Frequently Asked Questions

Speech-Language Pathologists are highly educated and trained health professionals that can assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, voice, fluency (stuttering) and swallowing disorders. Most Canadian-trained Speech-Language Pathologists have at least 6-7 years of post-secondary education, and more than 350 hours of clinical experience upon graduation.

Speech-Language Pathologists are often called Speech Therapists.

• Often, there is a long waiting list for publicly-funded services (e.g., schools, hospitals, clinics). Private services allow you to have timely intervention as you can choose when, and how often to have sessions.
• Recent changes to the service delivery model in Alberta may have changed your child’s eligibility to receive speech and language services through the public system.
• Bright Voices offers evening and weekend sessions, which may fit your schedule better than sessions during regular office hours.
• At Bright Voices, we believe in family-centered care. This means that we work with not only the client, but the family as well to transfer knowledge and build competence in the home.

Therapy activities are customized and designed with the client’s specific needs in mind; therefore, one client’s session may look very different from another! However, the following is the approach and philosophy that we take when designing our sessions.

Children: We believe in play-based therapy. Children learn best when they are having fun. Speech and language therapy should be something that the child enjoys and looks forward to!

Adults: We believe in integrating therapy with functional activities that are relevant to our client’s lives. Our sessions are designed with principles of adult learning in mind, and we are always open to feedback to ensure sessions are consistent with our clients’ expectations.

The cost per session depends on how long the session is, and how the session is delivered (e.g., in-person, teletherapy). At Bright Voices, we believe in offering the most affordable prices so that families that need speech and language therapy can access it. Bright Voices is able to offer competitive prices, as we follow a lean operations principle. This means that we focus on efficiencies to better deliver value for our clients. For example, Bright Voices operates in a home office, which significantly decreases the overhead costs that may be passed onto the client.

Please contact us for a list of our services and prices.

Mostly yes! Speech-language therapy is partially or fully covered by most extended healthcare plans. Please check your insurance provider to learn more. At this time, we do not direct bill to insurance companies; however, Bright Voices will provide you with a receipt that can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Yes! Speech and language therapy costs can be claimed on your tax return.

No, you do not need a referral to see a private speech-language pathologist.

• We will review our Bright Voices COVID-19 policy with you prior to the initial session.
• The Speech-Language Pathologist will conduct a daily ‘fit-for-work’ questionnaire and wear essential personal protective equipment including face masks and clear protective shields to home sessions.
• Equipment and tools are sanitized after each session (e.g., iPad, toys).