FAQs
Getting Started
How do I know if my child needs a speech pathologist?
If you have any concerns about the way your child communicates, understands language, plays, or connects with others, trust your instincts. You don’t need a formal diagnosis or a referral to reach out. A conversation with us is always a great place to start.
Do I need a referral to make a booking?
No referral is needed to access our services. You can contact us directly to get started. However, if your child has NDIS funding or you’re accessing Medicare rebates, there are some additional steps we can walk you through.
What age do you work with?
We work with children from infancy through to school age and beyond. Whether your child is a baby showing early signs of a communication difference or a teenager navigating complex social communication, we’re here to help.
What happens in the first appointment?
Our first session is all about getting to know your child and your family. We’ll chat about your concerns, observe how your child communicates and plays, and start building a picture of their strengths and needs. It’s relaxed and centred around your child.
Funding & Costs
Do you accept NDIS funding?
Yes, we support families with NDIS funding. We work with both self-managed and plan-managed participants. If you’re unsure whether speech pathology is included in your child’s plan, we’re happy to help you navigate that.
Can I access a Medicare rebate?
Families with a Chronic Disease Management plan from their GP may be eligible for Medicare rebates for allied health services. We recommend speaking with your GP to find out if your child is eligible.
Do you offer private billing?
Yes, we offer privately billed sessions for families without NDIS or Medicare funding. Please get in touch for our current fee schedule.
How We Work
Where do sessions take place?
Depending on the service, we offer sessions in person at our clinic, via telehealth, or out in your community, whether that’s at home, at school, or in a space where your child feels most comfortable.
How long are sessions?
All sessions are 50 minutes long. This gives us enough time to connect with your child, work towards their goals, and chat with you about how things are going.
How often will my child need to come?
Frequency looks different for every child. Some children benefit from weekly sessions, others from fortnightly. We’ll make a recommendation based on your child’s needs and review it regularly as they grow and progress.
Will I be involved in sessions?
Absolutely. Family involvement is a big part of how we work. We believe the strategies and connections built in sessions are most powerful when they carry over into everyday life, and you’re the key to making that happen.
Who will be working with my child?
Rhi leads all clinical assessment and planning. Depending on your child’s program, sessions may also be delivered by our therapy assistants and educators, all of whom work under Rhi’s supervision and guidance.
Telehealth
Does telehealth actually work for young children?
It can work really well, especially when a parent or caregiver is actively involved. We make telehealth sessions engaging and age appropriate, and for many families it’s a convenient and effective option. We’ll always be honest with you if we think in person sessions would better suit your child.
What do I need for a telehealth session?
Just a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space where your child can focus. We’ll send you everything else you need ahead of time.
Diagnoses & Referrals
Does my child need a diagnosis before accessing your services?
Not at all. You don’t need a diagnosis to access speech pathology. We work with children at all stages, including those who are awaiting assessment, have a confirmed diagnosis, or simply have a parent who has noticed something worth exploring. option. We’ll always be honest with you if we think in person sessions would better suit your child.
Can you work alongside my child's other therapists or teachers?
Yes, and we love to. A team approach is often the most effective one. With your permission, we’re happy to liaise with your child’s educators, occupational therapists, psychologists, or other supports to make sure everyone is working together.
Who is the kid in the logo?
The little one in our logo is a very special part of our story. He is a longstanding client of Rhi’s who inspired the name Speech with Rhi & Friends. His mum would always tell him it was “time for speech with Rhi” when their sessions came around and the name just stuck. In a way, he named us, and we couldn’t be prouder of that!