Question 1

How do I know which service my child needs?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to identify the right service before contacting us. Tell us what you are noticing, what feels difficult and what you would like to be different. Our team will help determine whether Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Therapy, Mental Health support or a combination of services may be appropriate. You can also book a free 20 minute consultation if you are unsure where to begin.

Question 2

What ages do you support?

Accepted Answer

We support children from infancy through adolescence. The ages served vary by service, clinical need and therapist availability. Contact our office if you are unsure whether a particular service is appropriate for your child’s age.

Question 3

Does my child need a diagnosis or referral?

Accepted Answer

No. Your child does not need a diagnosis or medical referral to access private therapy at Allied Therapy. Families can contact us directly. Some insurance plans or funding programs may require a referral or other documentation for reimbursement, so we recommend confirming the requirements with your provider.

Question 4

How long are appointments?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are commonly 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the service and your child’s needs. A 60 minute appointment generally includes approximately 50 minutes for direct service and 10 minutes for documentation and planning. Assessments, consultations, reports and meetings may require different appointment lengths.

Question 5

How often will my child attend therapy?

Accepted Answer

Frequency is individualized. Some children attend weekly, while others benefit from biweekly appointments, a short block of therapy, periodic consultation or caregiver coaching. Recommendations depend on your child’s goals, assessment findings, family priorities, availability and funding or insurance coverage. Frequency can be adjusted as your child’s needs change.

Question 6

What happens during the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first appointment gives your therapist an opportunity to learn about your child’s strengths, communication, routines, current challenges and your family’s priorities. Depending on the service, the appointment may include caregiver discussion, observation, play-based or structured activities, questionnaires, standardized assessment tools or review of relevant records. Your therapist will explain what they are noticing and discuss appropriate next steps with you.

Question 7

Can parents or caregivers participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Caregiver involvement is often an important part of therapy because it helps strategies carry into everyday life. Depending on your child’s age, goals and comfort, you may participate in the full appointment, join for part of the session or speak with the therapist before or afterward. Your therapist will work with you to determine what is most helpful.

Question 8

Can you work with my child’s school or daycare?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With parent or guardian consent, our therapists can collaborate with educators, childcare providers and other professionals. This may include sharing relevant information, discussing strategies, attending meetings, observing your child in their learning environment or providing recommendations. The type and availability of collaboration depend on your child’s needs, the service and the setting.

Question 9

Where are appointments provided?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are available at our Bedford clinic, virtually across Nova Scotia and, when appropriate and available, in homes, schools, daycares and other community settings. Community-based appointments depend on therapist availability, location and the clinical purpose of the visit. Travel charges may apply.

Question 10

Is virtual therapy available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Virtual therapy, consultation and caregiver coaching are available across Nova Scotia. Whether virtual care is appropriate depends on your child’s age, needs, goals and the type of service required. We can help you determine whether virtual, in-person or a combination of appointments would be the best fit.

Question 11

Is therapy covered by insurance or funding?

Accepted Answer

Many extended health plans cover services provided by registered Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers. Coverage for Behaviour Therapy and other services varies. Allied Therapy also works with several third-party funding programs when authorization is available. Contact your insurer or funding provider to confirm eligible professions, referral requirements, annual limits and documentation requirements. Direct billing may be available for some plans.

Question 12

What is included in the free 20 minute consultation?

Accepted Answer

The free consultation is a brief conversation about what you are noticing, what support you are looking for and which Allied Therapy service may be the most appropriate starting point. We can explain available services, answer general questions and discuss possible next steps. The consultation is not a formal assessment, diagnosis or therapy appointment, and individualized clinical recommendations require an appropriate appointment with a therapist.

Therapy for Children in Bedford and Across Nova Scotia

Start with what you’re noticing

Not talking much yet

Big feelings or sensory overwhelm

Handwriting or everyday tasks

Hard to understand

Eating and feeding

Focus, routines, or organization

Stuttering or getting stuck

Reading, writing, or schoolwork

Recently diagnosed with autism

Explore all children’s speech therapy →

Explore children’s mental health therapy →

Explore all children’s occupational therapy →

Explore all children’s behaviour therapy →

Still not sure where to start? Tell us what you’re noticing. You don’t need to choose the right service before reaching out.

Therapy that affirms, not corrects

Affirming, not fixing

Inclusive

One team, one roof

From one parent to another

What happens when you reach out.

Free 20 Minute Call

Matched to a therapist

First session

A plan that fits

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