General Speech Therapy FAQs
What is speech pathology/speech therapy?
Speech pathology is a healthcare profession that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders. Speech pathologists work with people of all ages who experience difficulties with speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing. We recommend working with speech pathologists who are members of Speech Pathology Australia SPA) and hold the the Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) post nominal.
What conditions do you specialise in at RT Speech and Hearing?
At RT Speech and Hearing, we specialise in supporting individuals with complex communication needs arising from:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or who display pathological demand avoidance (PDA) behaviours
- Developmental and neurological disorders
- Psychosocial disabilities
When should I consider seeing a speech pathologist?
You know yourself and your family best. If you notice that something seems different or doesn’t seem right with communication or swallowing, it’s worth seeking an assessment. Common signs include:
For children:
- Not meeting speech and language milestones
- Difficulty being understood by others
- Limited vocabulary for their age
- Trouble following instructions
- Difficulty with eating or drinking safely
- Stammering or stuttering
For adults:
- Changes in speech after illness or injury
- Difficulty swallowing food or liquids safely
- Communication difficulties affecting work or relationships
- Memory or thinking problems affecting communication
Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?
No, you don’t need a referral to see a speech pathologist privately. However, having a referral from your GP may help you access Medicare rebates through various schemes such as:
- Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan
- Team Care Arrangements (TCA)
- Better Start for Children with Disability
Services and Locations
Where do you provide services?
RT Speech and Hearing delivers services across Perth and regional Western Australia in various settings:
- Your home
- Schools and educational settings
- Supported independent living houses
- Our clinic in Perth (Wesley Quarter, Shop 7, 93 William Street, Perth)
- Virtual/online sessions
- Regional WA locations (including our Tom Price office)
Do you work with NDIS participants?
Yes, we work with both privately paying clients and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants. We understand the complexities of NDIS funding and can help you navigate your plan to access appropriate speech pathology services.
What is AAC and how can it help?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to methods of communication other than speech that help people express their thoughts, feelings, and needs. We all use AAC daily through gestures, body language, or written notes.
For individuals with complex communication needs, AAC might include:
- Communication devices and apps
- Picture exchange systems
- Sign language
- Symbol systems
- High-tech speech-generating devices
At RT Speech and Hearing, we specialise in prescribing and implementing AAC solutions tailored to each individual’s needs and capabilities.
Assessment and Treatment
What happens during a speech pathology assessment?
A comprehensive assessment typically includes:
- Discussion of your concerns and goals
- Formal and informal testing of speech, language, or swallowing abilities
- Observation of communication in natural settings
- Collaboration with family members, carers, or other professionals
- Development of recommendations and treatment plans
We always recommend a hearing assessment prior to speech pathology assessment, as hearing difficulties can significantly impact communication development.
How long does therapy take?
The duration of therapy varies greatly depending on individual needs, goals, and the nature of the communication or swallowing difficulty. Some people may benefit from short-term intervention, whilst others may require ongoing support. We’ll discuss realistic timeframes and expectations during your initial assessment.
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing food or liquids safely and efficiently. This can occur at any age and may result from various conditions including stroke, neurological disorders, head and neck cancer, or developmental delays. At RT Speech and Hearing, we conduct comprehensive dysphagia and mealtime assessments and provide appropriate interventions to ensure safe swallowing.
Costs and Payment
How much do sessions cost?
Perth-based services: $250 per 60 minutes of service (includes 10 minutes preparation time) Regional WA services: $380 per 60 minutes of service (includes travel costs)
Our comprehensive service includes:
- Assessment and therapy delivery (in-person or online)
- Report writing and preparation
- Liaison with stakeholders
- Travel to service locations
Prices are accurate as of February 2025 and subject to change. All prices are in AUD.
What payment options are available?
Prior payment is required for all appointments and agreed scope of work. We accept various payment methods and you may be eligible for rebates through:
- Private Health Insurance: Most health funds cover speech pathology services. Check with your provider about your specific coverage and rebate amounts.
- Medicare Schemes:
- Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan: 5 allied health services per calendar year
- Team Care Arrangements: 5 additional allied health sessions per calendar year
- Better Start for Children with Disability: Up to 20 sessions until the child turns 15 (plan must be in place before their 13th birthday)
- NDIS Funding: For eligible participants, services can be funded through your NDIS plan.
Can I claim through Medicare or private health insurance?
Yes, you may be eligible for rebates depending on your circumstances:
Medicare: Various schemes are available through your GP, including CDM plans and TCA. The Better Start initiative is available for children with certain diagnoses.
Private Health Insurance: Speech pathology sessions are claimable from most health funds, provided it’s listed as an option on your policy. We strongly encourage you to contact your private health insurer before your session to understand your rebate entitlements.
Getting Started
How do I book an appointment?
Contact us to discuss your needs and book an appointment:
- Mobile: 0411 104 190 or 0411 192 218
- Perth Location: Wesley Quarter, Shop 7, 93 William Street, Perth WA 6000
- Regional WA: We work out of the AWARE Office, 1 Stadium Road, Tom Price WA 6751
What should I bring to my first appointment?
For your first appointment, please bring:
- Any relevant medical reports or previous assessments
- A list of current medications
- Your Medicare card and private health insurance details
- NDIS plan (if applicable)
- Any communication devices or tools currently being used
- A list of your main concerns and goals
Do you offer online/telehealth services?
Yes, we provide virtual speech pathology services for clients who cannot attend in-person sessions or prefer online delivery. Telehealth can be effective for many types of speech pathology interventions and allows us to reach clients across Western Australia and beyond.
Professional Standards
Are your speech pathologists qualified?
All our speech pathologists are university-qualified, registered with Speech Pathology Australia, and hold Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status. We are committed to providing evidence-based treatments and maintaining the highest professional standards.
Do you provide professional supervision?
Yes, we offer professional supervision for speech pathologists, including:
- Short-block or ongoing supervision
- Analysis and interpretation of assessment and intervention data
- Report writing and editing support
- Therapy planning assistance
- Customised workshops for organisations
Are employers required to provide hearing protection?
Under Australian workplace health and safety legislation, employers must protect workers from hearing damage by providing appropriate hearing protection and regular hearing assessments in noisy environments.
Ready to take the first step?
Contact RT Speech and Hearing today to schedule your comprehensive speech assessment. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalised, evidence-based care to help you.