speech roots

private speech-language & literacy services

Committed to providing the highest quality of personalized services for children and adults experiencing communication and literacy difficulties.

child services

Provided one-to-one or in a small group of two children, a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist or Communication Disorder Assistant will target your child’s speech-language or literacy goals.

adult services

Provided one-to-one, we use motivating and functional activities to optimize your progress. At-home activities will maximize your gains.

FAQ

From "what is speech language pathology" and "do we need it" to questions about fees and service length, click the link above if you have questions.

child services

Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of your child’s communication skills to determine their strengths and needs. The assessment is essential for deciding whether therapy is recommended and to set appropriate speech and language goals.

therapy

Provided one-to-one or in a small group of two children. A qualified Speech-Language Pathologist or Communication Disorder Assistant will target your child’s speech-language or literacy goals. We use motivating and fun activities to optimize your child’s progress. At-home activities will maximize your child's learning.

CONSULTS

Education and training for parents and other caregivers is important for a holistic approach to helping your child improve their communication skills. Consultations may take place in the daycare, preschool, or with other service providers already involved with your child.

TUTORING

Tutoring is available for school aged children from grades 1-6 in the area of literacy and numeracy.

adult services

Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of your communication skills to determine strengths and needs. The assessment is essential for deciding whether therapy is recommended and to set appropriate intervention goals.

therapy

Provided one-to-one, a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist or Communicative Disorders Assistant will target your identified goals. We use motivating and functional activities to optimize your progress. At-home activities will maximize your gains.At-home activities will maximize your child's learning.

CONSULTS

Education and training for parents and other caregivers is important for a holistic approach to helping your child improve their communication skills. Consultations may take place in the daycare, preschool, or with other service providers already involved with your child.

TUTORING

Tutoring sessions are available for school aged children struggling with reading.  A qualified reading teacher will provide either 30 min or 1 hour of one-to-one instruction. Instruction is individualized for the child's level and area of deficit.

Areas we service for adult clients:

* Voice therapy will require an assessment from an Ear Nose and Throat Physician (ENT) or an Otolaryngologist.

** Populations commonly receiving therapy for cognitive communication disorders include: Parkinsons, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Primary Progressive Aphasia.

faq

What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA)?

A Communicative Disorders Assistant works with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or audiologist (AUD) to provide intervention to individuals with difficulties in the area of communication. CDAs are trained to work in the areas of speech, language, augmentative communication and hearing with individuals of any age. They have earned a diploma from a registered college within Canada often following completion of undergraduate studies at a University.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?

Speech-language pathologists are regulated professionals that can assess and treat a wide range of communication difficulties in children and adults. They must have earned a minimum of a master’s degree in the field to practice speech-language pathology in Canada, and must be licensed according to provincial regulations. In Ontario, speech-language pathologists are regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). SLPs are required to complete continuing education and additional training throughout their careers to stay up to date on advances in the field that can help their clients.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No, you do not need a referral in order to receive speech therapy services. You may receive a recommendation from a physician, dentist, psychologist, or school, but it isn't a requirement in order to begin treatment. Therapy for Voice Disorders do require an assessment by an Ear Nose and Throat Physician (ENT) or Otolaryngologist.

Are your services covered by my insurance plan or OHIP?

Unfortunately, private speech therapy is not covered by OHIP.Speech-Language Pathologists, registered with CASLPO, are eligible to be covered by your health plan. Depending on your coverage, most insurance companies provide a set amount of speech therapy coverage per year per family member and can vary in the number of sessions and dollar amount that they cover so be sure to check with your provider for complete details. Please check with your employer or health care provider as some providers have conditions such as requiring a doctor’s referral. Many family doctors would be happy to provide the needed documentation.

Can I afford to pay for private therapy?

Only you can answer that question, however we aim to make speech-language therapy as affordable as possible. We provide therapy through Communication Disorder Assistants that work under the guidance of a Speech-Language Pathologist and can make regular therapy costs lower for you. We offer a free no-obligation telephone consultation so please call to discuss your needs and how we can make therapy work for your family.

At what age should my child be speaking?

The majority of children produce their first “meaningful” word around 12 months of age. However, there are children who speak earlier and some who speak later. By 18 months of age a child should have a speaking vocabulary of 25 or more words. At this age they should be appearing to learn new words on a daily basis. At two years of age a child should have a vocabulary of more than 100 words and should be combining words into two word phrases (e.g. “want juice”). If your child appears to be delayed it is recommended that your child have a speech and language evaluation to determine if a problem exists.

Do I need to stay with my child for therapy?

Yes, parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend the sessions. If a parent is unable to attend someone else such as a grandparent or other relative may attend. It is important that the family be aware of the goals and strategies so that they may work on the goals at home throughout the week.

How do I know if my child's difficulty is with Speech or language? What is the Difference?

Speech is pronunciation of the sounds in words. It refers to how well a child can say words and sounds. Language can be broken down into two types: receptive and expressive. It is understanding and being understood through communication. A child with a language problem may be able to say words clearly but be unable to put more than two words together. Conversely, another child’s speech may be difficult to understand but he uses words and phrases appropriately to express ideas. Though problems with speech and language differ, they tend to overlap. Some children also have listening problems or difficulties with the social aspects of communicating that can interfere with the development of speech and language skills. Social aspects include skills such as making eye contact, being able to initiate a conversation and take conversational turns.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THERAPY?

Therapy involves sessions with an SLP or CDA focusing on individualized goals determined during the initial assessment. Therapy can involve individual sessions or sessions in groups of 2.Goals will be updated as progress is made, and we will also provide suggestions for activities that you can do at home between sessions. The length and frequency of therapy sessions will differ based on the specific needs of each individual. We can work with your schedule to help find a plan that works for you.

How long will it take to complete the therapy program?

This is a difficult question to answer and it varies depending on the nature of the speech/language difficulty as well as willingness and readiness for therapy. The Speech-Language Pathologist may be able to give you some idea as to the length of the therapy following the initial visit. The length and frequency of therapy sessions will differ based on the specific needs of each individual. We will work with your schedule to help find a plan that works for you.

fees

Our rates are based on the fees recommended by The Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA). We offer affordable options to clients and their families. Fees for service include time spent by clinicians preparing for individualized therapy as well as documenting progress in preparation for the next visit.

Fees for services by a Speech-Language Pathologist are covered by most group insurance plans.  We provide receipts with every payment, which you can submit to your insurance provider

FEES FOR THERAPY

Speech-Language Pathologist:

  • 1 hour session: $165
  • 45 minute session: $145
  • 30 min session:$120

Communicative Disorders Assistant:

  • 1 hour session: $120
  • 45 minute session: $105
  • 30 min session: $85

FEES FOR ASSESSMENTS & REPORTS

Assessments:    $250 / hour

Reassessment/Screenings:    $190

Reports:    $150

Written reports are provided upon request but are not included with assessments. Current assessments are essential to establishing appropriate therapy goals.   

contact us

You will be contacted within 2 business days.

email

slp.services@speechroots.ca

phone

905-512-2962

clinic location

940 Queensdale Rd. E
Hamilton, ON L8V 1N4
(Corner of Upper Gage)

hours

9am - 6pm

Or you can fill out our handy contact form below: