Frequently asked questions
General
Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?
No formal referral is required to book an initial appointment. However, a referral from a GP or paediatrician is needed if you want to claim under a Medicare Chronic Disease Management/EPC/GPCCMP plan.
What ages do you see?
We see clients from 12 months through to adulthood.
How do I book an appointment?
Go to our website and book directly through the booking link. Or give us a call and let us know how we can assit you.
https://www.halaxy.com/book/appointment/antonia-mccurdy/speech-pathologist/842601/699501
What happens at the first appointment?
The first session is an assessment, where the speech pathologist gathers case history, observes your child's (or your) communication, and may use formal or informal assessment tools depending on the concern. This session typically takes [X minutes] and is followed by a report and recommended plan.
Funding and costs
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes, we accept Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans, which provide a rebate for up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. A GP referral is required.
Do you accept NDIS?
Yes, we accept NDIS clients who are self-managed, plan-managed, we currently do not accept agency mnagaed clients.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Most private health extras policies cover speech pathology — rebates vary by provider and level of cover. We can provide an invoice with the required item numbers for you to claim directly with your fund.
What are your fees?
The first session is an assessment, where the speech pathologist gathers case history, observes your child's (or your) communication, and may use formal or informal assessment tools depending on the concern. This session typically takes [X minutes] and is followed by a report and recommended plan.
Assessment and therapy
How long does therapy usually take?
This varies significantly depending on the area of difficulty, severity, and consistency of attendance/home practice. Your speech pathologist will discuss expected timeframes and goals after the initial assessment.
How often will we need to attend sessions?
Most clients attend weekly or fortnightly, the best results are achieved through consistent therapy sessions and review at home.
What conditions do you work with?
We work with a range of clients with different presentations, areas we support are ADHD, dyslexia, autism, articulation disorders, breathing and orofacial myology, selective mutism, gender affirming voice therapy, PROMPT, Hanen play based therapy.
Will I need to be involved in therapy?
Yes — particularly for children, caregiver involvement (attending sessions, home practice) significantly improves outcomes. Your speech pathologist will guide you on how to support progress between sessions.
Administrative
How do we pay for the sessions?
Payment is required on the day of service. We request credit card information and will process the payment on the end of the day.
Where are you located? Is there parking?
Our clinic is in Parkdale, 6 Carrier Avenue and there is parking outside the premises.
Is the clinic wheelchair accessible
Yes — we have a ramp that allows wheelchair uses to enter the premises safely.