Why see a Speech Pathologist and what does a Speech Pathologist do?
A Speech Pathologist can assess, diagnose and treat a variety of speech, language and communication difficulties. At Word By Mouth Speech Pathology we are experienced in treating:
- Speech skills (articulation or pronunciation)
- Language (understanding, following directions or expression)
- Literacy (reading, spelling and/or writing)
- Voice
- Fluency (stuttering)
- Hearing (auditory processing)
- Social skills and pragmatic language
We can treat any children and adolescents who have difficulties in any of the areas listed above.
Where can the sessions be done?
The majority of our clients are seen at our Mitcham clinic or via Telehealth however, we do visit select schools. Please contact our reception staff to find out if your school is one that we visit. Unfortunately we do not do home visits.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not require a referral to come to our clinic however a number of our clients do come with referrals from a GP, Paediatrician or teacher.
Can I get a rebate from Medicare or Private Health Insurance?
Yes, there is a Chronic Disease Management Plan/Enhanced Primary Care Plan through your GP which can help with up to 5 therapy sessions per calendar year. Please discuss this with your GP to see if you are eligible.
Each private Health Insurance Policy differs. Please check your cover with your provider. Claims can made at our Mitcham clinic on the day of your session or the account paid in full and claimed through your insurer at a later date.
Do we accept NDIS clients?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is being rolled out across Australia and here at Word By Mouth we can see you if you are self-managed only, we are not registered as a provider through NDIS. All clients are required to pay in full on the day of the session. Claims can be made with the paid receipt provided.
What are the steps involved in getting an appointment?
We ask that you call one of our friendly administration staff so that we can discuss our processes in further detail. We will then email paperwork to be completed and returned to us. Once these forms are returned, one of our staff will be in contact with you to book you in for the initial consultation. This appointment is generally 45mins – 1 hour in length with one of our Senior Speech Pathologists/ Directors. They will provide clear guidance about the next steps to take, how we can support your child and the processes and costs involved.
How much will it cost?
The cost of each appointment will be discussed with you. We have a set price for the initial consultation appointment which will be discussed when making your first appointment. The cost of an assessment (if required) will be discussed in the first appointment as it varies depending on what needs to be assessed. Therapy sessions vary in cost depending on length of time for each session. Most sessions are either 30mins or 45mins in length. The frequency and intensity of sessions (intensive, weekly, fortnightly, etc) is determined on an individual basis depending on a number of factors including the latest evidence for treatment, needs of families and appointment availabilities.
How long will my child need therapy for?
There is no clear guideline of how long a child may need speech pathology sessions as it differs for each client and there are many contributing factors. There will be an expectation that you will support your child to complete home practice tasks between therapy sessions. If these tasks are done consistently, it makes therapy sessions much more effective. This in turn can reduce the number of sessions required for your child.