Speech Pathology Services

You do not need a referral to access speech pathology services. You will, however, need a doctor’s referral if you are planning to claim a rebate through Medicare. More information about Medicare assistance for speech therapy can be found here (opens in a new tab).

Private health insurance usually covers speech pathology services under “extras” or “ancillary” options. Your eligibility for rebates will depend on your coverage level, and reimbursement amounts vary by fund and service type. For specific details on your rebates, please reach out to your health fund directly.

Yes, you can use NDIS funding for speech therapy. Please note that whilst you can use NDIS funding, we only accept NDIS self-managed clients.

You will be given a service agreement to sign that outlines the costs and processes for the duration of your plan, and you must also sign an attendance sheet for each session your child attends.

For self-managed plans, you will pay for each session your child/dependant attends and receive a receipt. You will then need to enter the information into the NDIS portal yourself.

Medicare assistance for speech pathology is available via two Medicare programmes:

1. GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP)

2. M10 allied health services for under 25-year-olds with complex neurodevelopmental conditions and eligible disabilities.

If you have a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) from your GP, you may receive rebates for up to five (5) appointments per calendar year. A new referral is needed each year.

The M10 program now includes rebates for stuttering, speech sound disorders, and cleft lip and/or palate. Eligible families may receive a referral from a GP, consultant physician or specialist for up to eight (8) assessment sessions and up to 20 treatment sessions. This is the total number of services that can be claimed before the client turns 25.

Both rebates require a referral before your speech pathology appointment. Payment for services is required at the time of your visit, and we can assist you with processing the Medicare claim for reimbursement. For more information, speak to your GP. This Medicare information for clients (opens in a new tab) may also be helpful.

It’s never too early to ask questions or seek guidance. Feel free to call us to discuss your concerns—we’re happy to provide free advice on whether an assessment or treatment is needed, or if monitoring alone will suffice.

Speech Pathology may be helpful if:

• Other people struggle to understand your child’s speech.
• Your child has difficulty following instructions or learning new information.
• You often find yourself repeating or rephrasing instructions for your child.
• Your child’s vocabulary and sentence formation lag behind peers of the same age.
• Your child stutters.
• Your child speaks too loudly, too softly, or has a harsh or husky voice.
• Your child is falling behind in school or has below-average reading and spelling skills.
• Your child struggles to communicate appropriately in social situations.

Speech Pathologists support a wide range of skills beyond just speech production. They are essential in literacy intervention, as they have the expertise to improve sound awareness. Many reading and spelling difficulties stem from inadequate phonological awareness. A Speech Pathologist can assist children in accurately identifying sounds in words, which helps them achieve greater success in mastering phonics.