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TELETHERAPY

Telepractice allows clinicians to connect with their clients (including, children, parents and/or loved ones) in an online synchronous interaction by using a videoconferencing software (e.g. Zoom). Telepractice can allow speech language pathologists to deliver a wide range of therapy services, including therapy, consultation, and assessment.

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Several private and public service providers (including schools and/or school districts) are using teletherapy as a way of delivering a wide range of services, including speech and language therapy. It is especially used in rural areas where there is often a shortage of qualified therapists. In addition, teletherapy is allowing SLP’s in large urban areas to provide service to more individuals, as a result of reduced travel time, etc. and therefore is helping with caseload management.


Is teletherapy effective?

 

There is a wealth of information and research supporting the delivery of speech and language services via telepractice.

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It is recognized as an appropriate model for service delivery by several leading professional organizations, including the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologist of Ontario (CASLPO) and is used as a means for delivering speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural, and mental health therapy.

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For more information on the research behind the use of telepractice with children of various ages including early intervention (Birth to 3 years old) you can visit the following article: Evidence-Based Telepractice for SLPs.


Is it safe and secure?

 

SLP’s are bound by provincial regulations through our regulatory body CASLPO. Aspire Speech is committed to maintaining client privacy in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and Health Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

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At Aspire Speech we use a videoconferencing platform called Zoom. We have taken certain measures to protect your personal health information (PHI) by making changes to the settings in our Zoom account, including the following:

 

  • The content of the session is not recorded or stored in Zoom.

  • Zoom requires encryption for all data between the Zoom cloud, Zoom client and Zoom Room therefore encryption for 3rd party endpoints has been set.

  • You or your child’s initials will be used only to “label” the meeting. 

  • You will receive a unique password and personal meeting ID that you will need in order to join a session/meeting.

  • Aspire Speech uses a “waiting room” feature where you cannot join a meeting until your therapist allows you to join from the waiting room. 


What do I need to get started with teletherapy sessions?

 

  • A computer or Chromebook. An iPad or iPhone will also work.

  • Internet access with sufficient bandwidth/Internet speed.

  • Minimum upload/download speed of at least 1MB/s. You can test your Internet speed by visiting Speed Test.

  • Headset with microphone. Your computer/iPad will also have a built-in microphone that may be sufficient. We can test it out!

  • Built-in or external webcam for primary video feed.

  • A quiet environment for you and/or your child to engage in therapy! 

 

Extra Tips for a Successful Teletherapy Session: 

 

  • Make sure your child has had a snack, used the bathroom before his/her session begins.

  • Make sure the device you are using is charged or plugged in (laptop).

  • Make sure that other family members are using quiet voices and eliminate background noises (T.V., stereo, etc.) while your session is in progress. 

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