Speech-language pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat communication problems, including difficulties with:

• speaking
• listening
• understanding language
• reading
• writing
• social skills
• stuttering
• using voice

For more information on what speech-language pathologists do, please see: What is Speech Pathology?

At CAADS, we love helping young people (0 to 18 years) to gain the communication skills needed to confidently interact with others and to carry out their day to day activities.

Speech-language pathologists use a variety of proven methods to understand and address clients' concerns. At CAADS, we recognise that every client is different and that it is important to customise intervention to best fit the needs of the client. An integrated approach is essential for successful outcomes and our speech-langauge pathologist is great at engaging with clients and assisting parents/care-givers to best support their child to achieve the therapeutic goals.

In Australia, speech pathologists must complete a recognised bachelor or graduate entry master’s degree at university. We also require our speech pathologist to be a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) which requires membership of Speech Pathology Australia. Speech pathologists undertake regular professional development to ensure they are always up-to-date with best practice and knowledge of the latest developments in the field.

In order to provide the best possible treatment and support, it is essential for your speech-language pathologist to have a good understanding of your child's needs. As such, the first appointment is a 60 minute consultation and assessment session to collect information about your child and to evaluate your child's speech and language skills. For older children and those with more complex needs, additional sessions may be required to cover the necessary assessment areas. You will be advised of the time needed when you make a booking.

Following the initial consultation and assessment session/s, the speech pathologist will compile a written report which will outline the assessment results and include recommendations and a therapy plan. A feedback session will be organised to enable the results to be discussed and to answer any questions you may have.

Our speech pathologist is very mindful of the importance of privacy and confidentiality, following the Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) Code of Ethics, relevant guidelines and the Australian Privacy Principles in regards to collecting and handling personal information. A speech pathologist is obliged to disclose information if it is officially requested (subpoenaed) by a court of law or if failure to provide the information would place the client or another person at serious risk of harm.

We do not provide any reports other than those required to inform intervention needs (e.g. speech-language assessment reports) and progress reports to referrers as per Medicare requirements or for clients under National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding. We do not supply court reports or legal letters and our speech pathologist reserves the right to decline any request that may potentially put the therapeutic relationship at risk.

There are many factors that can influence therapy outcomes, including the extent of the concerns and how well clients are able to participate in therapy and apply the strategies to their everyday living. Some clients may be able to achieve their goals within a few sessions and others may have more complex needs or a number of concerns that take longer to work through. It may also be necessary to revisit therapy from time to time in order to maintain progress.

Speech pathology sessions are generally conducted on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Your speech pathologist will advise you of the frequency with which she thinks sessions should occur based on the level of intervention that is considered necessary and also taking into account other factors such as time contraints and financial considerations.

The initial consulation and assessment session is a 60 minute appointment to allow for sufficient time to collect a comprehensive history and evaluate your child's skills, which are essential for identifying goals and developing an effective intervention plan. Further assessment may be necessary depending upon the needs of the child, and these session are also of 60 minutes duration.

From time to time, it may also be appropriate to reassess a child's skills to ensure that the therapy goals are being met. In such cases, the speech pathologist will always discuss options to best enable this to happen.

Therapy sessions are generally of 30 minutes duration. However, for older children who may be working on more extensive goals, there are also 60 minute appointments available.

You do not need a referral to attend our service although we are happy to work with medical practitioners and other professionals to ensure the best wholistic care possible. Eligible clients with chronic and complex needs may be referred by their general practitioner (GP) for up to 5 sessions per calendar year under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly the Enhanced Primary Care Plan). The current Medicare rebate for these services is $54.60 but please note, we do not bulk bill and there will be a gap fee payable. Please consult with your GP for further information.

We are a fee for service practice. Standard therapy sessions are $87.50 for 30 minutes and $175 for 60 minutes. Assessment costs vary according to what type of assessment is required.

Clients with chronic and complex needs may be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for up to 5 sessions per calendar year when referred by their general practitioner (GP) under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly the Enhanced Primary Care Plan). The current Medicare rebate for these services is $54.60. Please note, we do not bulk bill and there will be a gap fee payable. Please consult with your GP for further information.

Alternatively, you may be able to claim a private health insurance rebate. Please contact your health fund to check your eligibility. Please note, you cannot use private health insurance and Medicare at the same session. 

Clients with chronic and complex needs may be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for up to 5 sessions per calendar year when referred by their general practitioner (GP) under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly the Enhanced Primary Care Plan). The current Medicare rebate for these services is $54.60. Please note, we do not bulk bill and there will be a gap fee payable. Please consult with your GP for further information.

We have an electronic Medicare facility that enables payment of rebates into a suitable bank account or you can claim online via the MyGov website (my.gov.au) or app .

You may be able to claim a private health insurance rebate depending upon the level of coverage and type of policy you have. Please contact your health fund to check your eligibility. Please note, you cannot use both private health insurance and Medicare at the same session.

Services must be paid for at each session. We accept Mastercard and Visa. We also accept cash. We do not take American Express or Diner's Club cards or cheques. If you are eligible to claim a Medicare rebate, we have an electronic facility that enables payment of rebates into a suitable bank account or you can claim online via the MyGov website (my.gov.au) or app . We do not have facilities to process private health rebates.    

We recognise that there are circumstances beyond the control of clients that may lead to an appointment being missed or cancelled with short notice. However, in order for us to continue to operate a supportive service for families, it is necessary to charge a fee for all missed appointments and short notice cancellations, regardless of the reason for not attending the appointment (e.g. a child falling ill on the day of the appointment). If you are unable to attend an appointment, it is essential that you contact us as soon as possible to advise you will not be attending. Outside of business hours, a message can be left on our secure telephone message bank or you can email us at enquiries.com.au Unfortunately, we are unable to fill cancelled appointments at short notice. There will be a fee if we do not receive 48 hours notice of your intention to cancel or if you do not attend a booked appointment. Efforts will be made to reschedule your appointment in a timely manner; however, the cancellation fee for the missed or cancelled appointment will still apply.

As a courtesy, we send text reminders to clients three days prior to their scheduled appointment. However, it is the client's responsibility for keeping track of appointments and for notifying us of a need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. The cancellation fee will apply if we do not receive 48 hours notice, regardless of whether our text reminders are received. Please note that Medicare and Private Health funds do not rebate for missed and cancelled appointments.