What Is Telehealth Speech Therapy?
Telehealth speech therapy (also called online or virtual speech therapy) delivers professional speech pathology services via video call. Sessions are conducted in real time between the client and their speech pathologist, using a secure video platform on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
At Luna Speech, we have been providing telehealth services to clients across Newcastle, the Central Coast, and throughout Australia. The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive. Many clients find telehealth just as effective as in-person sessions, and often more convenient.
Is Telehealth as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
This is the question we hear most often. The short answer is: yes, for most clients and most goals, telehealth is equally effective.
A growing body of research supports the efficacy of telehealth for a wide range of speech and language conditions, including:
- Articulation and phonological disorders
- Language delays and disorders
- Stuttering and fluency
- Voice disorders
- Social communication difficulties
- Literacy support
The key factors that determine success are the same as in-person therapy: a strong therapeutic relationship, evidence-based techniques, and consistent practice between sessions.
What Does a Telehealth Session Look Like?
A typical telehealth session at Luna Speech follows a similar structure to an in-person appointment:
- Check-in: We start with a brief catch-up about how the week has gone and any observations from home practice.
- Targeted activities: Your speech pathologist will guide you through activities tailored to your goals. For children, these are often play-based and engaging. For adults, they may involve exercises, conversation practice, or reading tasks.
- Home practice: We finish by reviewing strategies and activities to practise before the next session.
Sessions are typically 45–60 minutes for adults and 30–45 minutes for children, depending on age and attention span.
What Do You Need for Telehealth?
Getting set up for telehealth is straightforward. You will need:
- A device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or smartphone)
- A reliable internet connection
- A quiet, private space where you can focus
- Any materials your speech pathologist has asked you to have on hand
We use a secure, easy-to-use video platform. You don't need to download any special software. Simply click a link to join your session.
Who Is Telehealth Suitable For?
Telehealth is suitable for most clients, including:
- Children aged 3 and above (younger children may need a parent or carer to facilitate the session)
- Adults with speech, language, voice, or fluency concerns
- Clients in rural or remote areas
- Clients with mobility limitations or transport challenges
- Busy families who value the flexibility of home-based sessions
- NDIS participants (telehealth is a funded support under most NDIS plans)
There are some situations where in-person assessment may be preferred, for example for very young children or when a hands-on swallowing assessment is required. Your speech pathologist will advise you on the most appropriate format for your needs.
Tips for a Successful Telehealth Session
To get the most out of your telehealth appointments:
- Test your technology beforehand: Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection before your first session.
- Choose a quiet space: Background noise can make it harder to hear clearly. A quiet room with the door closed works well.
- Minimise distractions: For children, having a clear space with only the materials needed for the session helps maintain focus.
- Be present: Treat telehealth sessions with the same commitment as in-person appointments. Your engagement makes a real difference to outcomes.
- Communicate openly: If something isn't working (technically or therapeutically), let your speech pathologist know. We are here to make the experience as effective and comfortable as possible.
Getting Started with Telehealth at Luna Speech
Booking a telehealth appointment with Luna Speech is simple. Use our online booking form or call us directly to arrange your first session. We will send you all the information you need to get connected, and our team is happy to walk you through the process if you have any questions.
Whether you are located in Newcastle, the Central Coast, or anywhere else in Australia, we look forward to supporting your communication journey from wherever you are.