Unlock potential. Embrace growth.
The teenage years bring unique challenges—from navigating complex social situations to preparing for post-secondary education and independence. Whether you're struggling with speech clarity, social communication, academic language, or daily skills, you're not alone.
speech, Language, Literacy, occupational & psychology services for Teens in Edmonton & St. Albert
How We Support Teens
We understand that teenagers need therapy that respects their independence, addresses their real-world concerns, and fits into their busy lives.
Our experienced Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists provide evidence-based, age-appropriate support designed specifically for teens.
-
What We Address:
Social communication and conversation skills
Speech sound difficulties affecting confidence
Stuttering and fluency challenges
Voice disorders (hoarseness, vocal strain)
Language-based learning challenges
Academic language and literacy support
Selective mutism
Communication after concussion or brain injury
Word-finding difficulties
Presentation and public speaking skills
Delivered By
Registered Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
certified Therapy Assistants (TA)
Coverage
Sessions with a Registered SLP are typically covered by extended health insurance plans
Sessions with a Therapy Assistant are not typically covered through insurance
Rate:
SLP: $148/hour
TA: $87/hour
-
What We Address:
Executive functioning (organization, planning, time management)
Attention and focus challenges (ADHD support)
Fine motor skills and handwriting
Emotional regulation and coping strategies
Sensory processing challenges
Daily living and independence skills
Study skills and learning strategies
Transition planning (preparing for post-secondary or work)
Delivered By
Registered Occupational Therapists (OT)
certified Therapy Assistants (TA)
Coverage
Sessions with a Registered OT are typically covered by extended health insurance plans
Sessions with a Therapy Assistant are not typically covered through insurance
Rate:
OT: $148/hour
TA: $87/hour
-
What We Address:
Phonological awareness (sound awareness skills)
Letter-sound knowledge
Reading difficulties and dyslexia
Reading comprehension challenges
Spelling and written expression
Language-based learning disabilities
Delivered By
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Therapy Assistant or Educator with specialized literacy training
Coverage
Typically covered by extended health insurance plans (when provided by SLPs)
-
In-depth assessments with a Registered Psychologist can provide valuable insight into your teen’s unique strengths, needs and learning profile. The goal is to gather information about your teen’s cognitive strengths and challenges, academic skills, emotional well-being, and adaptive abilities. The interpretation of these results will lead to recommendations for supporting their learning and development.
We also conduct multidisciplinary assessments for autism spectrum disorder. Click here to learn more!
Why Teens Choose Ruby Therapy Services
What We Work On Together
speech &
Language
-
Struggling with conversations, reading social cues, or connecting with peers?
What It Looks Like:
Difficulty knowing what to say or how to start conversations
Trouble reading facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice
Challenges taking turns in conversation or staying on topic
Difficulty understanding sarcasm, jokes, or figurative language
Feeling left out or misunderstood by peers
Anxiety in social situations
How We Help:
We work on real-world social communication skills through role-playing, video analysis, and practical strategies you can use immediately. We help you understand social expectations, improve conversation skills, and build confidence in social situations.
We work on self-advocacy, learning about your unique strengths, and using your interests to connect authentically with peers you truly want to spend time with!
-
Stuttering can impact your confidence in speaking situations—class presentations, talking to friends, or job interviews.
What It Looks Like:
Repeating sounds, syllables, or words
Getting stuck or blocked when trying to speak
Avoiding certain words or speaking situations
Physical tension when speaking
Anxiety about speaking in class or social situations
Frustration with communication
How We Help:
Our SLPs use evidence-based fluency therapy tailored to your goals. We teach strategies to manage stuttering, build confidence, and reduce anxiety around speaking. You decide your goals—whether that's speaking more fluently, stuttering more comfortably, or advocating for yourself.
We also provide group support for people who stutter - learn with other who really get you! See our Groups page for more information.
-
Still struggling with certain sounds (r, s, l, th)? Speech sound difficulties can affect how others perceive you and your confidence.
What It Looks Like:
Difficulty producing specific sounds correctly (most common: r, s, l, th)
Feeling self-conscious about how you sound
Others commenting on your speech or asking you to repeat yourself
Avoiding speaking situations because of speech clarity concerns
How We Help:
We use evidence-based articulation therapy to help you produce sounds correctly and speak with confidence. Therapy is efficient, focused, and designed to fit your schedule and goals.
-
Is your voice frequently hoarse, breathy, or tired? Voice problems can impact everything from class participation to social interactions.
What It Looks Like:
Chronic hoarseness or raspy voice quality
Voice fatigue (voice gets tired or weak during the day)
Pain or strain when speaking
Difficulty being heard in noisy environments
Losing your voice frequently
Vocal nodules or polyps (diagnosed by ENT)
How We Help:
Our SLPs work with you (and often in collaboration with an ENT specialist) to improve vocal health through voice therapy. We teach healthy voice techniques, reduce vocal strain, and help you develop sustainable voice habits.
-
Struggling with reading comprehension, written expression, or understanding complex academic language?
What It Looks Like:
Difficulty understanding textbooks or complex instructions
Struggles with reading comprehension (especially inferencing)
Challenges with written assignments or essays
Vocabulary difficulties with academic language
Trouble following multi-step directions or lectures
Difficulty organizing thoughts for presentations or papers
How We Help:
Our SLPs with specialized literacy and language training provide targeted support for the language skills underlying academic success. We work on reading comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, written expression, and study skills.
-
Selective mutism is an anxiety-based condition where speaking in certain situations (like school) feels impossible, even though you can speak comfortably in other settings (like home).
What It Looks Like:
Able to speak freely at home but unable to speak at school
Anxiety or freeze response in speaking situations
Communication through gestures, writing, or whispering
Difficulty participating in class or social activities
Avoidance of situations that require speaking
How We Help:
Our SLPs use evidence-based approaches for selective mutism, including gradual exposure, anxiety management strategies, and collaboration with schools, families and psychologists. We create a supportive, low-pressure environment to build speaking confidence.
-
Concussions and brain injuries can affect communication, thinking, and processing—impacting school performance and daily life.
What It Looks Like:
Difficulty finding words or organizing thoughts
Slower processing speed
Trouble with memory or attention
Challenges following conversations or lectures
Difficulty managing schoolwork after returning to school
Frustration with communication changes
How We Help:
Our SLPs provide cognitive-communication therapy to address thinking, language, and communication challenges following concussion or brain injury. We develop strategies for school success and work with your school to ensure appropriate accommodations.
-
Frequently struggling to find the right word or feeling like words are "on the tip of your tongue"?
What It Looks Like:
Pausing frequently while speaking, searching for words
Saying "um," "like," or "you know" excessively
Using vague words ("thing," "stuff") instead of specific vocabulary
Frustration during conversations or presentations
Describing words instead of naming them
How We Help:
We teach effective word-finding strategies, vocabulary strengthening techniques, and work on the underlying language skills that support quick, accurate word retrieval.
skills for success, independence, & daily life.
-
Executive functioning skills are the mental processes that help you plan, organize, manage time, and get things done. Challenges in this area can make school and daily life overwhelming.
What It Looks Like:
Difficulty getting started on tasks (procrastination)
Poor time management (late to class, missing deadlines)
Losing or forgetting materials, assignments
Difficulty breaking large projects into manageable steps
Messy backpack, locker, or workspace
Trouble prioritizing tasks
Challenges transitioning between activities
How We Help:
Our OTs teach practical organizational systems, time management strategies, planning tools, and executive functioning skills. We help you develop routines and strategies that actually work for your life.
-
Struggling to focus in class, complete homework, or manage distractions? ADHD can make school and daily tasks challenging.
What It Looks Like:
Difficulty sustaining attention during lectures or while studying
Easily distracted by external or internal stimuli
Impulsivity (acting without thinking, interrupting)
Difficulty sitting still or managing restlessness
Challenges completing tasks from start to finish
Forgetfulness in daily activities
How We Help:
Our OTs provide strategies and tools to improve focus, manage distractions, and develop systems that work with (not against) your brain. We teach self-regulation techniques, organizational strategies, and study skills tailored to ADHD.
-
Slow or messy handwriting can make taking notes in class frustrating and time-consuming, impacting your ability to keep up with lessons.
What It Looks Like:
Slow writing speed (can't keep up with teacher)
Messy or illegible handwriting
Hand fatigue or pain when writing
Difficulty organizing notes on paper
Avoidance of written assignments
Preference for typing over handwriting
How We Help:
Our OTs work on improving handwriting efficiency, teach effective note-taking strategies, and explore assistive technology options (like typing or voice-to-text) when appropriate. We focus on functional solutions that help you succeed in school.
-
The teenage years can be emotionally intense. Learning to manage stress, anxiety, and big emotions is crucial for wellbeing and success.
What It Looks Like:
Frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns
Difficulty managing stress or anxiety
Overwhelm in response to school demands
Trouble calming down once upset
Avoidance of challenging situations
Physical symptoms of stress (headaches, stomach aches)
How We Help:
Our OTs teach practical emotional regulation strategies, stress management techniques, and coping skills you can use in real-life situations. We help you build resilience and develop a toolkit for managing life's challenges.
-
Sensory processing challenges don't disappear in the teen years. Sensitivities to sound, light, textures, or other sensory input can impact school, social situations, and daily comfort.
What It Looks Like:
Overwhelm in noisy or busy environments (cafeteria, assemblies)
Sensitivity to clothing textures or tags
Difficulty filtering out background noise to focus
Discomfort with certain lights or visual input
Avoidance of certain foods due to textures
Seeking or avoiding sensory input in ways that impact daily function
How We Help:
Our OTs conduct sensory assessments and develop personalized strategies to help you manage sensory challenges, advocate for your needs, and create environments that support your success and comfort.
-
Building the practical skills needed for independence—whether that's preparing for college, work, or living independently.
What It Looks Like:
Difficulty with meal planning or basic cooking
Challenges with money management or budgeting
Need for support with laundry, cleaning, or household tasks
Uncertainty about navigating public transportation
Difficulty managing a schedule independently
How We Help:
Our OTs work on practical daily living skills, provide training in specific areas of need, and help you build confidence and independence as you transition toward adulthood.
-
The transition from high school to college, university, or the workforce requires new skills and strategies.
What It Looks Like:
Uncertainty about how to succeed in post-secondary education
Lack of self-advocacy skills
Need for support understanding accommodations or accessing services
Challenges with independent living skills for college/university
Difficulty managing increased academic or work demands
How We Help:
Our OTs provide transition planning support, teach self-advocacy skills, help you understand and access accommodations, and develop strategies for success in post-secondary or work environments.
Therapy that fits
your life & focuses on what matters to you.
Youth & Adult
Stuttering Support group
-
This group program, led by speech-language pathologists, is designed to help teens and adults who stutter gain practical skills and confidence in their communication. The group creates a supportive environment where participants learn evidence-based techniques while connecting with others who share similar experiences.
-
Speech strategies: Learn fluency shaping techniques (like gentle onset, breath management) and stuttering modification methods (such as pull-outs, voluntary stuttering) to gain better control over your speech. Practice these strategies in progressively challenging speaking situations from reading aloud to spontaneous conversation.
Emotional and cognitive work: Address the thoughts, feelings, and anxiety that often accompany stuttering through discussion activities and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Build awareness of physical tension patterns and learn relaxation techniques to manage speaking anxiety.
Group practice activities: Participate in structured speaking exercises including role-playing, video analysis, and conversational practice where you can apply strategies in a safe, supportive setting. Group discussions allow you to share experiences and learn from others who stutter.
Education: Understand the nature of stuttering, the normal speech process, and how your specific stuttering pattern works. Learn to identify your individual triggers and develop personalized strategies.
-
Starting on Jan. 5, 2025, group runs on Monday evenings, 5:45-6:45pm.
Session structure: Each session typically will include welcome and introductions, individual check-ins about speech goals, 2-3 structured activities alternating between speech practice and discussion, and wrap-up with feedback and self-evaluation. Sessions balance direct instruction, independent practice, and group interaction.
The cost is $50 per session.
Receipts can be submitted to your extended health benefits plan where applicable. Check your coverage for “Speech Therapy” To see if this may be covered under your plan.
-
The group is appropriate for teens 16+ and adults who have age-appropriate language skills and are motivated to work on their communication.
A complimentary pre-workshop screening is offered to ensure the program matches your needs and goals. This will be conducted on the phone or as a video call.
Teens are welcome to have a parent join them if they'd like.
Certain sessions are targeted towards parents or partners also attending for education around stuttering and to learn how they can best support their partner. We will let you know ahead of time if this week is a Parent & Partner week!
-
Active participation: You'll be expected to speak in front of the group, practice techniques in real-time, and complete homework assignments between sessions. The group environment is intentionally more challenging than one-on-one therapy to accelerate progress.
Individualized goals: While working in a group, you'll set personal speech targets and receive feedback on your specific performance. The workshop format allows you to learn from others' experiences while addressing your unique stuttering pattern.
Long-term strategies: Beyond immediate techniques, you'll develop skills for ongoing management including how to handle different speaking situations and reduce avoidance behaviors.
Building relationships: We're here to connect and support one another. Take it at your own pace and just know that you are in a group of people who understand your challenges and effort you have already put forward to take these steps and work on your communication!
Does stuttering hold you back from speaking up at work or in social settings? Are you ready to develop practical techniques that give you more control over your communication?
FAQ
-
Social communication challenges are one of the most common reasons teens come to speech therapy. Our Speech-Language Pathologists work with you on conversation skills, understanding social cues and body language, building confidence in social situations, and navigating peer relationships. Therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space to practice and develop the skills that help you connect with peers and build meaningful friendships.
-
It depends on what you're comfortable with and what works best for your therapy. For many teens, sessions are one-on-one with the therapist, and parents join for check-ins or updates. We'll discuss what arrangement works best for you during your first appointment. Your comfort and progress are the priority.
-
Absolutely! Our Occupational Therapists provide transition planning support including self-advocacy skills, understanding and accessing accommodations, independent living skills, time management for post-secondary demands, and organizational strategies. We help teens build the executive functioning skills and independence needed for college, university, or workplace success.
-
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition involving difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control. Executive functioning refers to the specific cognitive skills needed to plan, organize, manage time, and complete tasks. Many teens with ADHD also have executive functioning challenges, but executive functioning difficulties can occur without ADHD. Occupational therapy can help with both.
-
Yes! Our Speech-Language Pathologists have specialized training in stuttering therapy for teens. We work with you to develop fluency strategies, build communication confidence, and achieve YOUR goals—whether that's speaking more fluently, stuttering more comfortably, or advocating for yourself in school and social settings. You're in control of your therapy goals, and we provide evidence-based approaches proven effective for teens.
-
We believe in respecting teen privacy while keeping parents appropriately informed. Generally, we share progress updates and general themes with parents, but specific session content remains private unless there's a safety concern. We discuss confidentiality boundaries with teens and families at the start of therapy to ensure everyone understands expectations.
-
Yes! Virtual therapy is an effective option for many teens. It offers flexibility, eliminates travel time, and lets teens access therapy from wherever they're comfortable (home, private space). Virtual therapy works particularly well for social communication therapy, executive functioning coaching, fluency therapy, and academic language support. We can help determine if virtual or in-person sessions best fit your teen's needs.
-
The duration varies based on your specific needs and goals. Some teens achieve their goals in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support, especially for complex challenges like social communication difficulties or executive functioning. Ultimately, your teen is involved in deciding when they're ready for a break. We will set goals together with a timeline and expectations for what we can work towards during that time.
-
Absolutely! Occupational therapy for teens focuses heavily on executive functioning skills like organization, time management, and planning. Our OTs teach practical systems for managing schoolwork, using planners effectively, breaking down large projects, prioritizing tasks, and developing routines that work. These skills are essential for high school success and preparing for college or university.
-
Selective mutism is an anxiety-based condition where individuals can speak comfortably in certain settings (like home) but cannot speak in others (like school), despite wanting to. Treatment involves evidence-based approaches including gradual exposure, anxiety management strategies, and building speaking confidence in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Our Speech-Language Pathologists work with teens, families, schools and psychologists to develop individualized treatment plans.
-
Speech-Language Pathologists with specialized literacy training address the underlying language skills needed for reading success. We work on phonological awareness, vocabulary development, reading comprehension strategies, inferencing skills, and written expression. Speech therapy for dyslexia focuses on the language foundation of reading, helping teens improve both reading accuracy and comprehension for academic success.
-
Pragmatic language disorder (also called social communication disorder) involves difficulty with the social use of language—understanding and using language in social contexts. Teens with pragmatic language disorder may struggle with taking turns in conversation, understanding sarcasm or jokes, reading body language and facial expressions, or knowing what to say in different social situations. Speech therapy can help improve these social communication skills.