Compare 37 speech-language pathologists in Santa Cruz, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
37
Speech-Language Pathologists
100%
Accepting patients
32%
Most common: CCC-SLP
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Santa Cruz has 37 speech-language pathologists. The most common credential is CCC-SLP (32%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Nearby hospitals include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center. Local training programs run through UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and UCSF School of Medicine.
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.
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.
Evaluation: $200-500 · Therapy session copay: $20-60 with insurance · Self-pay session: $100-250 · School-based therapy: free through IEP
Late talking, difficulty forming words, and limited vocabulary may indicate a speech or language delay. Early intervention from a speech therapist can make a significant difference in a child development.
Stuttering affects fluency and can impact confidence and daily communication. Speech therapists use evidence-based fluency techniques that help both children and adults speak more smoothly.
Difficulty swallowing after stroke, surgery, or neurological conditions is both uncomfortable and dangerous. Speech therapists evaluate swallowing function and recommend exercises and diet modifications.
Hoarseness, vocal fatigue, and voice loss from overuse, nodules, or other causes benefit from voice therapy. Speech therapists teach techniques to use your voice more efficiently and heal damaged vocal tissue.
Speech therapists help children and adults on the autism spectrum develop communication skills, including both verbal language and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies.
Santa Cruz, CA has 37 licensed speech-language pathologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of speech-language pathologists in Santa Cruz, CA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
The most commonly accepted carriers among speech-language pathologists in Santa Cruz, CA include qhp-73836, qhp-68781, qhp-63474, and qhp-18350. Coverage and in-network status vary by provider, so it is worth confirming directly with the office before scheduling. FindClarity shows accepted insurance for each provider.
An evaluation costs $200 to $500. A session copay is $20 to $60 with insurance. A self-pay session costs $100 to $250. School-based therapy is free through an IEP. Actual costs in Santa Cruz, CA depend on the provider and your insurance plan. If your child qualifies for school-based speech therapy, it is free. Private therapy can run concurrently for faster progress. Ask your plan about visit limits and whether prior authorization is needed.
Look for a board-certified provider who accepts your insurance and practices near you. Santa Cruz, CA has 37 speech-language pathologists. Reading patient reviews and checking hospital affiliations can help narrow your choice. FindClarity lets you compare providers by credentials, insurance, and location.
Some speech-language pathologists in Santa Cruz, CA accept Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers speech therapy for children under EPSDT with no visit limit. Adult coverage varies by state. School-based therapy through an IEP is provided at no cost. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Medi-Cal participation before scheduling.
Typically one to three sessions per week, each 30 to 60 minutes. Frequency depends on the condition: articulation disorders may need weekly sessions for three to six months; stroke rehabilitation may require two to three sessions per week for months. School-based therapy follows the IEP schedule. With 37 speech-language pathologists in Santa Cruz, CA, you can search on FindClarity to find a provider who fits your schedule.
Top accepted carriers in Santa Cruz, CA include qhp-73836, qhp-68781, qhp-63474, and qhp-18350.
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.