Private speech therapy services in Quebec are not governed by a fixed fee schedule. The OOAQ, however, sets ethical criteria that fees must meet: they must be fair, reasonable, and representative of the service rendered. Each clinic therefore sets its own rates based on experience, type of service offered, and the complexity of the case.
This article presents the price ranges observed in the Quebec market, explains the factors that influence fees, and surveys the reimbursement and financial support programs available to families.
How Much Does Speech Therapy Follow-Up Cost in Quebec?
Private speech therapy follow-up sessions generally fall between $100 and $200 per hour, depending on the clinic, the speech-language pathologist’s experience, and session length. Most follow-ups take place in individual sessions of 50 or 60 minutes, on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Some clinics also offer sessions with a language correction agent, a person supervised by a speech-language pathologist who can take on part of the follow-up at a more accessible rate. For example, Clinique Passage offers 50-minute sessions with a speech-language pathologist at $165, and sessions with a language correction agent at $150 per hour.
The hourly rate reflects not only the time spent in session, but also material preparation, results analysis, and coordination with other professionals involved in the case.
How Much Does a Speech-Language Evaluation Cost?
Speech-language evaluations vary depending on what they cover. Two main types exist: oral language evaluations and written language evaluations. Fees are not the same because the nature and length of the work differ.
Oral Language Evaluation
An oral language evaluation targets speech, vocabulary, comprehension, expression, and social communication. In Quebec, these evaluations generally fall between $350 and $1,000, depending on case complexity, the person’s age, and the time required for analysis.
Some clinics offer a flat fee that covers the full evaluation regardless of the time required. For example, Clinique Passage offers a speech-language evaluation at a flat rate of $555, which includes information gathering, evaluation tasks, analysis, the report, and the results review.
Written Language Evaluation
A written language evaluation, which covers reading, spelling, writing, and related skills (such as phonological awareness), generally requires more time and more standardized tests. Fees in Quebec range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the depth of the evaluation and the grade level of the person being evaluated.
This type of evaluation is often recommended to confirm or rule out dyslexia, dysorthographia, or another language-based learning disorder. The resulting report can support requests for school accommodations or applications to government financial support programs.
Evaluation for Stuttering
Fees for stuttering-related services vary considerably because the formats of intervention are diverse. An initial evaluation in a private clinic generally falls within the oral language evaluation range, but follow-up can take several forms: regular individual sessions, intensive programs over several days, group sessions, or hybrid approaches combining in-person and teletherapy. Fees adjust accordingly.
Why Do Fees Vary So Much From One Clinic to Another?
According to the Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ), fees are not regulated and each professional sets their rates by considering several recognized factors¹:
- The experience and specific competencies of the speech-language pathologist, including specialized training (stuttering, autism, telepractice, etc.)
- The time devoted to delivering the service, both in session and outside session
- The nature and complexity of the service rendered
- The unusual or exceptional nature of certain cases
Higher fees often correspond to speech-language pathologists with several years of experience or with expertise in a specific area. Conversely, some clinics offer more accessible fees through supervised models (language correction agent) or flat-rate packages.
The OOAQ also reminds us that drafting the evaluation report must be included in the evaluation fees charged². A clinic cannot bill separately for the report or offer a reduced fee for an evaluation without a report. This is something to verify when comparing fees.
What Is Included in a Speech-Language Evaluation
The fee for a speech-language evaluation does not just cover the time spent in session with the speech-language pathologist. It reflects all of the related professional activities:
- Gathering information about medical, family, and school history
- Administering observation tasks and standardized tests adapted to the person’s age
- Analyzing results and clinical interpretation
- Drafting a detailed professional report
- A results review meeting with a targeted intervention plan
- Coordination with other professionals involved in the case as needed (school, doctor, other professionals)
The fee for an evaluation is the price of a complete clinical profile, not just the time spent in session.
Reimbursement and Financial Support in Quebec
Several mechanisms exist to reduce the cost of speech therapy follow-up. Most families combine several sources of help: private insurance, tax credits, and specific programs (depending on the situation). Few families know about all of the financial support programs available, and the support often goes unused.
Is Speech Therapy Covered by RAMQ?
In Quebec, speech therapy is covered through the public network: CLSCs, schools, rehabilitation centres, and hospitals offer free services, but with limited mandates and often long waiting lists. RAMQ does not cover private practice professional services, which is true for speech therapy as it is for psychology, occupational therapy, and most other health professions. Families who turn to private practice generally seek fast access, no medical referral, and personalized follow-up.
For ages 0-5, the Agir tôt program also offers free services through the CLSC.
Reimbursement Through Private Insurance
Many private health insurance plans cover part or all of speech therapy fees. Terms vary by plan: some cover a fixed percentage, others have an annual cap. Speech therapy is also a tax-exempt health service in Quebec, which already reduces the bill by 15%. Some insurance companies require a medical referral: it is helpful to check with your insurer before the first appointment.
Jordan’s Principle for Indigenous Families
First Nations families, including those living off-reserve, can apply through Jordan’s Principle to have speech therapy services covered. This federal program ensures that First Nations children receive the services they need without delays or refusals related to jurisdictional disputes between levels of government.
AJBQ and ABC for People Who Stutter
Two Quebec organizations offer financial support programs specific to stuttering. The Association des jeunes bègues du Québec (AJBQ) reimburses part of the speech therapy fees for children and teens who stutter. The Association bégaiement communication (ABC) offers an equivalent program for adults. These programs can be combined with private insurance.
Retraite Québec and the Canadian Child Disability Benefit
When a child’s difficulties cause significant and persistent limitations, two financial supports may apply.
1- The Supplement for Handicapped Children from Retraite Québec offers a non-taxable monthly amount to families whose child has significant disabilities.
2- The Child Disability Benefit from the Government of Canada is an additional amount paid alongside the Canada Child Benefit.
The speech-language evaluation report can support these applications. These supports are often underused because families are unaware they exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Pay a Deposit or File-Opening Fees Before the First Appointment?
According to the OOAQ, charging a deposit, an advance payment, or file-opening fees is not permitted in speech therapy in Quebec³. Fees are charged as services are rendered. Waiting list management fees are also not acceptable.
Is Speech Therapy Tax-Deductible?
Yes, in part. Speech therapy fees not reimbursed by your insurer are eligible for the medical expense tax credit, both federally and provincially. Keep all of your official receipts. The deductible amount depends on your income and the total of your eligible medical expenses for the tax year.
Is the Fee the Same for Teletherapy as for In-Person Sessions?
This varies by clinic. Many establishments maintain the same fee for both modalities because the clinical work, expertise, and analysis time are identical. Teletherapy offers additional benefits: no travel, more scheduling flexibility, and equivalent access for families in remote regions. The evidence confirms that clinical outcomes are comparable to in-person sessions for the majority of clienteles.
Can Cancellation Fees Be Charged?
Yes, clinics can charge reasonable cancellation fees for a missed appointment, provided that a clear prior agreement has been made with the client. This cancellation policy must be communicated in advance, in writing or through the initial consent form.
How Many Sessions Should Be Planned in Total?
Evidence-based practices suggest 6 to 12 regular sessions to achieve tangible progress on a targeted goal. This number varies depending on the nature of the disorder, the person’s age, and the goals set in the intervention plan. Some challenges require longer follow-up, others resolve within a few sessions. The frequency and duration of follow-up are normally reviewed regularly with the client.
Discuss Your Speech Therapy Situation
A free 15-minute call can clarify the costs related to your specific situation, explain the financial support programs that may apply, and direct you to the right services.
References
¹ Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec. (2023). Pratique privée : honoraires, facturation, paiements et reçus. Section « Déterminer les honoraires professionnels ». Retrieved from: https://www.ooaq.qc.ca/espace-membres/contenus-professionnels/pratique-prive-honoraire-facturation-paiements-recus/
² Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec. (2023). Pratique privée : honoraires, facturation, paiements et reçus. Section « La perception des honoraires », question 5. Retrieved from: https://www.ooaq.qc.ca/espace-membres/contenus-professionnels/pratique-prive-honoraire-facturation-paiements-recus/³ Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec. (2023). Pratique privée : honoraires, facturation, paiements et reçus. Section « La perception des honoraires », question 1. Retrieved from: https://www.ooaq.qc.ca/espace-membres/contenus-professionnels/pratique-prive-honoraire-facturation-paiements-recus/