We value true connections coupled with evidence-based Speech Pathology interventions
Innovative and inclusive services
New Frontiers Therapy believes connection can successfully extend beyond the face-to-face experience, giving you the option of either Telehealth or in-person services. Your Speech Pathologist wants to get to know you and how your individual needs have shaped you and your family’s journey. From here, your Speech Pathologist will use a holistic approach to develop engaging resources and session plans to ensure each appointment is rewarding and valuable with tools which can practically be applied in your everyday life.
What is a Speech Pathologist?
You may be surprised to learn that a Speech Pathologist is not just someone who helps with a person’s speech. Your qualified Speech Pathologist has expertise across areas of language, speech, voice, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), social skills training, and even swallow safety. A Speech Pathologist will assist in providing intervention to support communication and/or swallowing for a wide range of diagnoses (e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Progressive Neurological Disorders like Huntington’s Disease, Aphasia after stroke, and many more). Your Speech Pathologist is registered with Speech Pathology Australia under stringent professional standards and ethical practices for your optimum care.
More on Telehealth
The services you receive through New Frontiers Therapy can be provided by telephone or video conferencing through Zoom. To access Telehealth consultations, you will need access to:
a quiet, private space
the appropriate device (like a smartphone, laptop, iPad or computer) with a camera, microphone and speakers
a reliable internet connection
Telehealth is an excellent way for individuals to access Speech Pathology services, especially if they live in remote areas, or are limited in their ability to travel. Since the onset of Covid, many families have opted for Telehealth services to support their health and safety but have found it benefits their busy lifestyles in the long term as well! Telehealth can be a great time saver and you can make yourself comfortable in your own space while you’re engaging with your Speech Pathologist.
As an added bonus, evidence has shown that Telehealth can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy, as long as special consideration is given to important factors around the clinician’s expertise, technology, and how best each individual works through this medium.
New Frontiers Therapy aims to use the most updated equipment and research to guide best practices in this area of service delivery.
FAQs
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New Frontiers Therapy can offer face-to-face appointments under special circumstances (in limited locations). Please contact us for more information.
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New Frontiers Therapy conducts sessions through Zoom. Please follow the link below and download the software or app onto the device you’ll be using:
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Ultimately, you know best what your child needs and what environment is going to facilitate their best learning. Having said this, New Frontiers Therapy has successfully engaged a range of children during Telehealth sessions by incorporating their favourite activities! You can discuss your child’s movement and sensory needs with your Speech Pathologist so they can work with you to tailor a more unique and movement-oriented therapy program, all in the comfort of your own space.
If your child is already seeing an Occupational Therapist, or another relevant allied health/medical professional, it may also be beneficial for your Speech Pathologist to link in with them to better understand your child’s holistic needs.
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Yes! If you’re interested in receiving therapy in your own space but don’t feel comfortable using a computer or phone, we can talk through options to help you get set up. Perhaps a support worker, friend, or family member could be available to guide you through the steps to accessing your Telehealth appointment? Your Speech Pathologist is patient, understanding and happy to work with you and your support team while you develop your confidence in accessing unfamiliar programs and devices.
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While a good internet connection is important, we may be able to work with you around this. If you have poor internet connectivity, we encourage you to let your Speech Pathologist know so they may be able to create an alternative plan with you. This could include having a telephone call as a backup plan, or we may be able to provide you with limited face-to-face appointments, depending on your location.
Please note that if you have a poor internet connection, this may impact the quality of services provided as well as have an impact on the flow of interaction with your Speech Pathologist (it’s never fun when a person you’re speaking with keeps dropping out). Please consider this when deciding if our services are right for you.
By the same token, New Frontiers Therapy understands that technology isn’t always reliable; rescheduling may be needed from time-to-time to ensure the best connectivity.
If your Speech Pathologist’s connection becomes unreliable, depending on the situation, you will either be partially charged or not charged at all for your session.
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Individuals may see a Speech Pathologist for many different reasons related to their communication and/or swallowing. It’s not unusual for participants or clients to express confusion around why they have been referred to see a Speech Pathologist. New Frontiers Therapy can help you determine, if appropriate, why our services can be of benefit to you.
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In the initial consultation with your Speech Pathologist, this will be discussed further to determine the best length of time for you.
New Frontiers Therapy understands that each Participant/Client will have different intensity needs for therapy, and some may fatigue more quickly than others, or have a shorter attention span. Your Speech Pathologist will collaborate with you to work out your best session duration and time and will aim to accommodate this as scheduling permits.