The Speech House – Affordable Speech Therapy with Allied Health Assistants (AHAs)
Welcome to The Speech House, a program designed by Speech & Language Support Services to make excellent speech and literacy therapy accessible to more families at half the price.
Our Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) deliver engaging, goal-based therapy programs created and supervised by qualified Speech Pathologists. This collaborative approach ensures every child receives quality care, measurable progress, and the support they deserve.
Why We Created The Speech House
The Speech House began with a simple idea that every child deserves the opportunity to communicate confidently, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
We saw families struggling to afford consistent therapy, and we knew there had to be a better way. By training and supervising Allied Health Assistants, we created a model that keeps therapy affordable without compromising on quality or outcomes.
At The Speech House, you can trust that every session is purposeful and designed to empower your child.
Who Is The Speech House For?
The Speech House is perfect for children who can engage in structured activities and follow directions during sessions.
It’s especially suited for families who are committed to regular therapy and eager to support their child’s communication goals between sessions.
Speech and Literacy Difficulties: Our primary focus is those facing challenges related to speech and literacy, providing specialised support to enhance their communication skills.
You are Seeking Affordable Options: The Speech House is dedicated to assisting families experiencing financial constraints, ensuring that quality speech therapy remains accessible.
You are Committed to Following Structured Programs: Our clients thrive when families are committed to following the structured programs designed by our experienced Speech Pathologists and Allied Health Assistants.
You are Eager to Support Growth: If you are actively involved in and eager to support communication development, The Speech House is here to collaborate with you.
Your Child Can Easily Engage with AHAs: Successful engagement with our programs requires your child to work with Allied Health Assistants without presenting significant behavioural challenges.
How Does it Work!
Therapy at The Speech House is a shared journey between your Speech Pathologist, your Allied Health Assistant (AHA), and your family. Here’s how the process flows:
Getting Started
Your Speech Pathologist will
- conduct the assessment
- determine if you’re suitable
- set the goals
- design the program for the Allied Health Assistant
- monitor progress with the AHA
- provide supervision to the AHA
- therapy session when identified as required
- set new goal and program as goals achieved
Therapy Begins
Your Allied Health Assistant will
- see you weekly or fortnightly as recommended
- implement the program as provided by the Speech Pathologist
- provide notes to the family and the Speech Pathologist
- seek support from the supervising Speech Pathologist if required
- identify when you need to have your goals reviewed with the Speech Pathologist
Goals Achieved
Your AHA will identify that your goal is achieved and your Speech Pathologist will review your progress and send you off in the world.
How Much Does The Speech House Cost?
We believe families deserve to know what therapy costs upfront. Below is a summary of The Speech House session fees, and you can view a full breakdown of all services on our Fees page
Speech Pathologist Initial Assessment
The Speech Pathologist provides an assessment of speech or literacy on your first visit.
They will design a program for the Allied Health Assistant to deliver over several sessions.
They will stay updated on progress and provide support and supervision to the Allied Health Assistant.
Allied Health Assistant Therapy Session
The Allied Health Assistant will follow and do the activites set by the supervising Speech Pathologist
They will provide notes to you and the Speech Pathologist.
A long session is 45 minutes of activities and 15 minutes of note taking and resource preparation.
Speech Pathologist Check in Session
The Speech Pathologist will provide check-in appointments as required. These sessions are 45 minutes.
Upon review, the Speech Pathologist is responsible for discharging you when the goals are achieved.
Are There Any Funding Options?
Several funding options may help offset your therapy costs. Here’s what’s available for both Speech Pathologist and Allied Health Assistant sessions:
Speech Pathologist Sessions
Private Health Rebates – If you have extras cover with your private health fund you may receive a rebate for your sessions with a Speech Pathologist.
Every health fund rebates a different amount and often have different rebate amounts for the initial and subsequent therapy sessions. Please contact your health fund directly to see if you are covered for Speech Therapy and what your rebate will be.
Medicare Rebates –
Enhanced Primary Care Plan/ Chronic Disease Management Plan
If your GP deems that your child has chronic and complex care needs they may provide you with a care plan enabling you to claim up to five rebated sessions in a calendar year.
Currently, the rebate is $56 more if your family has reached the medicare safety net.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent you may be eligible for a further 5 sessions if your GP deems that you are eligible and had a health assessment.
Currently, the rebate is $56 more if your family has reached the medicare safety net.
NDIS – NDIS funding may be used for sessions with a Speech Pathologist.
Allied Health Assistant Sessions
NDIS – NDIS funding may be used for sessions by the Allied Health Assistant, not all NDIS participants will be appropriate for AHA sessions.
Private Health Rebates – There are no benefits for sessions by the Allied Health Assistant.
Medicare – There are no benefits for sessions by the Allied Health Assistant.
Questions about the Speech House?
We know parents often have questions about how The Speech House works, from who it’s for to what’s included. Here are answers to the most common ones to help you feel confident before you get started.
What is The Speech House?
The Speech House is a unique service from Speech & Language Support Services that offers excellent speech and literacy therapy at half the price. Sessions are delivered by Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) under the supervision of qualified Speech Pathologists, giving families access to affordable, effective therapy without compromising quality.
Who is The Speech House suitable for?
The program is best suited for children who can follow directions, participate in structured activities, and engage in games or learning tasks. It’s ideal for families who are committed to regular attendance and home follow-up.
Children with more complex communication or behavioural needs are generally better supported through direct sessions with their Speech Pathologist.
How does The Speech House work?
Your journey starts with an initial assessment by a Speech Pathologist, who designs your child’s program and goals.
An Allied Health Assistant (AHA) then provides weekly or fortnightly sessions as recommended following the program, while the Speech Pathologist supervises, reviews progress, and updates goals as needed. This team-based approach ensures continuity, expert guidance, and measurable progress.
How much does therapy cost at The Speech House?
Initial Assessment (Speech Pathologist): $215
Session (AHA): $85
Check-In Session (Speech Pathologist): $193.99
Each session includes planning, therapy, and progress notes. Families receive the same quality of care at a more affordable rate.
Is funding available for The Speech House?
Yes. Speech Pathologist sessions may be eligible for Medicare or Private Health rebates, and some NDIS participants may use funding for AHA sessions.
Please speak with your GP or plan manager for guidance on eligibility and claiming options.
What’s the difference between a Speech Pathologist and an Allied Health Assistant?
A Speech Pathologist is a qualified clinician who assesses, diagnoses, and designs therapy programs.
An Allied Health Assistant (AHA) is trained to deliver programs under the Speech Pathologist’s supervision.
This partnership means your child receives expert-planned therapy that’s delivered consistently and affordably.
Can I switch between The Speech House and regular therapy?
Absolutely. If your child’s needs change, your Speech Pathologist can recommend transitioning to direct sessions or back to AHA-supported therapy. Our goal is always to match the right level of support to your child’s stage of progress.
What are the benefits of AHA speech therapy?
Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) make therapy more accessible and consistent for families. Because they deliver programs designed and supervised by qualified Speech Pathologists, you get the same evidence-based approach at a lower cost.
Families often notice faster progress because AHAs can offer more frequent sessions, clear home practice ideas, and regular communication updates between sessions.
Is online therapy available through The Speech House?
Yes. The Speech House offers both in-clinic and online speech therapy options to suit your family’s needs.
Online sessions follow the same structure. Your Speech Pathologist completes the assessment and program design, while your Allied Health Assistant (AHA) delivers engaging virtual sessions using games, visuals, and real-time feedback.
It’s an easy way to access therapy wherever you live while still receiving expert supervision and support.
How do I get started?
Simply click Enquire Now or contact our friendly team. We’ll guide you through the referral and assessment process, confirm if The Speech House is suitable for your child, and help you take the first step toward confident communication.
Still have questions? We’d love to chat. Reach out through our Contact page or click Enquire Now and our friendly team will be happy to guide you.