Your child is unique and every child is different. This means that your child will be the only one who can tell us what pace we will move through therapy. Every child has different goals that will help them achieve their potential and we carefully move through these goals at the pace at which your child is learning. Other factors that may influence how long therapy may take include the number and type of goals that need to be addressed, how regularly therapy is attended and how much homework is completed.

We encourage you to join us in session. We want you to be involved in the therapy process so that you can continue to work with your child at home to help them achieve their goals and reach their potential, we work together as a team. 

We have immediate starting times available (October, 2024). You can access the enquiry form HERE  – please email your enquiry to hello.speakability@gmail.com and we’ll make contact with you. 

We also have a short wait list, sometimes our availability and the client’s availability doesn’t match up at the time and they may need to wait until a suitable time is available. There will be no specific wait time advised; as every client stays on the caseload for the time that they need.  

You can also use Speech Pathology Australia’s  find a speech pathologist service to help locate a local therapist.  The link to their website is here. 

No you don’t need a GP referral to see a speech pathologist, but talking to your GP or child and family health nurse could be a good place to start if you’re worried about your child’s health or development. They may also suggest a Medicare Plan (CDMP) is recommended should your child require  referral to other allied health services e.g. Physiotherapist, Audiologist, Occupational therapist) 

Policies and Procedures

Appointment and Cancellation Policy

At our clinic, Speakability Therapy, we strive to provide high-quality speech therapy services for our clients. To ensure the best use of appointment times, we have an appointment and cancellation policy in place.

Making an Appointment

Appointments can be made via phone or email. You will receive appointment notifications 3 days prior to your appointment, there will be a link that you can use to cancel it if it’s known that you cannot make your appointment, you can also reschedule your appointment using the online calendar if you wish to.

Regular clients are given priority to maintain the same time slot each week or fortnight wherever possible.

Cancellation of an Appointment

If you need to cancel your appointment, we kindly request that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice.
This allows us to offer your time slot to another client on our waiting list.

Cancellation Fees More than 48 hours’ notice: No cancellation fee.
Less than 48 hours’ notice: If we are able to reschedule the appointment within the same week, no fee will be charged. If rescheduling is not possible, a 100% session fee will be applied.

We understand that last-minute cancellations can happen due to illness or emergencies. In such cases, we will do our best to accommodate your needs and offer alternatives like Telehealth appointments or indirect therapy activities to make use of the time.

For NDIS clients, cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged according to NDIS cancellation guidelines (100% of the session fee).

Regular Attendance

Consistent attendance is crucial for achieving therapy goals. Repeated cancellations may disrupt progress. In cases of frequent cancellations, we may offer your appointment to another client who may be better placed to benefit from regular sessions.

Provider Travel

For appointments held outside the clinic, such as at schools, homes, or community locations, a travel fee will be charged. This fee covers time and distance traveled. We aim to share travel costs between clients seen during the same visit whenever possible.

Direct and Indirect Therapy

Our work includes both direct client sessions and indirect activities such as preparing resources, creating visual aids, or communicating with other professionals involved in your care. These activities contribute to your progress and are reflected in our fees. We will always inform you before conducting any indirect work and seek your approval for any associated costs.

Session Frequency and Duration

At the start of therapy, we will recommend a suitable session frequency and duration based on your needs and goals. Your session time includes both face-to-face therapy and the necessary preparation and documentation. Please review your booking schedule carefully to ensure you are aware of the frequency and timing of your sessions.

Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your health information. We collect personal information solely for the purpose of providing effective treatment and running our practice. This information is stored securely and shared only with your consent, such as with other healthcare providers involved in your care. You have the right to access and amend your information at any time.

Feedback and Complaints

We welcome feedback and aim to resolve any concerns quickly and fairly. If you have a complaint, please contact us directly. If you feel your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the relevant health complaints authority for further assistance.

 It is fundamental to the professional responsibilities of speech pathologists that we observe the highest standards of integrity and ethical practice.

You can read the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Conduct below.

National Code of Conduct and complaints

You should expect safe and ethical healthcare from every health service you use. That’s why there is a Code of Conduct for general health services like this one.

You can read the code below. If you are not satisfied with our service, please contact us.

We take complaints seriously and aim to resolve them quickly and fairly. ​ ​ If you remain dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC).

The HCC responds to complaints about health services and the handling of health information in Victoria. Their service is free, confidential and impartial.

To lodge a complaint with the HCC: Fill out a complaint form online at hcc.vic.gov.au or Phone 1300 582 113 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday to discuss your complaint.

  TY service for people with hearing or speech difficulties: 1300 726 563

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact us at hello.speakability@gmail.com

– Speech pathology Australia code of conduct –  here.
– Code of conduct for general health services – here

Please provide any feedback you might have. Your input helps us improve our service. 
Please find the feedback form Here

Please return your feedback from to hello.speakability@gmail.com