Accessing public health speech therapy services can be challenging to navigate for the uninitiated. In order to access public SLP services in Vancouver, you will need to request service through your local public health unit, and each health unit has a slightly different process.
Families with children aged 0-5 in British Columbia who suspect their children are not meeting their developmental milestones in speech and language can access free speech-language pathology (SLP) services through their local public health units.
Families are put on a waiting list and contacted when a Speech-Language Pathologist becomes available.
Not sure which Health Authority you currently fall under?
For a guide to BC’s Health Regions, Click Here
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Click here for the Vancouver Coastal Health Public Health Unit Request for Service
Check out the Vancouver Coastal Health Website for locations and resources on speech and language development
Fraser Health Authority (FHA)
Residents falling within the Fraser Health Authority catchment area can contact Fraser Health Authority by telephone, who can then refer you to their nearest Preschool Speech Development service provider.
FHA’s information on accessing Speech-Language Pathology services can be found Here
Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA)
To receive services, children must have only speech and/or language delays or disorders and be preschool aged – not yet eligible for kindergarten.
Self-referral accepted, please connect directly with the health centers listed on the Vancouver Island Health Authority Website
Interior Health Authority (IHA)
Information on Interior Health Authority’s Speech & Language services.
Click here for the Interior Health Request for Services
Referrals are accepted by mail or fax. To find your local health center within the Interior Health catchment area, Click Here
Northern Health Authority (NHA)
The Northern Health Speech and Language Program provides SLP services for children from birth to kindergarten entry. These services are offered at NO COST to families.
You can download the referral forms at Northern Health’s Speech & Language Website
Referrals can be done by electronic PDF, phone or in-person
Private Speech Therapy
Many families will seek out private speech-language pathologist services in the interim while they wait to be contacted by their public health unit. Private SLPs in Vancouver and the rest of BC often have shorter wait lists and are able to accommodate families more quickly than a public health SLP, but the convenience does come at a cost to the families. See our Funding Guide to see if your child is eligible for financial assistance for private SLP services while on the waiting list for public health.
To discuss interim treatment, you can book a free consultation with a Speech-Language Pathologist at Arbutus Speech Therapy by clicking here.
Questions?
We’re here to help! One of our Speech-Language Pathologists would be happy to assist you with any questions you might have about accessing public health SLP.