Speech therapy: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What speech therapy is

Speech therapy is care from a licensed speech-language pathologist who assesses communication, swallowing or voice concerns and guides exercises and strategies for children or adults. Sessions follow a plan built from the assessment.

Signs you need it

  • A child is not using words or sounds as expected for their age and a pediatrician has raised it
  • Speech is hard to understand after an injury or illness
  • Voice is hoarse or strained for a long time and your doctor has cleared you for therapy
  • Trouble swallowing that a doctor has asked a therapist to look at
  • Stuttering or word-finding problems that affect daily life

What the pro does

  • An assessment of speech, language, voice or swallowing based on your concern
  • A plan with goals set with you or the parents
  • Exercises in session, often using games for children
  • Home practice for the person or caregivers
  • Progress checks and plan updates

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Child or adult client
  • Type of concern: speech, language, voice or swallowing
  • Session length and frequency
  • Clinic, school or home visit
  • Insurance and referral rules
  • Equipment or materials used

What a written quote should spell out

  • Assessment included or billed separately
  • Session length and planned frequency
  • Home practice materials
  • Cancellation terms
  • Billing, insurance and referral details

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your license, and what ages and concerns do you work with?
  • Do I need a referral from a doctor?
  • What will the assessment cover?
  • How can I help at home?
  • How will we track progress?
  • When do you recommend other specialists?

Red flags

  • Promising a set result
  • Starting without an assessment
  • Dismissing swallowing concerns without a doctor check
  • Cannot show a license
  • Pressure to sign for many sessions upfront

What you can do yourself

Reading together, talking through the day and giving a child time to answer can support communication, but these do not replace an assessment. Talk with your doctor first about swallowing trouble, a sudden change in speech or voice, or any health concern.

Licenses and permits

Speech-language pathology is a licensed health profession. Ask for the license type and number and check it with your state licensing board.

Speech therapy questions

Do I need a doctor's referral?

It depends on your state and insurance. Ask the clinic.

At what age can therapy start?

Ask the therapist. Many see young children.

Can adults get speech therapy?

Yes. Many therapists work with adults.

How long will therapy last?

It depends on goals. The therapist should review progress.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer speech therapy remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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