Services such as the Ministry of Education, CCS, and Child Development Services offer limited government-funded speech therapy. Private therapy can provide:
Using private speech therapy typically does not affect eligibility for public services.
Children and young people with Down syndrome may be eliglible for speech therapy funding (see www.upsidedowns.co.nz/).
In New Zealand, health insurance generally does not cover speech-language therapy.
The Small Talk Therapy fee schedule is available here [View fees].
Small, consistent interactions make a big difference in developing your child’s communication skills.
The length of therapy varies depending on your child’s needs, goals and response to intervention. Some children benefit from just a couple of sessions, others from a block of sessions (e.g. 6-8 sessions) and other from long-term therapy. We review progress regularly.
If you’re concerned about your child’s communication, it’s worth seeking advice. Please feel free to contact us any time, free of charge, too discuss a possible referral on 021 251 6162.
Difficulties with speech, language, social communication, fluency (stuttering), voice, or understanding can affect learning, relationships and wellbeing. An assessment can help determine whether support is needed, explain what’s happening, and identify practical next steps. Early support is often beneficial, but it’s never too late to make meaningful progress.
Parents, whānau and professionals are welcome to contact us at any time.
We are currently only accepting clients for whom funding is provided.
Examples of funding organisations include RTLB, Oranga Tamariki, ACC, schools, Intensive Wraparound Service (IWS), High & Complex Needs service (HCN), Turuki Health Care or the UpsideDowns Trust (where full funding has been appointed).
Sessions are typically 45 minutes long. The first session usually begins with some relaxed play (younger children), games (older children) or interaction (e.g. Talking Mats) so they feel comfortable with the therapist.
The assessment may include:
By the end of the first session, the therapist will have some insight regarding the person’s communication strengths and needs and be able to outline a plan for further intervention if needed. Note, for more complex children or young people, two or more sessions may be needed before a plan and/or report can be provided.
Struggling to communicate can impact a child or young person’s confidence. Most children are aware when their talking sounds “different”. Good quality speech therapy supports self-esteem by setting relevant, achievable goals and celebrating progress.
Children and young person usually feel proud of their achievements, and parents often notice greater confidence when talking with others and making friends.
Early support makes a big difference. Research shows that children benefit most from early intervention, which can also prevent future difficulties.
For example, developing speech-sound and listening skills in preschool can support literacy and attention at school. Left unaddressed, early communication challenges may affect confidence, friendships, and classroom participation.
Intervention is very different for older children and young people, who can also experience very significant benefits.
If you’re unsure, an assessment is a great first step — it helps you understand your child’s strengths and identify any areas where therapy could help.
Intervention is typically most effective when it takes place in the child or young person’s own environment. We can travel to the client’s school, residence, home, or arrange another suitable place to meet.