How to choose the right speech pathologist for you or your child
Choosing the right speech pathologist is an important part of the speech pathology journey. Every speech pathologist has different areas of interest and experience, and different ways of engaging with your child. The clinician who’s the best fit for one family may be different to the best fit for another.
The right clinician for you may depend on why you’re seeking support, where you’d like to access therapy (in a clinic, at school, or at home), and how you or your child likes to engage with play and therapy activities. Here are some things worth considering.
Are they a member of Speech Pathology Australia?
Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is the national peak body for speech pathologists. It sets the professional and ethical standards that Australian speech pathologists work to, so SPA membership is a good sign your clinician is practising to a recognised standard.
Do they work collaboratively with your team?
Some families value a speech pathologist who works closely with their child’s school, their other allied health providers, and their family. This kind of multidisciplinary care means your speech pathologist can work alongside the other professionals supporting your child, to provide joined-up, client-centred care. For some families this matters a great deal; for others it’s less of a priority. It’s worth thinking about what would suit you.
Do they have experience with your areas of concern?
Speech pathology covers many different areas of communication and language. Some speech pathologists support a wide range of concerns, while others focus on more specific areas.
The easiest way to find out is to ask. Contacting the administration team at your chosen provider, or submitting an enquiry, lets you discuss whether their speech pathologists have experience in the areas you’re concerned about.
At Therapy for Kids, our speech pathologists can support a variety of different areas. You can read more about what we offer here.
What funding and accessibility options are available?
There are several ways to access speech pathology support in Western Australia.
Child Development Services (CDS) is WA’s public health system for speech pathology support. Because of wait times, some families choose to access private services in the meantime.
When contacting private providers, it’s worth asking about their fee structures and costs. Prices can vary between providers, and mobile providers may also charge travel costs (both for time and distance).
Some private clinics can also accept:
Medicare referrals from your GP, such as a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, or a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder and Eligible Disability referral (sometimes called a complex neurodevelopmental condition referral). You can read more about Medicare referrals at Therapy for Kids here.
Private health insurance, though what you can claim will depend on your level of cover.
NDIS or CoSA funding. NDIS-registered providers can support clients who are Plan Managed, Self-Managed or Agency Managed. Providers who aren’t NDIS-registered can support clients who are Plan Managed or Self-Managed. We also also accept client’s who are eligible for Department of Communities Continuity of Support Arrangements (CoSA)
What type of therapy suits your child?
Depending on availability, speech pathologists may be able to support you or your child in the clinic, at school, or at home. Many clinicians also offer telehealth, which means you can access therapy from home.
Finding a time that works within your and your child’s schedule is an important part of the picture too.
Most importantly, the right speech pathologist for you may simply be the one who helps you feel comfortable and welcome in the therapy space. A positive, collaborative relationship creates the foundation for everything that follows.
Let's find the right speech pathologist for your child
Choosing a speech pathologist is a personal decision, and we're happy to help you work out whether we're the right fit. Our admin team can talk through your areas of concern, funding options, and availability. There's no cost to ask.
