Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about speech and language therapy, finding a therapist, costs, and what to expect.

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Speech and language therapy helps children and adults develop clearer speech, stronger language skills, better social communication, and safer swallowing. It supports challenges such as speech sound difficulties, late talking, autism communication differences, stuttering, voice disorders, feeding issues, and communication changes after stroke or brain injury.

Therapy can help with:

  • Speech sound difficulties (articulation, phonology)
  • Late talking or language delay
  • Autism-related communication differences
  • Stuttering and fluency issues
  • Social communication skills
  • Voice disorders (hoarseness, vocal strain)
  • Swallowing and feeding difficulties (dysphagia)
  • Communication challenges after stroke or brain injury

You may need therapy if communication is causing frustration or affecting learning, relationships, or daily life. Common signs include late talking, unclear speech, difficulty following instructions, stuttering, social communication challenges, voice loss, swallowing issues, or sudden changes after a medical event.

For children:

  • Late talking
  • Trouble being understood
  • Difficulty following instructions
  • Limited vocabulary or short sentences
  • Stuttering or repeating sounds
  • Challenges with social communication

For adults:

  • Sudden communication changes (e.g., after stroke)
  • Voice loss, strain, or hoarseness
  • Difficulty finding words or expressing ideas
  • Speech clarity issues
  • Swallowing difficulties

Choose a therapist with the right qualifications, experience in your needs, a supportive communication style, and evidence-based practices. Our directory allows you to filter by specialty, age group, insurance, and online availability to find the best match.

Choose a therapist who:

  • Has the right qualifications and licences
  • Specialises in your needs (e.g., stuttering, autism, stroke, voice, feeding)
  • Makes you or your child feel comfortable
  • Uses evidence-based approaches
  • Communicates clearly and involves you in goal-setting

Use your location, preferred specialty, online therapy options, insurance filters, and therapist experience to narrow your search. Many therapists now offer teletherapy, which expands your available choices beyond your local area.

You can search by:

  • Your city or postcode
  • Specialties (e.g., autism, stuttering, reading, adult therapy)
  • Teletherapy availability
  • Insurance or private-pay options
  • Therapist experience and qualifications

Yes. Research shows online speech and language therapy is as effective as in-person sessions for many goals, including articulation, fluency, language development, voice therapy, and social communication. In-person support may still be recommended for feeding and swallowing therapy.

Your first session usually includes a discussion of concerns and goals, an assessment of speech or language skills, observation through play or conversation, and a personalised plan for therapy. Your therapist will explain strengths, challenges, and recommended frequency.

Your first session usually includes:

  • A discussion about your concerns and goals
  • A communication, speech, or language assessment
  • Observation through play or conversation
  • Screening for speech sounds, fluency, voice, or social skills
  • A clear explanation of strengths and challenges
  • A personalised plan and recommended frequency

Therapy costs vary by location, therapist experience, and session length. Typical private rates range from $60–$150 per session. Insurance may cover therapy if it is medically necessary and the therapist is in-network. Many families use a mix of private pay, insurance, and school-based services.

Insurance may cover therapy if:

  • It is medically necessary
  • You have a diagnosis that qualifies for coverage
  • The therapist is in-network

Most people attend therapy once or twice per week. Total duration depends on individual goals, severity, age, consistency, and home practice. Some needs improve in months, while others benefit from longer-term support.

Duration depends on:

  • The type and severity of difficulties
  • Consistency of practice
  • Age
  • Goals
  • Whether caregivers participate at home

Speech therapy is confidential, and therapists follow privacy laws. Share any information that may help with understanding communication, learning, routines, or medical history. Therapists must only break confidentiality for safety reasons, such as risk of harm or mandatory child protection reporting.