Communication / Speech Therapy | Carter Speech Pathology

Speech help is close to home

Individualized adult speech therapy brought to you

We will never share your information

Patience

A one-to-one human approach moves at a pace that develops stronger confidence along with skills.

Convenience

We come to you: sessions takes place in your own home without a hospital waitlist.

Personalized Service

You are working with the same SLP start to finish.

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

“[…] his warmth and genuine care and compassion shine through in his interactions — which is rare in someone with his level of efficiency, knowledge, and additional professional certifications.”

Reena Parhar Clinical Practice Leader
Fraser Health Authority

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

I am very happy with the speech therapy provided for my son. My son enjoys the sessions even though he’s challenged to work hard.

Jean W.

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

Nathan is a professional and great at what he does. Would wholeheartedly recommend his services!

J. C.Google Review

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

“I highly recommend Nathan for anyone seeking speech therapy services. He is incredibly professional, friendly, and knowledgeable in the field. His warm and approachable nature makes each session comfortable and engaging. His flexibility truly sets him apart; he tailors his approaches to meet individual needs and easily accommodates scheduling challenges. His expertise and dedication have made a significant difference, and I am grateful for the support he provides[…]”

L.G.Google Review

Advanced FEES course:
SA Swallowing Services (Dr. J. Ashford)

Registered SLP

ILP certified

12+ years experience

FAQ

What is involved in a communication assessment and therapy?

At your first session your speech therapist will get to know you and your story and give you some baseline testing in order to set meaningful goals and measure your progress. After that, therapy sessions will involve a variety of tasks and exercises meant to bring you toward the goals that you have set, whether for clearer/louder speech, better word-finding, better comprehension, improved reading or writing, or to prepare you for a more defined personal goal (a wedding speech, for example). Your input allows your speech therapist to keep the goals focused on the things that are most important to you. Change seems to take place most easily at the overlap of enjoyment and hard work, so your speech pathologist keeps that in view as they design your therapy.

Can I talk to an SLP for free?

Yes! We’d be happy to talk with you, find out what you need, and determine whether communication assessment or therapy would be of value to you. We will have a speech pathologist contact you directly by email or by phone.

Is the cost covered by MSP?

No – the service is a private one and so does not qualify for coverage under MSP. But much like for private physiotherapy or massage therapy, extended health plans will often provide some level of coverage for speech pathology services. It is worth checking with your extended health provider to see whether the cost of assessment and therapy can be offset with coverage you may already have. Publicly-funded options for communication therapy services are available through outpatient clinics but may entail waitlists, tight limits on amount of treatment available, and possibly trips to the clinic or hospital instead of having your therapist come to where you are. Many clients do well by making use of all public services available and then using private services like Carter Speech Pathology to boost their progress after that. Some will use private services like Carter Speech Pathology to the bridge the gap while they wait for their place on a public waitlist.

Is it expensive?

This is a subjective question and depends on how much value you see in the outcome. Some people find it too expensive, and others are relieved to find our help more affordable than a service they had used before. Because we are a fully mobile service, there is a per-km fee ($0.50) and a travel rate (one-third of the normal hourly rate) for your speech pathologist’s travel time to come see you. Our hourly rates are not considered high for SLP services in BC and are similar to the rates for many tradespeople. Each person will weigh the value of improved communication and confidence against the cost of therapy and come to a decision that is right for them. We are happy to speak with you at no cost to make sure you have all the information you need for that decision.

Do you provide home programs and virtual sessions?

Yes – practice is central to making more rapid progress on communication goals. People who are willing to work between sessions using therapy apps, pen/paper exercises, or practicing their skills with family and friends are those who progress the most quickly. For this reason we want to assign appropriate amounts of calibrated practice between sessions. Virtual sessions are by nature usually less rich than one-to-one sessions, so we prefer to go to the effort of being in person with our clients. That said, in some cases video-chat sessions can be of genuine benefit as a supplement — we would make that decision together.

What are the risks?

Communication therapy is low-risk. Perhaps the only immediate downside to working on communication is actually an upside as well: it can feel like hard work! Communication is a complex human endeavour and requires a lot of a person both physically (rapid, finely-tuned movements for speech), and cognitively. Anyone who has struggled with communication after a stroke, or with a stutter, or with any other communication impairment will confirm that fatigue is a very real thing! We are sensitive to this within sessions, wanting to help keep a person at the place where they are working hard enough to keep on making gains, and also relaxed enough to enjoy the practice and progress.