Questions families often ask.

No, you do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist at Cornerstone Kids Speech Therapy, and families are welcome to book directly. A GP referral is required if you wish to claim Medicare rebates under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP). Please speak with your GP about your eligibility.

Speech Therapy sessions are billed as a one-hour session, which includes 45 minutes of direct therapy time with your child. The remaining 15 minutes is allocated to clinical documentation, planning for the next session, preparing relevant resources and completing any necessary follow-up. Session notes are provided to families and, with your consent, can also be shared with your child’s educators.

Sessions may take place at home, school or kindergarten, in the community, or via telehealth. Mobile appointments are generally available across Melbourne’s north-west, with availability depending on your child’s needs, location, preferred appointment time, clinician availability and existing appointments in the area.

Complete our online enquiry form or contact us by phone or email. We’ll then arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your child’s needs and possible next steps.

The initial appointment is held via telehealth and is an opportunity for us to get to know your child and family. During this session, your therapist will work through our family questionnaire with you, gathering information about your child’s history, strengths, developmental milestones and any areas of concern. Together, we’ll identify your family’s priorities and goals, discuss funding, and review the service agreement. We’ll also talk through the next steps and find appointment times and locations that work best for you and your family. If your child has an NDIS plan, please have relevant plan information handy!

After the initial telehealth consultation, we’ll discuss the recommended next steps and arrange your child’s first therapy session.

At your child’s first appointment, the therapist will spend time getting to know them, their strengths and how they communicate. They will also complete some screenings or assessments to better understand your child’s abilities and help guide their therapy.

A comprehensive standardised assessment isn’t always needed before therapy begins. If further assessment would be helpful, your therapist may recommend a standardised assessment, such as the CELF-5, to explore your child’s communication strengths and areas where they may benefit from support. This can be completed at any stage throughout your child’s therapy journey, and families are also welcome to request a comprehensive assessment at any time.

Absolutely! Where appropriate, we’re happy to work with your child at their school or kindergarten, subject to therapist availability and approval from the education setting. With your consent, we can also collaborate with educators and other professionals involved in your child’s care, helping to support their communication goals across the different environments they spend time in.

Yes! We offer telehealth sessions for families who prefer the convenience of online support. Your therapist can help determine whether telehealth is a suitable option for your child based on their individual needs and therapy goals.

Yes! We welcome children and families accessing support through the NDIS. We currently work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Have your plan details ready for your initial appointment over telehealth.