Frequently Asked Questions
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No, you don't need a referral to start speech therapy.
You also don't need a diagnosis, or even a suspicion of one, to reach out.
Anyone can initiate speech therapy services at any time, without waiting for a referral or recommendation from another healthcare professional.
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Cognicare works with adults and teens.
This includes individuals rebuilding communication after an injury or illness, like a stroke, concussion, or other health change.
It also includes teens and adults navigating life as a neurodivergent person, whether that's heading off to college, starting a new job, or simply getting to know how you communicate best.
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Cognicare provides virtual care across Ontario, from Toronto to as far north as Thunder Bay. Location isn't a barrier to accessing care.
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Yes. Family members and caregivers are welcome to make the first contact, whether you're exploring options for a partner, parent, or someone else you support.
A free consultation with all parties present is a good place to start that conversation.
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It's a common experience. It's easy to get so used to your own communication that it becomes difficult to self-monitor or notice changes.
A free 15-minute consultation is a chance to share your concerns and get honest guidance on whether speech therapy, or any other kind of support, would help, no cost, no obligation, just an objective read on your situation.
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If you're not sure where to start, that's completely normal, many people reach out without a clear sense of which service fits.
Free consultations are offered to answer this question without any pressure or obligations.
Getting Started
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A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a regulated health professional who assesses and treats communication and swallowing challenges.
This can include conditions like dyslexia, aphasia, stuttering, cognitive-communication changes from stroke or brain injury, neurodivergence, and voice disorders, among others, in both children and adults.
In Ontario, SLPs are regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (CASLPO).
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Mariya Kika holds a Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto and is registered with CASLPO under #8903.
Her clinical background is rooted in outpatient neurorehabilitation and stroke care. She has pursued continuing education in the assessment and treatment of functional neurological disorder (FND), stroke, concussion care, and trauma-informed practice.
provider
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Yes, virtual speech therapy is an effective way to receive care, with research supporting outcomes comparable to in-person treatment.
Many clients find added benefits too: practicing in a familiar home environment can boost comfort and confidence, and the flexibility fits around school, work, and family schedules, supporting consistency over time.
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Yes. The platform is built to be simple, keeping everything, from scheduling to session materials, in one place.
Support is available every step of the way for any questions that come up.
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All you need is a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.
Cell phones aren't recommended, since sharing resources during a session can be trickier on a smaller screen.
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Yes, every session is confidential.
Cognicare's booking and video platform, Jane App, is PHIPA-compliant, meeting Ontario's legal standards for the privacy and protection of personal health information.
virtual care
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Timelines vary, since progress depends on your goals, treatment frequency, and starting point.
Everyone progresses at their own pace; a more personalized timeline can be provided following your assessment, once your goals and starting point are clear.
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Your goals can be adjusted at any point during therapy.
Sessions stay responsive to your progress and pace, so goals shift as needed to keep guiding meaningful progress as your needs change.
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Yes, home practice is a key part of progress and carryover.
You'll receive personalized exercises that fit naturally into your life, helping reinforce therapy and keep you moving forward between sessions.
treatment
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Speech-language pathology services in Ontario aren't covered by OHIP.
But many private insurance and extended health benefit plans do include coverage for SLP services. They are often listed under paramedical or allied health sections.
Check your specific plan, or contact your insurer directly, to find out what's covered. And review our Rates page to see if your insurer supports direct billing from providers.
Clients without coverage can pay out of pocket, explore alternate funding, or apply for the Community Spot. See the Rates page for more information.
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The Community Spot is a reduced-fee therapy placement that includes a full assessment plus an 8-week treatment block.
Cognicare reserves one Community Spot space at a time for someone facing financial hardship and who would otherwise be unable to access support.
Find out more, including the application process, on the Community Spot page.
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Yes, Cognicare offers direct billing to over a dozen major insurance providers. Please review your own insurance plan to confirm what is covered.
If your insurer is not on the list, you will receive a detailed invoice to self-submit for reimbursement.
Find additional billing information on our Rates page.
billing
Still have questions?
Get in touch for anything not covered above. Working out whether Cognicare is the right fit is exactly what a free consultation is for.