Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment before visiting a clinic?

Yes. Before visiting a clinic, it is best to book an appointment with a professional. During the booking, our Customer Care Representatives will gain more information about your specific situation so that the right service and professional is booked to see you and your child.

How do I book an appointment for my child?

You have a few options to book an appointment. Call us directly at 1.866.653.2397. Complete the contact form on the Contact Us page. Or send us an email at childrensupportsolutions@lifeworks.com

Do you offer therapy at home?

Yes. We offer families the flexibility and convenience of therapy and education at home in two ways. First, our online therapy and learning services let’s your child participate in 1:1 therapy, live with their therapist or educator from a computer or tablet at home – or just about anywhere with a high-speed internet connection. Second, a therapist can come to your home to provide therapy. This can be scheduled as a reoccurring appointment or as a one-time at home appointment. No matter what you choose, learning skills right in the home can be beneficial for the child and can make it easier for them to generalize those skills for various day-to-day tasks. Beyond the therapeutic benefits, therapy at home provides parents the convenience of having one less appointment to drive their child to.

What equipment do I need for online therapy and learning?

We use an industry-leading video conferencing platform to for our online therapy and learning services. All you need is a high-speed internet connection and a computer or tablet with a webcam and speakers. You will need to install the video conferencing software which takes just a few moments. The software is secure with many safeguards, encryptions, and firewalls ensuring login credentials and all communications are kept private and safe.

Can my child use a tablet for online therapy sessions?

Yes! Our online therapy and learning services are accessible on tablets, providing your child and family with a convenient mobile solution for therapy. Please note, for some therapies or sessions, a computer is best suited as our professionals can interact more effectively and share controls with the child during their sessions (e.g., the mouse).

What services are available online?

We offer the following services:

• In Ontario
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Special Education
  • Psychology
• Across Canada (outside of Ontario)
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Special Education

Is online therapy and learning effective?

Yes. Online therapy – sometimes called teletherapy or telepractice – has been used for over two decade and is recognized as effective by leading authorities including the Mayo Clinic, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). Our own 2013 published research showed that video counselling is as effective as in-person sessions.

Do children need to be a specific age to use online therapy?

Yes. Children from seven years old can use online Speech-Language Pathology and children from six years old can use online Special Education. Please note: Parents and caregivers may be required to be present and/or participate during an online therapy or learning session when children are under the age of 12 years. The age of consent for Online Counselling (Psychology) is 14 years old in Quebec and 16 years old in Ontario.

What hours are online therapy and learning services available?

Because our professionals deliver each therapy or learning session live, these services are available during regular clinic hours; Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST.

I was looking for Collage Pediatric Therapy or blueballoon Health Services, am I in the right place?

Yes, you are! LifeWorks acquired Collage Pediatric Therapy and blueballoon Health Services to expand the services offered to children and families in October 2013 and July 2014 respectively. The pediatric interdisciplinary health-centred services you’ve experienced through Collage and blueballoon are now being delivered by LifeWorks under the service name of Children’s Support. Please contact us with any questions you may have.

Are the professional services of Children’s Support by LifeWorks available as part of my Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)?

No. All professional services of Children’s Support by LifeWorks are fee for service and not included in your Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Some fees may be covered by health insurance plans and/or government assistance. Please contact us for more information. Shepell, your Employee and Family Assistance Program provider, is a brand of LifeWorks.

My child is two years old. Is it too early to see a Speech-Language Pathologist?

If you have noticed that your child is experiencing difficulty with language, or if you question their language development, do not hesitate to consult a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), regardless of your child’s age. At Children’s Support, the Speech-Language Pathologist will conduct a complete evaluation in order to determine whether or not your child requires intervention. If results indicate that intervention is needed, the SLP will recommend an intervention program. The SLP may also make suggestions for activities that you may do at home to work on language stimulation.

What are the Speech-Language Pathology sessions like?

Speech Therapists at Children’s Support recommend that a parent attend meetings. This way, you will develop skills and methods to better support your child. At the end of each session, the Speech Therapist provides activities to do at home or makes suggestions for the child care setting to ensure continued efforts towards therapy objectives. Speech-Language Pathology is also available through online sessions, providing your child with 1:1 therapy, live with their therapist or from a computer or tablet. Online therapy provides parents and caregivers with an unprecedented view of a child’s therapy and progress, and it is effective for a wide range of challenges.

Can your professionals visit my child’s school to present results or make recommendations?

Yes. When a Children’s Support professional completes an evaluation, they can visit the child’s school in order to explain results and recommendations to the school team. They may also attend school-related intervention plan meetings if required or necessary.

What is the difference between a Special Educator and a Tutor?

Special Educators work with children who have learning difficulties or disabilities. They help to prevent, identify and lessen the impact of these challenges by helping to discover and develop new learning strategies. They create intervention plans based on assessment.

Tutors are often teachers or student teachers who provide one-on-one support. They review certain topics learned in class and offer homework help for specific classes.

I have a thirteen-year-old who is experiencing various problems at school, and I would like for him to meet with a professional. How should I approach the subject with him/her?

We suggest that parents first meet with one of our Psychoeducators or Psychologists so that our professional can fully understand the concerns through discussion of specific examples. From there, we can share tools and suggest avenues for this discussion with your child.

How long is the evaluation process to determine whether my child has ADHD?

You can expect three (3) to four (4) meetings with a Psychologist. The process is usually completed within one month, from the first meeting until results are presented. This estimate may vary depending on demand.