Emergency

Speech & Language Services

Related topics: Infants to 18 months Pregnancy and early childhood Public Health Public Health Units Speech and language therapy Toddlers

Find this service near you
A speech language therapist working with a child.

Speech-language pathology provides assessment, treatment, education and referrals for patients with various communication or swallowing disorders.

For children from birth to kindergarten eligibility

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use a variety of activities to help children learn new speech and language skills. During the first appointment, the SLP will evaluate how well a child talks and listens. The SLP looks at pronunciation, how well the tongue and lips move, how children understand and use language, and if there are voice, hearing, or stuttering problems.

Speech and language referral form

In the therapy sessions, the SLP will:

  • Show parents how to help children learn better ways to talk
  • Play games and use books and toys as fun ways to help children learn
  • Check children's progress in communication skills as they grow and develop

SLPs may go to childcare centres and community settings to support teachers and help children communicate better with friends.

There is no cost for this service. 

Frequently asked questions

  • When should I bring my child to a Speech-Language Pathologist?

    See a Speech-Language Pathologist if:

    Understanding and using language

    • Your 2-year-old is not talking.
    • Your 3-year-old does not use 3-word sentences most of the time.
    • Your 4-year-old only uses sentences that are four words long.
    • Your child does not seem to understand what you or others say and cannot follow directions.

    Hearing

    • Often has ear infections and learned to speak later than most other children.
    • Only responds to people if your child can see them. 

    Voice

    • Has an unusual voice (scratchy, raspy or nasal sounding).

    Communicating with others

    • Cannot or seems not to want to start conversations with parents, caregivers or friends. 
    • Is embarrassed and/or frustrated when talking.

    Fluency/stuttering

    • Hesitates or struggles when talking.
    • Repeats words or sounds.
    • Stretches out words.
    • Stops and restarts when talking.

    Making sounds

    • Your 3 or 4-year-old is difficult to understand.

     

Resources

For adults

Home and community care

This service provides screening, assessment, education and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders in adult and older adult clients in their homes. 

Clients aged 19 and over must be assessed for eligibility by a health-care professional. Connect with home and community care to learn about accessing this service. Learn more.

Find this service near you

OR
  • Long term care homes

    Speech & Language Services at Holy Family Hospital

    7801 Argyle St Vancouver

  • Speech & Language Services at Leon Judah Blackmore Pavilion

    899 West 12th Avenue Vancouver

  • Speech & Language Services at Lions Gate Hospital

    231 East 15th Street North Vancouver

  • Speech & Language Services at Richmond Hospital

    7000 Westminster Highway Richmond
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Central Community Health Centre

    132 West Esplanade North Vancouver
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Evergreen Community Health Centre

    3425 Crowley Drive Vancouver
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre

    2110 West 43rd Avenue Vancouver

  • Speech & Language Services for Children at qathet General Hospital

    5000 Joyce Ave, Third floor Powell River
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Raven Song Community Health Centre

    2450 Ontario Street Vancouver
  • Other

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Richmond Place – 8100 Granville Avenue

    8100 Granville Avenue Richmond
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Robert & Lily Community Health Centre

    1669 East Broadway Vancouver
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Sechelt Health Unit

    PO Box 1040, 5571 Inlet Avenue Sechelt
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at South Community Health Centre

    6405 Knight Street Vancouver
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Squamish Community Health Centre

    1140 Hunter Place Squamish
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Three Bridges CHC (West End)

    1128 Hornby Street Vancouver
  • Other

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Vancouver Community Audiology Centre

    999 West Broadway, 3rd Floor Vancouver
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at West Vancouver Community Health Centre

    2121 Marine Drive West Vancouver
  • Community health centres

    Speech & Language Services for Children at Whistler Health Care

    4380 Lorimer Road Whistler