OACRS - The voice for children with multiple disabilities

Private Practice Therapy

Information to help parents/caregivers access private practitioners in their community.

Questions to ask when selecting a therapist: Are you registered to practice in Ontario?; Do you have a registration number?; Where do you provide your services? Is it accessible?; Do you have experience with preschool/school age children?; What are your fees and what do they include?

Things to Consider: If you have extended health care benefits through your employer, be sure to see if therapy services are covered. You may need a doctor’s referral before therapy begins in order to receive coverage through your insurance company.; Extended health care plans will require the therapist’s registration number and a detailed receipt.; Employee Assistance Programs through your employer may provide some benefits.; Save receipts, it may be applied to a medical income tax credit.

Speech-Language Pathologists: Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA) 416-920-0361 within the GTA or 1-877-740-6009 outside the GTA. This is a referral line offered by OSLA. You can ask for a listing of Speech-Language Pathologists who practice in the area and OSLA will provide 3 names or go to www.osla.on.ca; click on “find a practitioner” and search using the online Private Practice Referral System; College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) 1-800-993-9459. or go to www.caslpo.com; Under 'Welcome to CASLPO' click on 'Public Information', click on 'Find a Practitioner' and search by city.

Audiology/Hearing Assessment: Look in the Yellow Pages under "Audiologists"; College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) 1-800-993-9459 or go to www.caslpo.com; under "Welcome to CASLPO" click on "Public Information"; click on "Find a Practitioner", and search by city.

Physiotherapists: Look in the yellow pages under “Physiotherapists”.; College of Physiotherapists of Ontario 1-800-583-5885 or go to www.collegept.org; click on “find a physiotherapist” and search by city.; Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) 416-322-6866 or go to www.opa.on.ca; click on “find a physio” at the bottom of the page and search by city.

Occupational Therapists: Look in the yellow pages under “Occupational Therapists”.; College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) at 1-800-890-6570 or go to www.coto.org; click on Members of the Public to confirm that the Occupational Therapist is registered with the College, the practice category of each OT and the names of OTs who speak languages other than English.

Psychologists: Look in the Yellow Pages under Psychologists & Psychological Associates.; Ontario Psychological Association at 416-961-0069 or 1-800-268-0069 or go to www.psych.on.ca: click on “Referral” and “Search for a Psychologist”.

Intensive Behavioural Intervention: There is no specific Association or College to refer to. A list of Autism Society Chapters is provided to connect with to assist in accessing information. A list of chapters and contacts are available on the Internet at: www.autismsociety.on.ca/chap.htm

Additional resources: A Guide Related to Support Workers and Your Individual with Exceptionalities.