206,168
Speech-Language Pathologists
100%
Accepting patients
42%
Most common: CCC-SLP
FindClarity lists 206,168 speech-language pathologists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is CCC-SLP (42%).
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), commonly called speech therapists, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They hold a master's degree in speech-language pathology (two to three years of graduate study) plus a clinical fellowship year of supervised practice. SLPs must be licensed in their state and many hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
SLPs work with people of all ages. In children, they treat speech sound disorders (articulation, phonological), language delays, stuttering, childhood apraxia of speech, and communication challenges related to autism. In adults, they treat aphasia (language loss after stroke), voice disorders, cognitive-communication disorders from brain injury, and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
Speech therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and early intervention programs. School-based SLPs serve children with speech and language needs under Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
For children: see an SLP if your child is not babbling by 12 months, not using single words by 18 months, not combining words by age two, is difficult to understand compared to peers, stutters, has difficulty following directions, or shows limited social communication skills. For adults: see an SLP after a stroke affecting speech or language, after brain injury, for voice changes lasting more than two weeks, for difficulty swallowing (coughing or choking during meals), or for cognitive changes affecting communication. Your doctor, teacher, or pediatrician may recommend an evaluation.
An initial evaluation lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The SLP will assess speech, language, voice, fluency, and/or swallowing through standardized tests, conversation samples, and observation. For children, play-based assessment is common. The SLP will explain the results and recommend a treatment plan with specific goals and session frequency. Therapy sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes, one to three times per week. Sessions involve structured activities designed to build specific skills, with home practice assignments between sessions.
Evaluation: $200-500 · Therapy session copay: $20-60 with insurance · Self-pay session: $100-250 · School-based therapy: free through IEP
Progress varies widely depending on the condition, severity, age, and consistency of practice. Articulation disorders in children often improve within three to six months of weekly therapy. Language delays may take six to twelve months. Stuttering treatment is ongoing for many people. Adult rehabilitation after stroke can continue for months to years with the most rapid gains in the first six months. Your SLP will set measurable goals and track progress at each session.
Yes. Most insurance plans cover speech therapy when medically necessary. The number of covered sessions varies by plan (some allow unlimited, others cap at 20-60 visits per year). For children, the EPSDT benefit under Medicaid ensures coverage. School-based speech therapy through an IEP is free to families. Medicare covers speech therapy with no hard cap on visits. Ask your plan about any visit limits or pre-authorization requirements.
Yes. Research supports telepractice for many speech and language disorders. Articulation therapy, language therapy, voice therapy, stuttering treatment, and cognitive-communication therapy all work well via video. Swallowing evaluations and some treatments require in-person visits. Many SLPs offer a hybrid model with some sessions in-person and others virtual. Telehealth speech therapy is especially practical for families in rural areas.
Products and services that complement your care.
Percussive therapy devices and recovery tools recommended by physical therapists and chiropractors.
Shop Recovery ToolsFindClarity may earn a commission from products recommended on this page.
Most insurance plans cover speech therapy with a prescription or referral. Coverage is typically subject to visit limits (20-60 sessions per year) or dollar caps. Medicare covers outpatient speech therapy without a hard cap. Medicaid covers speech therapy for children under EPSDT with no visit limit. School-based speech therapy through an IEP is provided at no cost to families. For private therapy, verify your plan's visit limits, pre-authorization requirements, and whether the SLP is in-network.