What is Telepractice/telehealth?
Telepractice/Telehealth is a service delivery method that involves the use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver healthcare and wellness services outside of traditional health-care or clinical facilities.
We have been utilizing telepractice/telehealth with confidence to support adults who are unable to attend our Toronto offices since 2013. Whether your needs are medical or wellness-focused, you are welcomed to utilize this research-supported delivery method, which has transformed how people access healthcare and wellness services around the world.
online appointments ARE easy
You likely have the technology that you need for an online appointment on your computer, laptop, or phone. Through a quick on-boarding with popular video conferencing software, you can meet your speech-language pathologist and achieve your speech, social, and communication goals without having to leave the comfort of home.
the RESEARCH ON the effectiveness of telepractice
Telehealth/Telepractice is being used in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of speech and language disorders, including the following:
Aphasia (Macoir, Martel Sauvageau, Boissy, Tousignant, & Tousignant, 2017)
Articulation disorders (Crutchley, Dudley, & Campbell, 2010; Grogan-Johnson et al., 2013)
Autism (Higgins, Luczynski, Carroll, Fisher, & Mudford, 2017; Iacono et al., 2016; Parmanto, Pulantara, Schutte, Saptono, & McCue, 2013)
Dysarthria (Hill et al., 2006)
Dysphagia (Cassel, 2016; Malandraki, McCullough, He, McWeeny, & Perlman, 2011; Perlman & Witthawaskul, 2002)
Fluency disorders (Carey, O’Brian, Lowe, & Onslow, 2014; Carey, O’Brian, Onslow, Packman, & Menzies, 2012; Lewis, Packman, Onslow, Simpson, & Jones, 2008)
Language and cognitive disorders (Brennan, Georgeadis, Baron, & Barker, 2004; Sutherland, Hodge, Trembath, Drevensek, & Roberts, 2016; Waite, Theodoros, Russell, & Cahill, 2010)
Neurodevelopmental disabilities (Simacek, Dimian, & McComas, 2017)
Voice disorders (Halpern et al., 2012; Mashima & Brown, 2011; Theodoros et al., 2006; Tindall, Huebner, Stemple, & Kleinert, 2008; Towey, 2012b)
(American Speech & Hearing Association, Telepractice Guideline, 2020)
Online Therapy - Important Information
Technical Requirements
We use Zoom Meetings to host PHIPA compliant online appointments. Before your meeting, please test out a free Zoom meeting on your tablet or laptop. Please note that video calls over phone are not as effective for this type of meeting. Please ensure that you are in a safe, quiet, and confidential space for your online appointment.
Cancellation Policy
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If notice is not provided you will be billed for the full value of the missed appointment.
Insurance
Please bring your insurance information to your appointment if you plan to utilize direct billing. To see if your insurer allows for direct billing, please see our insurance page.
Rates
Our fees are set within the guidelines and fee schedule provided by the Ontario Speech and Language Association (OSLA). Our rates range from $131 to $190 per session (50-60 minutes) depending on the level of experience of the clinician and the program chosen.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please see our pro bono, reduced rate and sliding scale service program.
What To Prepare
Most client do not need to bring anything to the first appointment. Nonetheless, some clients bring relevant medical records, as well as a written list of their concerns. It's up to you.
After reserving an appointment, you should receive:
Confirmation Email (immediately)
Intake Forms (between 30 minutes to 1 hour later)
Welcome Package (between 30 minutes to 1 hour later)
Reminder Email (72 hours before your appointment)
If you do not receive these documents, please contact us immediately.