What To Look For When Choosing A Speech Therapist For Your Child

If your child is experiencing speech or language difficulties, it can be challenging trying to address these issues and help them to overcome their problems.

No parent or caregiver should do this alone, which is why it is so important to select the right professional to help. In this case, a speech and language therapist (SALT) can make a world of difference in your child’s progress and ability to speak.

Of course, it isn’t just about articulation; speech therapy can help your child learn to communicate, connect with others and thrive academically and socially.

But with so many professionals out there, how do you know which therapist is the best fit? Well, you can start by checking out this comprehensive guide on what to look for when choosing a speech therapist for your child.

1. The right credentials and certifications

The first and most essential thing you need to look out for in a speech therapist is that they are properly certified.

In order to become a registered speech and language therapist (SALT) in the UK, you need to complete a registered, accredited degree-level course (undergraduate or postgraduate). You must then register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Therefore, it’s vital to check that your potential therapist is ticking all these boxes. They might even have some extra credentials and certificates if they specialise in particular areas of speech therapy or specific conditions.

2. Evidence-based practices

Therapists should use evidence-based techniques and stay up-to-date with the latest research in the field of speech-language pathology.

It can be helpful to ask the therapist about their approach and which methods they commonly use. They should be able to tell you about any popular evidence-based strategies they use.

Their ability to clearly explain these methods—and why they are appropriate for your child—can help you to better gauge their expertise.

3. Positive reviews and references

Word of mouth is a powerful tool - of course, we don’t just mean physical in-person conversations. Sure, you can ask other parents, teachers or paediatricians for recommendations, and they will be able to share their experiences.

However, you can also read online reviews and testimonials. If you’re stuck, ask the potential speech therapist for references or relevant success stories - most professionals will be happy to share examples of their past successes (with client consent and confidentiality in mind).

You could even visit online parenting forums or Facebook groups in your local area to see what other families are saying about specific speech therapists and the options available near you.

4. Experience with your child’s specific needs

Not all speech therapists specialise in the same areas, for example, some focus on articulation disorders, while others have more experience with language processing and stuttering, and some with social communication disorders, such as autism.

Therefore, it’s important to look for a therapist that has experience with children who have needs or conditions similar to your own child’s.

If your child has a dual diagnosis or additional challenges (such as hearing impairment or cognitive delay), it’s vital that you find a therapist with experience navigating those complexities too.

The more relevant experience the therapist has, the better equipped they’ll be to create effective, personalised treatment plans for your child.

5. Strong communication and rapport with children

A great speech therapist doesn’t just know their stuff—they also know how to engage kids. Because let’s face it, teaching, supporting and caring for children is no small feat.

With this in mind, you should look for someone who is warm, patient and able to build rapport with your child.

Speech therapy may require that your child step out of their comfort zone and a therapist who can make the process more fun and build trust will encourage your child to participate actively.

You might have to keep an eye out for this during your initial consultation, observing how the therapist interacts with your child. This can tell you a lot about how the rest of the sessions will go.

6. Comfortable, child-friendly environment

Following on from this last point, you also need to look for a therapist that offers a comfortable, child-friendly environment for the sessions.

The setting of their therapy sessions can make a big difference in how your child responds to the activities. So, look for a space that is clean, safe and designed with children in mind. For example, this could be bright colours, toys, interactive tools and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.

7. Family involvement and communication

The best therapists view parents as active partners in the therapy process, and as a parent, this might be important to you, especially if your child feels safer having you close by.

Make sure to look for a professional who encourages your involvement, explains their approach, and provides guidance and activities to reinforce therapy goals at home.

Ask them if they will provide regular updates. Will you receive written progress reports? Etc. A collaborative therapist will help you to understand what they’re working on and how you can support your child outside of their therapy sessions.

8. Transparent fees

Speech therapy can be a significant financial commitment. While you may be able to get help through the NHS or insurance companies, being clear on costs is essential from the start is key. Therapists should be transparent about:

● Session fees

● Package deals or discounts

● Cancellation policies

● Whether the therapist can provide documentation for reimbursement (if required)

Some therapists also work with programs or early intervention services that may reduce costs for eligible families. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help navigating those options if you need to.

9. Location, availability and scheduling

Last but not least, you need to take practical considerations into account, too. You want a speech therapist whose office is conveniently located and whose schedule aligns with your family’s.

Consistency is key in speech therapy, and long travel times or inconvenient appointments can make it harder to stick with a plan.

With that in mind, you should also check whether the therapist offers flexible options like after-school appointments, weekend slots or online speech therapy sessions.

If you’re considering remote, online therapy sessions for your child, ask how they ensure engagement during these sessions and whether your child’s age and condition are a good fit for remote services.