At this time, we do not direct bill to insurance companies, but most benefit providers have coverage specifically for Speech Therapy services or funds from a health spending account can be reimbursed back to you.

Please note that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can consider our services to be a tax-deductible medical expense. Please check with your accountant for information regarding fees paid for private speech therapy services by a licensed SLP as a tax deductible expense.

Within Alberta, a child with complex communication needs or significant delays may qualify for government-funded services (e.g., Family Support for Children with Disabilities [FSCD], Jordan’s Principle). Please note Program Unit Funding (PUF) is not used for private therapy sessions at home, but funding for agencies (e.g., daycare, preschool, etc) to contract therapeutic services or support.

Please follow the links provided for more information regarding application for funding. If you are in need of support navigating through this process, we can help determine if your child is a candidate for funding and can support you in the application process if needed. If finances are tight, there is publicly funded support for children as well, please see Alberta Health Services Pediatric Community Rehabilitation department for a self-referral.

With respect to therapy implementation, research has shown that the quality of therapy is comparable between the two, thus the main difference would be client/family preference (see articles listed below for reference).

With respect to fees, at this time we are not charging a travel fee for clients within a 15 km radius of the University of Calgary area under the discretion of our therapists. We may choose to turn down services due to travel time as this will reduce the number of clients we can see in a day. We may recommend virtual/online sessions as an alternative.

Articles:

Comparison of Patient Experience with Telehealth vs. In-Person Visits Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The effects of parent-implemented language interventions on child linguistic outcomes

The effectiveness of parent-implemented language interventions: a meta-analysis

We understand that life can be unpredictable and things come up. For sessions cancelled with at least 24-hours notice before the appointment, no fee will be charged. We reserve the right to charge you the full fee for a session that was a no-show or cancelled without at least 2 hours of notice. Same day cancellations will be charged 50% of the session rate under the discretion of the therapist.

Sessions are tailored to target goals based on the information provided via inquiry forms, goals requested by the client, and assessment data.

Sessions can run as 30 minute, 60 minute, or 90 minute blocks. Please keep in mind that questions, contact notes, and other administrative procedures will be done within your session and is noted as indirect hours of service. This may mean that in a 60 minute session, the last 10 minutes will be used to answer questions, discuss plans or next steps, and provide time for the therapist to make notes of the session.

For our preschool to school aged clients, sessions are play-based and designed for their learning level and stamina. Parents may be asked to participate and carryout activities in between sessions to practice targets and strategies outlined.

Indirect hours include time that our therapist uses to support clients outside of the therapy sessions or visits. For example, therapists may be asked to speak with other professionals or members of a child’s team. A child may be enrolled in a PUF program and their school teacher requested to speak with therapists on the home team. This meeting would be billed as indirect services. A doctor may need a written document (e.g., referral letter, report) from us. This time will also be billed. We will be 100% transparent with all indirect hours.