How To Find a Speech Therapist (SLP: Speech-Language-Pathologist)
You may have noticed something wrong with your child's speech or have been notified that your child may have a speech problem. This can feel very overwhelming and distressing. You'll be faced with questions such as what type of treatment your child needs, if your insurance will cover it, and how to find a speech-language-pathologist (SLP) that can help him/her.
Speech therapists are usually found in two main settings: public schools and private clinics. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Public school treatment for speech disorders is usually the least expensive treatment. Most schools offer speech therapy services to students and some have an on-site speech therapist. These speech therapists get to work closely with your child's teacher to integrate treatment with your child's education. If your child attends a private school, he or she may be able to work with a public school speech therapist. Check with your state’s education department about this.
There are, however, some disadvantages to having your child treated in school. Depending on the school there may be a long waiting period before treatment can begin, and the paperwork involved may be time consuming. In-school SLPs may be overburdened and your child may not receive the focused attention that he or she needs. Many schools are pressed for funds and this can impact the services they offer. Also, school holiday schedules and summer breaks can interfere with your child's treatment.
If these disadvantages sound daunting, you can consider a private speech therapy practitioner. Private treatment offers many advantages. The therapist can spend more one-on-one time with your child and will have more time do discuss your child's progress. Private speech therapists can also offer a wider range of services for specific disorders such as aphasia, motor-speech disorders, and stuttering. It's best to choose a speech therapist who specializes in your child’s specific speech disorder. Always ask to see the therapist's state license. The therapist should also be certified by The American Speech Hearing & Language Association (ASHA).
Private speech therapy services have disadvantages as well. A private SLP is less likely to have regular communication with your child's schoolteachers. Some SLPs may have more experience working with adults than children, and you should confirm this before selecting an SLP. Also, private speech therapy is more expensive. It's best to check with the SLP or have an initial consultation to discuss insurance before enrolling your child in speech therapy.
Public & Private Therapy - Some Other Options
Colleges and universities may offer low-fee speech therapy services. Contact them and ask if they have speech-language-hearing departments and ask if they offer referral services. We offer referral services - you can find a speech therapist here.
College speech therapy services are typically much less expensive than private SLPs. However, similarly to schools, scheduling sessions may be less flexible. Some clinics offer services by students supervised by licensed therapists. This can be a less expensive option.
Your child's pediatrician can also refer you to a qualified speech therapist, and you can also visit the website of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which offers a referral directory. It's a good idea to read up on speech disorders (apraxia, aphasia, etc.) so you can better understand your child's treatement.
Lastly, finding a good SLP is a process. Talk with SLPs about their experience and qualifications and how they work with patients. Make sure to observe a session between the therapist and your child.
