Home > Services  > Child and Family > Speech Pathology

Speech Pathology

This page has information about Community-based Child and Family Speech Pathology services at Monash Health.

Speech Pathology

Speech Pathologists work with babies, toddlers and preschool children who are having difficulties in the development of their communication and/or feeding skills. This includes:

  • language difficulties – understanding what is being communicated and/or being able to use words, phrases and sentences appropriately for their age
  • speech difficulties – producing speech sounds and being understood by others
  • dysfluency or stuttering – repeating sounds, words or phrases, elongating sounds or sounds becoming stuck
  • voice disorder – difficulties with pitch, loudness and/or voice quality
  • feeding issues – difficulties with feeding skills, food textures, food variety and/or mealtime enjoyment

What we do

  • assessment and therapy for children with communication difficulties, prior to school age. Communication covers speech, language, voice and fluency (stuttering)
  • assessment and support for children from birth to school entry
  • 1:1 Speech Pathology consultation
  • group therapy
  • care-giver education and coaching

Who can use this service?

This service is for children (from birth to school entry) who: 

  • live, work, study or attend pre-school or child-care in the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey or Cardinia Shire
  • are under Child Protection, Refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Children or in Out-of-home Care

This service is not for children who:

  • come from high-income families
  • are eligible for, or currently accessing:
    • Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA)
    • NDIS services
    • disability funding
  • already attending school
  • children referred from 1 July of the year before they start school will not be accepted unless they are: under child protection, Refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Children or in Out-of-home Care.

Note: If the child lives, works, studies or attends pre-school or child-care outside the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey or Cardinia Shire – please contact your local community health centre.

How to refer

Anyone can make a referral for community Speech Pathology.

For referrals please:

Phone: (03) 8572 5631
Email: iCareAccess@monashhealth.org

Cost

The charge is based on the family’s income level.

Where our services are delivered

Our services are delivered at Springvale, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Dandenong Community Health centres, Doveton College and Bridgewood Primary School.

Operating hours

We are open 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Contact us:

For more information or assistance with a referral please contact us by email at: childandfamilyprogram@monashhealth.org

Help contacting us

For people who need help with English or an interpreter: : TIS: 131 450

For people with hearing or speech loss: TTY: 1800 555 677

Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727

Internet relay: National Relay Service: www.relayservice.gov.au

Other useful resources and alternative services

Here are some alternative services for clients who are waiting or do not currently qualify for Monash Health services.

  •  Other Community Health Services in their area
  •  Private Therapists:
    • May be eligible for Medicare Benefits Scheme (previously Enhanced Primary Care Plan for chronic and complex conditions). Family can discuss with GP
    • See Speech Pathology Australia website and click on Find a Speech Pathologist tab to find a therapist located near the client: http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/
    • If client has Private Health Insurance with Extra’s cover -suggest they contact their Private Health Insurance to check cover
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme/Early Childhood Early Intervention). Our regional provider is:
  • If the child is in school, they should seek help through the school

www.monashhealth.org