Did you know that 1 in 10 Canadians have a speech problem? It affects many individuals across all age groups, from pre-school to seniors. This means that speech therapists are in high demand and will continue to be in high demand for years to come. When we revisited the statistics in April of 2022, it's seemingly clear that most parents and teachers alike are speaking up regarding mask wearing in schools and how they believe it's having an impact on a child's ability to not only understand communication well, but to communicate effectively. In the province of New Brunswick alone, 17.9% of children starting kindergarten are having issues with their speech.
Are you looking for a speech therapist? Are you wondering what the cost of speech therapy is? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
There are several different categories for speech therapy, depending on the individual and their needs. Whether the patient is a child, an adult, or a senior, it can make a difference in the type of therapy recommended.
However, there are similarities in each form of therapy. Speech therapy for children is focused on social communication through play, books, and pictures. Usually, therapy is in a class setting; however, depending on the severity of the speech disorder, one-on-one may be the best option.
For adults, social skills are also tackled, depending on the reason why speech therapy is needed. Sometimes adults require speech therapy because of an injury or medical condition. In that case, the speech therapist will determine what treatment is best for the patient. The exercises can include:
Improving cognitive-communication
Improve social communication
Breathing exercises
Strengthen oral muscles
What Are Speech Disorders?
When a patient is in need of speech therapy, the therapist will assess the symptoms to determine which speech disorder is present. A speech disorder is fairly common.
Unfortunately, speech disorders can affect lives in an overwhelming manner, such as influencing self-esteem and confidence, impacting social life, causing issues at work, and much more.
There is a multitude of different speech disorders, with the most common one being stuttering. Next, come apraxia and dysarthria.
When there are parts of the brain related to speech are damaged, it is called apraxia. Dysarthria is when the oral muscles are either weak or damaged, and the mouth, face, and respiratory system have problems moving.
Speech Therapy Cost Factors
Type of Therapy
Private clinics are the primary source of speech pathology services and speech therapy. They set their prices based on many factors, including recommendations from professional organizations such as the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
Although speech pathologists often charge a set rate for their services, some forms of therapy and treatment require more time and resources than others. For example, the initial evaluation for a child to test for speech and language problems could cost more than a standard therapy session.
Type of Therapy Provider
Private clinics are the primary source of speech pathology services and speech therapy. They set their prices based on many factors, including recommendations from professional organizations such as the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
The Location of the Patient
Insurance companies and professional organizations issue recommendations regarding the hourly rate for speech pathologist service, but no one standard applies across Canada.
Some Canadian provinces have higher costs than others. For a comprehensive list of speech therapy costs by province, consult this article on speech therapy by Insurdinary.
Ontario, for example, has large metropolitan centers with higher costs of living. Patients can expect to pay over $150 per hour for speech therapy. Other provinces have prices ranging from $100 to $150 per hour. Clinics in Prince Edward Island tend to be less expensive, offering services in the low end of that price range.
Travel and Transportation Costs
If the patient lives in a major city or large suburb, they might be able to find a speech therapy clinic within commuting distance. Patients in remote locations might have to drive for hours to get to the nearest S-LP and might have limited options in their area. In extreme cases, patients might need to relocate to get the specialized treatment they need.
Other Medical Conditions
Speech disorders do not always occur in isolation. Patients and their caregivers must consider the costs of addressing other needs concurrently with speech therapy.
A patient in recovery from a stroke might have limited mobility. They might need a wheelchair van to transport them to the clinic for treatment.
Patients with cognitive impairment might not be able to reach the clinic without help. The need for somebody to accompany the patient results in lost wages for the caregiver or the additional costs of a health care aide.
How Much Does Speech Therapy Cost in Canada?
The cost of speech therapy differs between provinces. So at Insurdinary, we set up a guide to help you know what to expect when you are on the lookout for help with a speech disorder, either for yourself or for a loved one.
PROVINCES
COSTS
NOTES
Alberta
The average cost per hour ranges from $115-$150. However, better prices are available if sessions are in a group setting. Prices then range from $90-$100.
Most clinics in Alberta will charge extra for travel fees, assessment and report writing.
The Alberta provincial plan does not cover speech therapy sessions. However, most insurance plans do partially cover the cost of speech therapy.
British Columbia
The average cost of a speech therapy session in BC ranges from $100-$140 per hour. However, most clinics have a list of additional billed services that are not included in the price of the therapy session. Some group sessions start at $90 per hour.
BC has services that are not included in the session price, which include assessment, travel and report writing.
Speech therapy is not covered under the provincial health plan of BC. However, children under 5 years old with a speech disorder can attend their sessions for free.
Manitoba
Private clinics offer services for $120 per session. These sessions are usually an hour, but if they are less, the price will reflect this.
Most clinics have no additional travel fees. There are cancellation policies, but are often not covered by the provincial plan.
Manitoba does cover speech therapy, ranging from all ages, provided that you are a resident of Manitoba with a registered health card.
New Brunswick
The average cost for a session in New Brunswick cost about $50-$100 for a 30-minute session. This price is for private clinics.
Additional charges are made for full-hour therapy sessions, initial assessments and assessment reports.
The New Brunswick provincial plan does cover speech therapy sessions when serviced by a hospital and recommended by a physician.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The average cost of clinics in NL charge between $100-$140 per hour. However, many clinics state on their website that prices vary, and the needs and requirements of the patient are taken into consideration.
Most clinics do not charge for additional services. Consultations and assessments are often free.
Speech therapy is private. However, those under 19 may qualify for coverage, depending on parental income.
Nova Scotia
The average cost of speech therapy in Nova Scotia ranges from $100-$125. Often these prices include report writing and assessments as well.
Most clinics require a 50% payment of the session if the cancellation policy is not met.
The Nova Scotia provincial plan does not cover speech therapy sessions.
Ontario
Compared to the other provinces, Ontario's average cost of speech therapy is a bit on the higher side. The average cost ranges from $150-$190.
Most clinics in Ontario charge additional fees for other services, such as consultations, skill assessments, routine therapy, report writing and travel time. OHIP does not cover any of the sessions or additional costs surrounding speech therapy.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island offers relatively low service fees for speech therapy. The cost usually ranges between $100-$120.
Services are included in the session cost, but 50% cancellation fees may apply.
PEI offers free speech therapy only for patients that are in pre-school.
Quebec
The average price of speech therapy in Quebec is $135. Most of these sessions are about 50 minutes. However, if they are less, prices are lower as well.
Usually, no further fees are added outside of the session.
The Quebec provincial plan does not cover speech therapy sessions.
Saskatchewan
The average cost in Saskatchewan ranges between $100-$130. Sometimes group sessions can offer better pricing.
Services are included in the session cost, but 50% cancellation fees may apply.
The provincial health plan usually covers sessions for young children, but most speech therapy sessions are not covered by the provincial plan.
Is Speech Therapy Covered by Government Healthcare Like OHIP?
Government health insurance does not cover speech therapy in Canada. However, supplemental health insurance plans cover some speech therapy costs and other related medical expenses.
Governmental and non-governmental organizations offer assistance to children and others in need of speech therapy. Speech therapy providers, such as Speech Therapy Works in Ontario, provide resource guides for patients. The Ontario Autism Program offers coverage for eligible children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder.
Many clinics offer discounts and financing options. Patients should take time to understand the details of any financing agreement they make with a lender or private speech therapy clinic.
If a child needs speech therapy, your public school might be able to provide speech therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technology to help your child overcome difficulties and keep pace with other students.
Final Thoughts on the Cost of Speech Therapy in Canada
The cost of speech therapy in Canada ranges from province to province. While it is essential for every person, young or old, to properly communicate with those around them, not every province covers the cost of therapy.
Often, patients need to cover sessions themselves or look to a third party for additional financial help. Some employers may offer benefits that can help you cover the sessions. However, if that is not the case, we at Insurdinary can offer help. We can help you find the right insurance for you to cover speech therapy and more.
