Online Speech Therapy in 2026

Thanks to technology, connecting with a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist has never been easier. While online speech therapy became popular during COVID, it’s now a natural fit for the way we live and work. Virtual sessions offer the same personalized support as in-person visits, all from the comfort of home or the office. Whether for children or adults, many find online speech therapy just as effective, flexible, and convenient. Learn more below, including what to expect and tips for setting up your first session.

Table of Contents

• History of Online Speech Therapy
• What To Expect
• Online Speech Therapy for Children
• Online Speech Therapy for Adults
• What You’ll Need
• Other Benefits
• Beyond the COVID Pandemic
• Frequently Asked Questions

History of Online Speech Therapy

Online speech therapy (also called teletherapy or telepractice) has been nationally endorsed in Canada since 2006. Speech and Audiology Canada (otherwise known as SAC and previously known as CASLPA) acknowledged that with the advancement of technology, teletherapy was making it possible for people to access services they would otherwise not receive due to distance, cost, mobility, weather, or scheduling.

Since then, we have learned that when online speech therapy is done right, it is a highly effective therapy delivery method⁽¹⁾, can be used for a wide range of speech and language disorders^(2–6), and is well-liked by parents and teachers⁽⁷⁾.

Since the pandemic, much of the technology has improved, with a wealth of new online tools and therapy aids to help make online therapy sessions a highly effective and integrated experience. Many speech-language pathology assessments have been developed to be administered in an online setting and proven to have the same effectiveness as paper-based assessments administered in person.

What To Expect From an Online Speech Therapy Session

Teletherapy is not “just a video call.” Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Theraplatform host a variety of applications that take video calls to the next level of interaction. Your therapist can draw on a shared screen, guide interactive games, and review recordings together — all in real time.

Interactive features your therapist may use:

• Screen sharing — display therapy materials and activities side-by-side
• Whiteboard & annotation — write, draw, and mark up content together in real time
• Touch screen interaction — tap-to-respond activities that keep younger clients engaged
• Session recording — review exercises at home for more effective practice between sessions

Online Speech Therapy for Children

Online therapy has increased the enjoyment of speech therapy for many children as they love the online speech and language reinforcement activities — things like interactive board games, making virtual pizzas, and squishing bugs with the press of a button. The screen-based format feels natural for today’s kids.

Online speech therapy for children also makes it easier for families to fit sessions in after school without requiring travel time to a clinic. While some goals are better worked on in-person, for most children, online therapy has similar efficacy to in-person while offering more convenience.

Online Speech Therapy for Adults

For adults, online speech therapy has made it more available and convenient to work on goals while fitting sessions into a busy schedule. Adults working on Accent Modification or Professional Communication particularly appreciate the easy recording and review features built into online platforms — making homework more organised and practice more targeted.

What You’ll Need for Online Speech Therapy

Teletherapy is convenient, but you’ll need access to a device that can connect to the internet. Families and individuals can use laptops, desktop computers, tablets, and even smartphones.

Quick setup checklist:

• Device — laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone
• Camera & microphone — your device’s built-in webcam works; a wired or wireless headset provides clearer audio
• Internet connection — a stable connection makes all the difference for smooth video
• Quiet space — a table or desk is ideal, but a couch or floor works as long as the therapist has a clear view of your face
• Parent or caregiver nearby — especially for younger children during the first few sessions

Other Benefits of Teletherapy

Online sessions can provide more flexibility in the timing and frequency of your speech therapy sessions. For some speech and language concerns, more frequent sessions can help achieve and maintain results faster.

Families appreciate the ease and flexibility of online speech therapy sessions as it reduces travel time and is available from anywhere in BC. It can also help cut down on missed sessions due to travel disruptions, mild colds, or other things that might get in the way of an in-person appointment.

Overall, online speech therapy has proven to be popular with adults and families who are looking for a convenient and versatile approach to their speech therapy journey.

Beyond the COVID Pandemic

Like many changes in the workplace over the last 6 years, online speech therapy rose in popularity during 2020 out of necessity, but it has endured beyond the pandemic to become a common preference for many families and individuals. Now, rather than the decision being made based on avoiding contact, it’s more of a family decision related to convenience and scheduling.

Today, online speech therapy is simply a better fit for a lot of people’s lives. Busy parents, working adults, and families in smaller communities across BC have found that virtual sessions remove the barriers that used to make consistent therapy difficult. When sessions are easier to attend, they’re easier to keep — and consistency is one of the most important factors in making progress.

At Arbutus Speech Therapy, we’ve seen firsthand how well online therapy works when it’s done thoughtfully. Whether you’re just getting started or have been on a wait-list for in-person services, online therapy is a legitimate, evidence-based path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online speech therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes — for most speech and language goals, research shows that online speech therapy delivers similar outcomes to in-person sessions. It has been endorsed in Canada since 2006 and is well-supported by clinical evidence across a range of disorders.

What technology do I need for virtual speech therapy?

You need a device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet space. Most modern devices work well; a headset can improve audio quality but is not essential.

Can my child do online speech therapy?

Absolutely. Many children thrive in the online setting thanks to interactive digital activities. We recommend a parent or caregiver is nearby during sessions, especially at first, to help with any technical setup.

Is online speech therapy available across all of BC?

Yes — because there is no travel involved, Arbutus Speech Therapy can provide teletherapy services to clients anywhere in British Columbia. This is especially valuable for families in rural or remote areas with limited local access to services.

How do I get started?

Simply send us a message, give us a call, or book a free consultation online. We’ll help you decide whether teletherapy or in-person sessions are the best fit for your needs.

Questions?

Arbutus Speech Therapy offers both online therapy and in-person options. If you are considering speech therapy services for yourself or your child but aren’t sure if teletherapy is right for you, send us an email, give us a call, or book a free consultation online — we would be happy to discuss your options.

There’s no pressure and no commitment — just a conversation to help you figure out the best next step.

Sources

1. Bernie, E. (2019). Critical Review: What is the efficacy of a telepractice service delivery model when compared to traditional on-site therapy for school-aged children receiving speech sound intervention (SSI)?
2. Waite, M. C., Cahill, L. M., Theodoras, D. G., Busuttin, S., & Russell, T. G. (2006). A pilot study of online assessment of childhood speech disorders. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 12(3_suppl), 92–94.
3. Parmanto, B., Pulantara, I. W., Schutte, J. L., Saptono, A., & McCue, M. P. (2013). An integrated telehealth system for remote administration of an adult autism assessment. Telemedicine and e-Health, 19(2), 88–94.
4. Carey, B., O’Brian, S., Onslow, M., Packman, A., & Menzies, R. (2012). Webcam delivery of the Camperdown Program for adolescents who stutter: A Phase I trial. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools.
5. Waite, M. C., Theodoros, D. G., Russell, T. G., & Cahill, L. M. (2010). Assessment of children’s literacy via an internet-based telehealth system. Telemedicine and e-Health, 16(5), 564–575.
6. Halpern, A. E., Ramig, L. O., Matos, C. E., et al. (2012). Innovative technology for the assisted delivery of intensive voice treatment (LSVT® LOUD) for Parkinson disease. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
7. Crutchley, S., & Campbell, M. (2010). Telespeech therapy pilot project: Stakeholder satisfaction. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 2(1), 23.