Frequently asked questions.
Does my child need speech therapy?
If you have concerns about your child’s speech clarity, speech sound production, vocabulary, ability to follow directions, ability to tell or retell events/stories, reading and spelling, or reading comprehension, call for a free 20 minute phone consultation. Through a discussion of your child’s unique set of strengths and challenges, we will be able to determine whether a speech and language session is right for them.
Are services covered by OHIP?
Madelaine Ingles Speech & Language is a private clinic and therefore services are not covered under OHIP. Government funded speech and language services are available for preschool and school age children in the community however wait times vary from approximately 6 months to 2 years. We are happy to provide a free 20 minute phone consultation and provide more information on how to access these funded services. You may choose to access private services with us while you wait for publicly funded services in the community.
Are services covered by my extended health benefits plan?
Most extended health benefits plans do cover some of the costs associated with ppeech-language pathology services, however this depends on your insurance plan. Please check with your provider to determine how much coverage you have. We do not currently offer direct billing, but can provide an electronic receipt upon payment for you to submit for reimbursement.
Do you offer virtual services?
We do! Virtual therapy is provided using a secure online platform, all sessions require a unique password for the client to enter, and sessions are locked once in progress. Virtual therapy is an effective service delivery model that is both safe and convenient. With virtual therapy - illness, traffic, bad weather, even some travel, do not preclude a complete and productive therapy session. Madelaine Ingles Speech & Language will continue to offer high quality virtual therapy services well beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, and online services are available to clients anywhere in Ontario.
How can I access in-person services?
In-person services are available at our Flagship Location in Downtown Barrie, at 119 Dunlop Street East. Limited availability for in-home therapy may be available in East Toronto and Scarborough on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to learn more.
How much do services cost?
Pricing is based on guidelines outlined by the Speech-Language and Audiology Canada and are within the recommended range. Log onto www.sac-oac.ca for further details about how pricing for private services is determined. Call to learn more about our fees and payment options.
How many sessions will my child need?
Success in speech therapy depends of a variety of factors including frequency and intensity of services. Children are often seen weekly for 60 minutes or twice a week for 45 minute sessions. Prior to an initial assessment, it is difficult to know how many sessions will be required, however commitment, home practice, and motivation are all important determinants of success.
Do you offer group therapy?
Yes! We are proud to offer a variety of group-based programs both virtual, and in-person at our Downtown Barrie clinic. Check out Mingle & Babble for babies and toddlers, Mingle & Model for school-age kids with language and social communication goals, and Conversation Station, our online language and social communication program.
Do you work with Communicative Disorders Assistants? What is a CDA and how is it different from a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Our team is made up of both qualified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs). The difference is the type of training each therapist has completed. SLPs have completed a two year Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology, usually following a four year undergraduate degree in a related field. SLPs can assess, create treatment plans, deliver therapy, and supervise the implementation of a therapy plan by a CDA. CDAs typically complete a one year college degree following the completion of a four year undergraduate degree in a related field. CDAs are trained to deliver therapy, based on a treatment plan developed by an SLP, under the SLPs supervision. In both cases, clinicians have completed practicums or internships in the field prior to graduation. Our clinicians are experienced, knowledgeable, and fun! We all follow the same philosophy of functional, child and family centred therapy! If you are working with a CDA, your supervising SLP will check in regularly to monitor progress and update your treatment plan as needed.