Speech Pathology is the field dedicated to assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders. At our clinic, we offer two streams of service to both children and adults, this allows us to help individuals of all ages. Speech Pathologists use specialised techniques and personalised therapy plans to support children and adults to express themselves effectively and support their quality of life.
Our approach to paediatric speech pathology is designed with your child’s unique needs in mind. We start with a detailed assessment, then create an individualised therapy plan. Our interactive sessions are designed to be both effective and enjoyable, incorporating evidence-based techniques tailored to your child’s developmental stage. Our focus is on individual and family involvement, we strive to make their journey a positive and empowering experience.
For our adult clients, we start with a thorough assessment and based on these insights, we can develop a customised therapy plan, or offer targeted education and practical recommendations. We focus on real-world applications, ensuring improvements translate into everyday interactions and settings. Throughout your journey, we provide ongoing support and adjust our methods as required. We aim to equip you with the skills and confidence to achieve personal and/or professional goals.
We are committed to personalised, client-centred care that combines comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services with an understanding of the functional and emotional issues attached to the challenge.
Our speech pathologists work closely with our other therapy disciplines within our integrated health model. Therefore, they have a holistic and family-centred view of your child and how your child's communication needs fit into your life.
The paediatric speech pathologists at Tyack Health provide assessment and individualised therapy to children in relation to:
| Speech |
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| Language |
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| Social Communication Skills |
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| Literacy |
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| Auditory Processing |
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Our adult speech pathologists at Tyack Health provide therapy for those with:
Swallowing Difficulties
Communication Difficulties
Voice Difficulties
Fees
Rebecca passionately believes communication is one of the most important things we do in everyday life, so being able to help people with their communication is hugely rewarding. Seeing her clients improve and helping them move closer towards their goals gives Rebecca great satisfaction. Rebecca became a Speech Pathologist because she truly enjoys helping others in a variety of specialty areas, including speech, early language, literacy and fluency, swallowing and feeding.
Bethan has always had a desire to help others, and through her career as a Speech Pathologist, she has found her passion. Bethan is dedicated to assisting individuals of all ages with their communication and swallowing difficulties. She not only helps them improve their quality of life but also finds accomplishment in witnessing their progress and growth.
Children who overcome communication issues grow in both confidence and self-esteem. Like anything, learning to speak well is not just functionally difficult, it can also be emotionally challenging. For us, success comes when you connect, have fun, grow and celebrate each little win!
Our speech pathologists are experienced and are passionate about making a lifelong difference in the lives of the children with whom they work. They are committed to ongoing development of their skills and knowledge to ensure the delivery of up-to-date, evidence-based treatments for your children. All our speech pathologists are members of Speech Pathology Australia and are registered Medicare providers.
Our speech pathology team offers both during school and after hours’ appointments to suit busy family schedules. They aim to be flexible to fit in with your family needs.
Our speech pathologists are part of our larger paediatric team which includes occupational therapy and psychology. The paediatric team works together to enhance the care of children who need to see more than one therapist to overcome their challenges.
The first appointment for your child will be a 1 hour assessment session. During this time, the therapist will take the opportunity to begin building rapport with your child, discuss the main concerns you have regarding your child’s communication skills and begin assessing their communication abilities. You can help by ensuring you have completed the New Patient forms emailed to you prior to the appointment and bring along (or email) all reports/Letters about your child's development.
The length of time it will take to complete an assessment will depend on your child’s age and individual needs. Follow-on assessment sessions may be required, however this will be discussed with you at the first appointment.
At the completion of assessment, feedback will be provided and you will have an opportunity to discuss the assessment outcomes. Together, an intervention plan will be made for your child, if required. This may need to occur in a follow-up session and, in some cases, might require an appointment without your child present.
A written report can be provided outlining your child’s assessment results, recommendations and action plan. This is particularly relevant if your child has been referred to speech pathology by kindy or school staff, their doctor or paediatrician, or is receiving funding supports.
How much therapy, how often it is needed and where it should be provided varies with each individual. The recommended options will be discussed with you and, from this, you can decide the best step forward for your child and family.
Department Hours:
Monday 12.30pm - 6.30pm
Tuesday 12.30pm - 6.30pm
Wednesday 9.00am - 5.45pm
Friday 7.30am - 1.30pm
Consultation Fees:
Initial Assessment Session (60 mins) - $190
Report Fee - Reports are billed on an hourly rate. Please discuss report fees with your therapist at the time of request.
Therapy/Feedback Session (45 mins) - $130
(Please note that brief appointments can be made at the discretion of the Practitioner; a reduced fee may apply.)
* NDIS Funding options available - see below.
* Private Health Fund Rebates available
* Medicare rebate available - see 'Funding Initiatives' below.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that life is unpredictable and you may not always be able to make your scheduled appointment. If you can’t make an appointment we respectfully request at least 48 hours notice to cancel or arrange for another time.
Missed appointments and appointments cancelled without 48 hours notice may be charged the full consultation fee.
Funding Initiatives:
(1) Medicare Rebates
Medicare rebates can be accessed by children under 15 years with the same medical conditions as above, as long they received a diagnosis prior to 13 years of age.
A referral under this plan can either be for assistance with the diagnosis process (up to 4 sessions), or for treatment after receiving diagnosis (up to 20 sessions). Note that these sessions cannot be renewed annually, and can be used for other allied health services as well (with the total number of services not exceeding 4 and/or 20). The sessions are available for children with Autism or a Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD).
(2) NDIS
At Tyack Health we can provide therapeutic services under NDIS for participants who are Self-managed or Plan-managed. NDIS appointments are charged in line with the NDIS price guide. For more information see https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing#ndis-price-guide-2020-21
(3) Chronic Disease Management/Team Care Plans (formerly EPCs)
Medicare rebates can be accessed when your child needs ongoing support and care for a persisting condition, which requires multiple therapists/multi-disciplinary team. Eligible patients can claim a rebate of 5 allied health sessions in the calendar year. Your child's GP can assess eligibility for this plan and provide referral information to the speech pathologist. Your therapist reports back to your doctor after the initial consultation and at the end of each block of treatment. For more information see https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mbsprimarycare-chronicdiseasemanagement
