Right Speech Therapist for Your Child | Speech Therapy Program

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) within the NHS can provide fantastic therapeutic services for children with communication difficulties. They are often the first port of call and can provide excellent therapy for families at health clinics, preschools, and schools. However, parents may sometimes want to access additional therapy or seek assessment and advice while waiting for NHS services. This poses the challenge of finding a speech and language therapist in the area who has the right clinical skill set, availability, and importantly, is a good fit for your child and family.

Here are my tips, drawn from 10 years of experience working directly with families, on how to find a therapist who will best support your child and you:

1. Check Accreditation

In the UK, practicing speech and language therapists must meet the requirements of both the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Independent SLTs may also register with the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP), although this isn't mandatory. You can check each clinician's membership number, as this ensures they adhere to clinical guidelines, ethics, and a duty of care regardless of their place of work.

2. Connect Within your Community

Word of mouth can be an excellent way to find out about therapists in your area. Talk to parents who have worked with a therapist before to find about their experiences. 

3. Use Online Resources

The ASLTIP website has a search function to find therapists in your area: Find a Speech Therapist. You can search by location, set a radius, and filter for the specialist areas you’re looking for. This is the resource that nurseries, SENCOs, and the NHS will direct you to. On the ASLTIP website, each therapist lists their areas of specialism and some information about themselves. While some therapists link to their own websites, many independent SLTs work part-time and may not.

4. Evaluate Experience and Specialism

Speech and language therapy is a diverse profession. Generally, therapists have more than two years of experience before working independently. When evaluating potential therapists, consider asking:

• How long have you been practicing?

• What are your areas of specialism?

• How long have you been working independently?

5. Contact the Therapist

Getting in touch with a therapist doesn’t commit you to their services. Most therapists offer an introductory phone call to discuss your concerns. This is a great opportunity to:

• Learn more about the therapist’s background.

• Determine if they are a good fit for your family.

• Find out their work setup (e.g., mobile therapist vs. clinic-based).

• Understand their approach (e.g., more adult-led vs. child-led).

6. Inquire About Support and Follow-up

Ask how they provide support and carryover from therapy sessions. Do they email or provide work in hard copy? Understanding their follow-up process can help ensure consistent progress outside of therapy sessions.

Finding the right speech and language therapist for your child can be a process, but by considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that best supports your child’s communication development. With the right support, your child can maximise their communication potential and thrive as a confident, effective communicator.