About speech therapists
Speech and language therapists assess and treat difficulties with language, speech, voice, swallowing and communication in children and adults.
Getting mental health care in the Netherlands
Public health system · Basic health insurance (basisverzekering) and GGZ
The GP is the entry point: mild problems are handled in the practice, often by the POH-GGZ mental health practice nurse, at no cost. Treatment in basic or specialist mental health care (basis-GGZ, gespecialiseerde GGZ) needs a GP referral and is covered by basic insurance but counts toward the compulsory deductible (385 euros in 2026); under-18s pay no deductible and their care is arranged through the municipality. Waiting lists for specialist care are common.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- BIG-register (CIBG, Ministry of Health). Only the titles gezondheidszorgpsycholoog, klinisch psycholoog, psychotherapeut and doctor/psychiatrist are protected; the plain title psycholoog is not. Check the BIG number, registration validity and any disciplinary measures in the BIG-register. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Basic insurance covers GGZ treatment by BIG-registered providers after GP referral, subject to the deductible; POH-GGZ consultations at the GP are free.
Urgent help in the Netherlands
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 113 · 113 Zelfmoordpreventie
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: bigregister.nl, rijksoverheid.nl, zorgwijzer.nl, overstappen.nl
What does a speech therapist do?
A speech therapist assesses and treats difficulties with communication, language, speech, voice, fluency and swallowing. Day to day they might help a toddler say their first words, a child with stuttering or reading-related language problems, an adult recovering language after a stroke, a teacher with voice strain, or an older person with swallowing difficulties. They also guide families, teachers and carers.
When to see a speech therapist
Consider a speech therapist if a child’s speech or language seems delayed or hard to understand, if there is stuttering, persistent hoarseness or voice loss, difficulty finding words after a neurological event, or coughing and choking when eating. Sudden loss of speech or swallowing needs urgent medical attention first. For learning difficulties beyond language, an educational psychologist may also help.
How is it different from other professionals?
A speech therapist works on the mechanics and use of language, speech, voice and swallowing. An educational psychologist or psychopedagogue looks at learning and school performance more broadly. An ENT doctor examines the ear, nose, throat and vocal cords and treats medical causes. A neuropsychologist assesses cognition after brain injury, often alongside a speech therapist working on language recovery.
What happens in the first session
The first session usually includes an interview about the concern and development or medical history, followed by observation and some standardised tests or play-based activities with children. The therapist will explain initial findings and propose a plan. Bring medical, hearing or school reports, recordings if the problem varies, and questions about goals, home practice and how progress is measured.
How long does the process take?
Speech therapy sessions are often shorter than psychotherapy sessions, especially with young children, and usually weekly or twice weekly. Some difficulties improve in a few months; others, such as developmental language disorders or recovery after brain injury, need longer support. Duration depends on age, the type of difficulty, consistency of home practice and involvement of family or school.
Online or in person?
Online speech therapy can work well for many language, fluency and voice goals, for school-age children who can engage on screen, and for parent coaching. It is less suitable for very young children with short attention spans, for detailed swallowing assessments, or when physical prompts are needed. A combination of in-person assessment and online follow-up is common.
How to check their qualifications
Speech therapy is a regulated health profession in many countries. Check that the therapist holds a recognised degree and is registered with the licensing body or professional college where they practise, which often offers a public register. Also ask about postgraduate training and experience in your specific area, such as early childhood, voice, stuttering, neurological rehabilitation or swallowing.
What affects the price?
Prices vary with session length, the therapist’s experience and specialisation, the city, and whether sessions are at a clinic, at home, at school or online. Initial assessments and written reports are often priced separately. Some centres offer monthly plans for regular sessions. Ask whether public services, schools or health insurance cover part of the cost in your situation.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in the Netherlands cover psychological care?
The GP is the entry point: mild problems are handled in the practice, often by the POH-GGZ mental health practice nurse, at no cost. Treatment in basic or specialist mental health care (basis-GGZ, gespecialiseerde GGZ) needs a GP referral and is covered by basic insurance but counts toward the compulsory deductible (385 euros in 2026); under-18s pay no deductible and their care is arranged through the municipality. Waiting lists for specialist care are common.
How do I check that a speech therapist is licensed in the Netherlands?
BIG-register (CIBG, Ministry of Health): Only the titles gezondheidszorgpsycholoog, klinisch psycholoog, psychotherapeut and doctor/psychiatrist are protected; the plain title psycholoog is not. Check the BIG number, registration validity and any disciplinary measures in the BIG-register.