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 United States
Public health system · No single public system (Medicaid, Medicare, community mental health centers)
There is no universal public mental health service. People with low incomes may be covered by Medicaid, older adults by Medicare, and publicly funded community mental health centers and treatment facilities can be located through the federal SAMHSA locator. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- State boards of psychology (umbrella body: ASPPB). Psychologists are licensed by each state board; check the board of the state where you live. Use of the title psychologist generally requires a state license.
- State medical boards (umbrella body: Federation of State Medical Boards). Psychiatrists are physicians licensed by each state medical board. The FSMB DocInfo service lets you look up a physician's license and disciplinary history. Search the official register
- State licensing boards. Clinical social workers, counselors and marriage and family therapists are licensed state by state; check the relevant board in your state.
Insurance and coverage
Federal parity law (MHPAEA) requires most group health plans that cover mental health to do so on terms no more restrictive than for physical health; deductibles, copays and in-network rules still apply.
Online therapy in the United States
The clinician must normally be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Psychologists in PSYPACT member states may practice telepsychology across those states.
Urgent help in the United States
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency (911)
- 988 · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: findtreatment.gov, docinfo.org
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 United States cover psychological care?
There is no universal public mental health service. People with low incomes may be covered by Medicaid, older adults by Medicare, and publicly funded community mental health centers and treatment facilities can be located through the federal SAMHSA locator.
How do I check that a speech therapist is licensed in the United States?
State boards of psychology (umbrella body: ASPPB): Psychologists are licensed by each state board; check the board of the state where you live. Use of the title psychologist generally requires a state license.
Can I have online therapy in the United States?
The clinician must normally be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Psychologists in PSYPACT member states may practice telepsychology across those states.