How to Get Started with a private Speech Therapist

Whether you’re seeking speech therapy for your child, yourself, or a loved one, choosing private therapy can be a powerful way to receive personalized, targeted support. While public and school-based services are valuable, private speech therapy often offers quicker access, flexible scheduling, and tailored approaches.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with private speech therapy the right way — from the first call to your first session.

1. Clarify Your Concerns and Goals

Before beginning, it’s helpful to define why you’re seeking therapy. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) treat a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders, including:

• Delayed speech or language development

• Difficulty pronouncing sounds (articulation)

• Stuttering or fluency concerns

• Social communication challenges

• Voice disorders

• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

• Cognitive-communication impairments

• Accent modification or voice training

Knowing your main concerns will help ensure you're matched with the right provider, as SLPs often have clinical specialties.

2. Schedule the Initial Evaluation

Before any treatment begins, a formal speech-language evaluation is required, and most providers do their own (rather than creating a treatment plan based on another provider’s report unless the providers work in the same facility with regulated clinical standards.)  Treatment requires a treatment plan with clinical goals, which is born out of the initial assessment.  This initial assessment:

• Diagnoses an impairment including classification, severity, and rationale

• Establishes a baseline of communication skills

• Helps create a personalized treatment plan (goals)

• May be used to support insurance claims or reports for other professionals

Evaluations are conducted by licensed and certified SLPs and typically involve both standardized testing and informal observation. After the assessment, the therapist will review the results with you and recommend next steps.

3. Choose a Licensed and Certified Speech-Language Pathologist

When looking for a provider, make sure they are:

• Certified by ASHA (CCC-SLP designation)

• Licensed to practice in your state or region

• Experienced in your area of concern (e.g., pediatric language, adult voice, AAC)

You can find qualified SLPs through:

• Your physician’s referral

• Contact your insurance company for a list of providers they cover

• Word of mouth recommendations or parenting groups

• Online directories like ASHA’s ProFind

• Contact your state licensing board for a list of providers in your area

Some practices specialize in specific populations, such as toddlers, school-aged children, adults recovering from stroke, or transgender voice training — so don’t hesitate to ask about areas of focus.

4. Decide Between In-Person and Online Therapy

Private speech therapy can take place in a clinic, your home, or virtually through secure teletherapy platforms. Each option has advantages:

• In-Person Therapy: Most recommended in light of complexities of nonverbal communication and a requirement for dysphagia treatment.  

• In-Home Therapy: A good option for those who are unable to travel.  Be prepared to pay an additional travel fee and take traffic into account if the provider is delayed.

• Teletherapy: Can be effective for those who live in remote areas.  SLPs license requires the provider and client to be in the same state during the session, so “dialing in” while traveling out of the state or country is not permitted by most state licensing boards.

Ask potential providers which formats they offer and what they recommend based on your goals.

5. Understand Costs and Insurance Coverage

Private speech therapy is typically billed per session and rates can vary widely depending on location, provider experience, and session length. Be sure to ask:

• What the cost of the evaluation and ongoing sessions will be

• Whether the provider is in-network with your insurance plan

• If they offer documentation for out-of-network reimbursement (super bills)

• Whether there are discounts for prepaid packages or sliding scale options

Note: Some insurance plans require a doctor’s referral for coverage. Contact your insurance company for more information.

6. Begin Therapy With a Personalized Plan

Once the evaluation is complete and therapy is recommended, your SLP will create a custom treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. Session frequency varies, and plans typically include activities, exercises, and strategies tailored to the individual.

Progress is monitored closely, and adjustments are made as needed. You’ll likely be trained in a home exercise program to help reinforce new skills between sessions.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with private speech therapy doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you’ve scheduled your evaluation, you’re on the path to better communication, increased confidence, and greater connection with the world around you.

Whether you’re addressing a speech delay, recovering from a stroke, or simply looking to speak more clearly — support is available, and it works. Reach out to a licensed provider today and take that first, important step.