Are you looking for a speech language pathologist (SLP) for your loved one?
Are you interested in speech therapy, but looking for a place to start?
If you know you want to find an SLP but aren’t sure where to look, this article will give you some clarity. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, there are usually three main places to look for an SLP. SLPs in these settings are usually knowledgeable are ready to help. So, let’s get started!
Find A Quality SLP: Three Places To Look
There are several places you can look to find a quality Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). Thankfully, most communities have several options of places to receive service. Whether you are considering a school, hospital, or private clinic, you are likely to find a knowledgeable SLP. This article will describe three places you might find an SLP, and some pros and cons of each setting. As you read the article, I hope you gain ideas on where to find an SLP for your loved one.
1 | Speech Therapy in the School Setting
If a client is between the ages of birth-21, they may qualify for public services. Infants and toddlers may receive services from early intervention. Early Intervention (EI) provides services for infants to children to age three. Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) provides services from age three to Kindergarten. If a client is school age (in grades K-12), schools provide speech and language services for children who qualify.
One benefit to this setting is services are free. However, it can be hard to qualify for services. In order to get these services, a child needs to have a speech disability. There are many children with speech and language delays who do not qualify for service in this setting. Those families often go to other settings to receive speech therapy.
If you live in Jackson County, you can find more information on EI/ECSE services here.
If you want to access school-age services, contact the SLP at your child’s school. If your child attends homeschool, you can contact the SLP at your school of residence. If you attend a private or charter school, talk to staff there about how to access SLP services.
2 | Speech Therapy in an Outpatient Hospital Setting
Hospitals often have speech and language clinics. These clinics often serve both adults and children. When contacting the hospital, ask for outpatient speech therapy. Inpatient services are for patients who are checked in to the hospital. Outpatient services are for patients who want to come in to the hospital for a specific service (like speech therapy) but otherwise aren’t staying there.
Outpatient speech therapy can be a great fit for many families. There are often several SLPs at each clinic. This provides benefits to families including flexibility in scheduling and choosing a clinician. If there are several SLPs to choose from, it is more likely they can accommodate your schedule for clinic visits. An additional benefit of multiple clinicians is finding an SLP that is a good fit for you.
Also, this setting is a great fit for clients who have Medicare or Medicaid. In general, smaller clinics accept fewer insurance plans. Larger clinics (like hospitals) often accept all (or nearly all) insurance plans. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, this setting may be your best bet.
3 | Speech Therapy in Private Practice Clinics
This probably goes without saying, but this is one of my favorite options. In fact, I like this option so much I decided to start my own private practice clinic!
There are a few specific reasons why I recommend private practice. First, this can be a good choice for clients looking for smaller, more personable service. Second, this is a good way to get find someone with specific expertise. Of course, school and hospital SLPs are just as qualified as private practice SLPs. However, I’ve found it easiest to find SLPs who specialize in specific areas by going this route.
Private practice clinics (and clinicians) often specialize. That means they have training and experience in a specific area (or several areas). For example, some SLPs specialize in using technology to help nonverbal clients communicate. In addition, some SLPs specialize in early intervention autism. If you are looking for an SLP with specific specialties, this setting is an excellent choice. The best way to find out these specialty areas is to look on the clinic’s website. Also, feel free to call a clinic if you want more information about a clinician’s expertise.
If you have Medicare or Medicaid, be aware some private practice clinics do not accept these insurances. Make sure to call and check first.
Find A Quality SLP: Other Factors
In conclusion, there are many ways to find a high-quality SLP. Schools, hospitals, and private clinics provide services to a variety of clients. Consider your own priorities and preferences when determining which setting to choose. Also, keep in mind your insurance may be a big factor in where you choose to seek service. Ultimately, there are many excellent SLPs in your community. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of taking that first step and reaching out.
If you live in the Rogue Valley and are looking for an SLP, my clinic focuses on building communication skills for the birth-5 population.