Speech-Language Therapy is about more than just speaking—it is about connecting with the world. At HearBear Clinic, we support children, adolescents, and adults who experience challenges with communication, speech sounds, language, literacy, and social interaction.

Our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) work collaboratively with individuals and families to strengthen:

• Understanding of spoken and written language
• Expression of thoughts, ideas, and emotions
• Clear and effective speech production

Our goal is to support functional, meaningful communication across everyday environments—at home, at school, at work, and in the community.

Our Philosophy

At HearBear, therapy is Individualized, Strengths-Based, and Family-Centred.

We do not follow a “one-size-fits-all” model. Instead, we partner with you to develop therapy goals that are:

• Meaningful to daily life
• Grounded in evidence-based practice
• Responsive to your family’s values, priorities, and cultural context

Collaborative Care

Professional Collaboration with Talkaboo Therapy Inc.

HearBear Clinic works in professional collaboration with Talkaboo Therapy Inc., led by Speech-Language Pathologist Gargi Singh. This collaborative model allows us to provide coordinated, high-quality care across settings.

Families benefit from:

• Shared Expertise: Access to a broader range of clinical experience
• Coordinated Care: Alignment across clinic, home, and school environments
• Continuity of Support: A consistent therapeutic approach that evolves with changing needs

Comprehensive Services Across Communication Domains (Language, Cognition & Literacy)

1. Receptive & Expressive Language
   Supporting understanding of language and the ability to express ideas using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
2. Cognition & Executive Functioning
   Intervention targeting attention, memory, problem-solving, organization, and self-regulation as they relate to communication.
3. Dyslexia & Literacy Support
   Strengthening the underlying language skills required for reading, spelling, and academic success, in collaboration with educators when appropriate.

Speech, Motor Speech & Fluency

• Speech Sound Disorders
  Assessment and treatment of articulation and phonological patterns to improve speech clarity and intelligibility.
• Motor Speech Disorders & Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
  Specialized, evidence-based intervention targeting speech motor planning and coordination through structured, repetitive, multi-sensory practice.
• Fluency (Stuttering & Cluttering)
  Support for disruptions in speech flow, with a focus on communication confidence and functional strategies.
• Voice
  Intervention for difficulties with pitch, volume, vocal quality (e.g., hoarseness), and vocal hygiene.
• Resonance
  Therapy addressing airflow and resonance differences (e.g., hypernasality), often for individuals with a history of cleft palate or velopharyngeal dysfunction.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Assessment and implementation of low-tech (e.g., picture-based systems) and high-tech (speech-generating devices) communication solutions for individuals who cannot rely on spoken language alone.

Services:

Speech-language services at HearBear Clinic include:

• Comprehensive speech and language assessments
• Individualized therapy programs
• Parent and caregiver coaching
• School and community collaboration
• Consultative services and progress reports

Funding & Coverage Options

We have experience working with a range of public and private funding sources. Eligibility and coverage vary by program and individual circumstances.

Funding Source	Who Is Eligible	Coverage & Billing	Official Link
Private Extended Health Benefits	Individuals with private insurance plans	Coverage varies by provider and plan. We issue detailed receipts for reimbursement. Some plans may require a physician’s referral.	https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/insurance.html
Autism Funding Unit (AFU), BC	Children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder	Under 6 years: up to $22,000/year 6–18 years: up to $6,000/year Our SLPs are on the RASP list	https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/autism-spectrum-disorder/autism-funding
Jordan’s Principle	First Nations children (on or off reserve)	Covers unmet health, social, and educational needs. Services may be billed directly with approval.	https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1568396042341
At Home Program (MCFD, BC)	Children with severe disabilities or complex needs	May fund extended therapy supports, including Speech-Language Pathology, based on assessment and eligibility.	https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/at-home-program
Charitable Grants	Families meeting financial and/or medical criteria	We accept third-party funding from organizations such as Variety – The Children’s Charity and CKNW Kids’ Fund.	https://www.variety.bc.ca https://cknwkidsfund.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is required to book an assessment or therapy sessions. However, some private insurance plans may require one for reimbursement.

What happens during the initial assessment?
The assessment typically includes standardized testing, clinical observation, and a detailed parent/caregiver interview. Findings are used to develop a personalized therapy plan.

How long are therapy sessions?
Sessions are usually 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on age, attention, and therapy goals.

Can you collaborate with my child’s school?
Yes. With written consent, we collaborate with teachers and school teams to support consistency across environments.

Do you offer virtual therapy?
Yes. Telepractice services are available for families who prefer virtual sessions or live in remote areas.