What are the benefits of teletherapy? ​

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• Kids enjoy it! - kids enjoy playing interactive and fun game-based activities online. Some children find online interaction with a therapist less intimidating than in-person therapy. 

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• Increased participation - for adults who prefer video teletherapy over other forms of service delivery. 

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• Convenient and safe - get high-quality therapy services from the comfort and safety of your home. Clients have an option to take extra precautions during times of uncertainty. 

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• Time-saving - no extra time required to travel to the clinic.

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• Flexible - you have greater freedom to schedule sessions at times convenient for you: mornings, afternoons, nights or weekends. 

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• Special equipment is not required - all you need is a desktop or laptop computer or a mobile device with a camera and microphone and a high-speed internet connection.  A headset is recommended but not required.

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• Registered therapists - assessments and therapy are provided by registered Speech-Language Pathologists.

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• Affordable - online assessment and therapy sessions are more affordable than traditional, face-to-face therapy.

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• Family-centered - parents and caregivers can participate in every online session.  Therapy activities are assigned every week to work on the skills that have been addressed in the therapy session.

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• Secure and confidential - services are provided using a PHIPA compliant videoconferencing platform. 

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• Effective - research has shown that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face instruction. Click here to read Speech-Language and Audiology Canada Telepracice Position Paper. Click here to read the American Speech-Langage-Hearing Association (ASHA) Telepractice Position Statement. 

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There are no waiting lists. 

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Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your communication and swallowing needs.

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You can reach us at 647-848-2988, email at info@speechpartners.ca or fill out the online form.

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