Are you looking for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for yourself or a loved one? A quick Google search will return pages of results, but what factors should you consider when looking for a speech therapist? Here are some tips for how to find a speech therapist:
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Speech Therapist
- Speciality and Areas of Expertise: Does the practice specialize in serving adults or children? In developmental or acquired communication disorders? You may also want to find out whether the SLP has any additional training or certifications.
- Location: Where is the practice located? Is the location accessible to you (including parking and/or public transportation options)? Are teletherapy services available if you live far away, don’t have transportation, or don’t want to go into an office during the pandemic?
- In-Person or Telehealth: Ask whether the practice offers their speech therapy services in-person or virtually via teletherapy. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in practices offering their services through teletherapy. Learn more by reading our blog post “What is Teletherapy Like?“
- Cost of Services and Insurance Coverage: Investigate the cost of services, and whether your health insurance plan is accepted. Even if the SLP does not accept your insurance, they can provide a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
- Free Consultation: Does the SLP offer a free consultation so you can get to know them and learn more about their offerings? A free consultation can help you make sure they’re a good fit before starting services.
Ask Your Healthcare Provider
Healthcare providers such as neurologists, primary care doctors, physical therapists and occupational therapists may be able to recommend a good SLP.
Search ASHA ProFind to Find a Speech Therapist Near You
The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) has a searchable directory of SLPs called ASHA ProFind. You can search for SLPs by state, city, age treated, areas of expertise, and bilingual service providers.
Check Instagram and/or Facebook
Many SLPs are now using social media such as Instagram and/or Facebook to share information about their offerings and connect with their community.
Search the Aphasia.org Affiliate Network
People who are experiencing aphasia after a brain injury or stroke can search the Aphasia.org Affiliate Network. Use this searchable directory to find an SLP in your area who specializes in helping people with aphasia.
Consider our practice, Lotus Speech & Wellness, LLC, for Holistic, Person-Centered SLP Services for Adults with Neurological Impairments in Maine and Massachusetts
At Lotus Speech & Wellness, our mission is to improve communication, cognition, and overall mind-body wellness through our high quality, holistic speech-language pathology services. Here are some distinguishing facts about our practice:
- Katherine and Caitlin both have over 10 years of experience working with adults with acquired neurological impairments (visit our About Us page to learn more about us).
- We have completed additional and ongoing training to be Certified Brain Injury Specialists.
- Our services are provided virtually via a HIPAA-compliant teletherapy platform. This means that our services are accessible to residents throughout the states of Maine and Massachusetts.
- We accept Medicare B and MaineCare for residents of Maine, and have competitive private pay rates.
- Our practice is unique in that we also offer online yoga to improve mind-body wellness. Check out our current schedule of live classes, or view our growing collection of on-demand yoga videos.
We hope this information answers the question of how to find a speech therapist. Contact us for more information about our practice and a free 15-minute consultation!