Telehealth for Speech Pathology – A Flexible Option for Clients

As a referrer, you're often tasked with helping clients access services that are not only high-quality, but also accessible, flexible, and suited to their individual circumstances. Telehealth speech pathology is one such option.

Telehealth allows clients to receive speech pathology services remotely through secure platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Clients can engage from the comfort of their own home—or wherever is most convenient—removing many of the traditional barriers to care such as travel, transport logistics, or rural isolation.

Client attending a telehealth appointment

While phone calls are occasionally used across other allied health disciplines, speech pathology is best delivered via video conferencing. This ensures the therapist and client can see one another, interact with visual resources, and observe speech and language in real-time—key elements for effective assessment and therapy.

Why refer to Telehealth Speech Pathology?

• Convenient and flexible: Particularly beneficial for clients juggling other appointments, school, work, or caring responsibilities.

• Accessible from anywhere in Australia: Ideal for regional, rural or remote clients who may not have local providers.

• Effective and evidence-based: Research supports that telehealth speech pathology achieves outcomes equivalent to in-person services.

• Client-centred approach: We assess each client’s situation during intake to ensure telehealth is clinically appropriate. If not, we’ll explore other options.

What your clients can expect

Telehealth sessions involve live video conferencing, where clients can see, hear, and interact with their therapist. Visual tools, documents, and resources are shared in real time to support each session. To participate successfully, clients will need a device with a stable internet connection, a webcam (commonly built into laptops or tablets), and a quiet, private space free from distractions.

Services available via Telehealth (subject to individual suitability):

• Paediatric speech and language assessment and capacity building

• Adult cognitive communication, speech and language assessment and capacity building

• Dysphagia (swallowing) assessments

• Voice assessments and capacity building

• Social communication supports

  
  

If you have clients who could benefit from speech pathology services but face barriers to in-person attendance, telehealth may be an ideal solution.

For further information or to discuss a referral, please contact us directly.