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Simcoe County

Speech therapy for kids in Barrie

In Barrie and Simcoe County the free preschool speech program is run from Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, with the Children's Treatment Network covering rehabilitation and the autism diagnostic hub.

In Barrie the pieces are Simcoe County Preschool Speech and Language (Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre) before school, Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York for rehabilitation to age 19, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre for hospital clinics, and the Simcoe County District School Board and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board once a child is in school. Barrie is one of two major cities where a hospital is the preschool speech lead agency, so intake runs through RVH rather than a treatment centre.

Speechie plans virtual appointments for Barrie families once CASLPO registration is confirmed. Until then, this page maps what is free today.

Free and public options in Barrie

  1. 1

    Before school: Simcoe County Preschool Speech and Language

    Run by Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Free, parent self-referral, birth to school entry. Call 705-739-5696 or 1-800-675-1979.

  2. 2

    In school: 2 boards

    Ask the teacher for a referral to the board's speech-language pathologist.

    • Simcoe County District School Board
    • Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board

    French-language: Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.

  3. 3

    Any age: Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York

    Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York serves Simcoe County to age 19 and is the SmartStart Hub entry point; families refer directly. Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre takes physician referrals for specialty clinics, and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit runs early-years programs.

Services finder Full Ontario guide

What is different about Barrie

Simcoe County's preschool speech program is based at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, one of only a few Ontario programs run by a hospital rather than a treatment centre or community agency. Services are delivered at community sites across the county, not only in Barrie.

The Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York coordinates rehabilitation and runs the autism diagnostic hub for Simcoe County and York Region, delivering services through partner organizations rather than from one building.

Simcoe County District School Board and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board both employ speech-language pathologists. Barrie Public Library runs free early literacy programs, and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offers Healthy Babies Healthy Children home visiting.

Hospital

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Free storytimes

Barrie Public Library

French-language boards

Conseil scolaire Viamonde, Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

Private speech therapy in Barrie

OHIP does not cover private clinics in Barrie; typical 2026 rates are roughly $110 to $180 per hour and $300 to $600 for an assessment (often mid-range in Barrie). Verify any clinician on the CASLPO Public Register, then see the cost guide and questions to ask.

Start at home, today

Questions Barrie families ask

How do I get free speech therapy for my child in Barrie?
Before school, parents refer directly to Simcoe County Preschool Speech and Language, run by Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (705-739-5696 or 1-800-675-1979): no doctor referral, no diagnosis, no fee. Once in school, ask the Simcoe County District School Board or Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board for a speech-language referral, or refer to Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York directly.
Which hospital in Barrie has a speech-language service for children?
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre is the hospital route in Simcoe County; specialty clinics such as feeding, cleft or voice need a physician referral. For most speech and language concerns the community program (Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre) or Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York is the faster door.
Does OHIP cover private speech therapy in Barrie?
No. OHIP does not pay for private speech-language pathology in Barrie or anywhere in Ontario. Many extended health plans cover part of it, and fees paid to a CASLPO-registered speech-language pathologist qualify for the medical expense tax credit.
Will Speechie offer appointments in Barrie?
Speechie plans virtual appointments for Barrie families once the clinician's CASLPO registration is confirmed. Until then, use Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and join the waitlist to be notified.

Nearby cities

Vaughan

York Region

Markham

York Region

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Need help now? Ontario has free options.

Children not yet in school can self-refer to the Preschool Speech and Language Program. No doctor, no fee.

Find your local program