Frequently Asked Questions
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No, you don’t need a referral to start speech therapy!
Anyone can initiate speech therapy services at any time, without waiting for a referral or recommendation from another healthcare professional.
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A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a regulated health professional who assesses and treats communication and swallowing challenges.
SLPs, or speech therapists, specialize in identifying, assessing, and treating communication and swallowing challenges in both children and adults! This can include dyslexia, aphasia, stuttering, aphasia or cognitive communication impairment from stroke or brain injury, neurodivergence, voice disorders, and more!
In Ontario, SLPs are regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists (CASLPO). You can find out more on their website!
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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. Learn more about her clinical and research background here.
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It’s hard! Sometimes, we get so used to our own communication that it becomes difficult to self-monitor or notice differences.
Over a 15-minute video call, we will listen to your concerns and offer guidance as to whether or not speech services—or any other support—would benefit you. Objective advice, completely free, with zero commitment.
general
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Yes, virtual speech therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.
Multiple research studies indicate that the results of online sessions match those of in-person sessions. What’s more, many clients even find added benefits: practicing in a familiar home environment often boosts comfort and confidence, making it easier for skills to carry over into everyday life. Virtual sessions also offer terrific flexibility, fitting around school, work, and family schedules. This flexibility creates consistency, which is a key driver of real progress.
Virtual speech therapy isn't a compromise — it's a proven, high-quality path to meaningful, lasting communication gains!
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Yes! Our platform is built to be simple and easy to use.
Our secure online platform keeps everything all in one place, so you always have access to everything you need. You’ll be supported every step of the way and we’re here to answer any questions that you may have.
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Absolutely. All sessions are fully confidential.
Your privacy matters to us. Every session with Cognicare Speech therapy is confidential, and our platform is secure and fully compliant with professional and legal standards for privacy and data protection.
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All you need is a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.
We advise against using cell phones as they can make sharing resources trickier.
virtual care
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We primarily work with adults and teens.
At Cognicare Speech Therapy, we support individuals navigating major life changes as they find their footing in an ever-changing world. Our focus is two-fold:
We help adults who've experienced loss or change due to injury or illness work through their new reality;
We support the transitional needs of teens and adults with neurodivergence as they navigate new environments—whether that's entering post-secondary, starting a new job, or simply better understanding their own communicative profile.
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We don't provide direct therapy to children, but we do offer parent coaching.
These sessions give parents education, guidance, and functional strategies to better support their children's language development at home. They're a great fit if you've ever been told your child is a "late talker," or that they'll be monitored for now. Coaching is also available to caregivers of adults who've experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
If you feel our services may benefit your child directly, book a consultation—we'd love to chat and see how we can help!
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Timelines vary, since progress depends on your goals, treatment frequency, and starting point.
Everyone progresses at their own pace, so after your assessment, we'll be able to share a more personalized timeline toward your specific goals and outcomes.
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Of course! Your goals can be adjusted at any point during therapy.
Speech therapy is responsive and reflexive, meaning we adjust your goals as needed to make sure they continue to guide meaningful progress and align with your changing needs.
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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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No, speech-language pathology services in Ontario are not covered by OHIP.
Many benefits plans include coverage for SLP under services labeled paramedical or allied health. Please review your plan and consult with your insurance company to find out how much you are covered for Speech Language Pathology annually.
Clients without coverage can pay out of pocket, explore alternate funding, or apply to our Community Spot.
Please visit our Rates page here for more information.
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The Community Spot is a reduced-fee therapy placement for clients facing financial hardship.
We believe everyone deserves access to quality speech pathology services and care, regardless of financial circumstances. Our Community Spot is a reduced-fee therapy placement reserved for someone experiencing financial hardship and would otherwise be unable to access support.
You can find more information, including the application process, can be found here.
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We are in the process of setting this up! For the time being, you will be provided wit a detailed invoice to claim your benefits directly from your insurer.
billing
Still have questions?
Get in touch, and we'll walk you through anything we haven't covered above. We're happy to help you figure out if Cognicare Speech Therapy is the right fit!