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Why Private Speech Therapy? A Parent's Guide to Making the Best Choice for Your Child




When your child needs speech therapy, you're faced with several options: school-based services, early intervention programs, or private practice. While each has its place, many families find that private speech therapy offers unique advantages that can make all the difference in their child's communication journey.


As a speech-language pathologist who has worked in various settings before opening my own practice, I've seen firsthand how different environments impact a child's progress. Today, I want to share why private speech therapy might be the right choice for your family.


The Reality of Public Services: Great Intent, Limited Resources

Let me start by saying that school-based speech therapists and early intervention providers are incredible professionals doing their best with the resources they have. The challenge isn't their expertise, it's the system they're working within.


Here's what many parents don't realize about public services:

  • Caseload sizes: School SLPs often carry caseloads of 50-70+ children, making individualized attention challenging. Sessions are often conducted in groups.

  • Service frequency: Many children receive only 20-30 minutes of therapy per week, sometimes in group settings

  • Educational vs. medical model: Schools focus on what's needed for educational success, which may not address all communication needs

  • Waitlists: In Erie County, families wait an average of 7+ months for early intervention services


These limitations don't reflect the quality of the therapists, they reflect an overburdened system.


The Private Practice Advantage


1. Individualized Attention and Smaller Caseloads

In my private practice, I maintain a much smaller caseload, allowing me to:

  • Spend quality time getting to know each child's unique personality and learning style

  • Develop truly individualized treatment plans

  • Adjust approaches based on what's working (or not working) in real-time

  • Build meaningful relationships with both children and families


2. Flexible Scheduling

Private practice offers:

  • Convenient scheduling: Evening and weekend appointments available

  • Consistent timing: Same day and time each week for routine-loving children


3. Comprehensive, Whole-Child Approach

Unlike educational settings that focus primarily on academic based communication needs, private practice can address:

  • Articulation/Phonology for overall intelligibility (not just classroom needs)

  • Language therapy based on individual strengths and interests, not academic outcomes

  • Family dynamics and home communication strategies

  • Emotional regulation through communication


4. Family-Centered Care

In private practice, parents aren't just observers, they're active participants:

  • Parent coaching: Learn strategies to support your child at home

  • Regular communication: Detailed updates after each session and regualr contact with the speech-language pathologist

  • Home program development: Customized activities for your daily routines

  • Family involvement: Caregivers can be included when appropriate


5. Cutting-Edge Approaches and Continuing Education

Private practitioners often have more freedom to:

  • Implement the latest research-based techniques

  • Attend specialized training and conferences

  • Invest in new materials and technology

  • Adapt approaches based on individual client needs rather than district/county policies


When Private Speech Therapy Makes the Most Sense

Consider private speech therapy if:

  • Your child isn't making progress in their current setting

  • You want more frequent sessions than public services can provide

  • Your child has complex needs requiring specialized attention

  • You prefer a collaborative approach with regular parent involvement

  • Scheduling flexibility is important for your family

  • Your child doesn't qualify for public services but still has concerns

  • You want to supplement existing school services


The Investment: Understanding Value vs. Cost

Yes, private speech therapy requires a financial investment. But consider:

What you're investing in:

  • Faster progress through individualized attention

  • Comprehensive family support and education

  • Flexible, convenient scheduling

  • Specialized, niche expertise and approaches

  • Long-term communication success


The cost of waiting:

  • Missed critical developmental windows

  • Potential academic struggles

  • Social and emotional impacts

  • Family stress and frustration


Many families find that the accelerated progress in private therapy actually makes it more cost-effective in the long run.


Insurance and Payment Options

Good news about insurance:

  • Some private practices accept insurance

  • Out-of-network benefits often provide partial reimbursement via superbill

  • HSA/FSA funds can typically be used for speech therapy


Questions to ask potential providers:

  • Do you accept my insurance?

  • What are your out-of-pocket rates?

  • Do you provide documentation/superbills for insurance reimbursement?


What to Look for in a Private Speech Therapist

When choosing a private provider, consider:

Credentials and Experience

  • Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

  • Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)

  • Experience with your child's age and specific needs

  • Continuing education and specialized training


Approach and Philosophy

  • Play-based, child-friendly methods

  • Family-centered care

  • Evidence-based practices

  • Neurodiversity-affirming approaches


Communication Style

  • Clear explanations of your child's needs

  • Regular progress updates

  • Responsive to your questions and concerns

  • Collaborative approach to goal-setting


Environment

  • Child-friendly, welcoming space

  • Appropriate materials and equipment

  • Clean, safe environment

  • Sensory considerations for different learning styles


Making the Decision: Questions to Ask Yourself

  1. Is my child making adequate progress in their current setting?

  2. Do I feel heard and involved in my child's therapy process?

  3. Are my child's individual needs being fully addressed?

  4. Would more frequent or longer sessions benefit my child?

  5. Do I need more support as a parent in helping my child at home?


The Bottom Line

Private speech therapy isn't necessarily better than public services, it's different. The right choice depends on your child's specific needs, your family's circumstances, and your goals for therapy.


What I can tell you from 13+ years of experience is that when there's a good match between child, family, and therapist, private practice can offer an environment where communication skills flourish in ways that might not be possible in more constrained settings.


Ready to Explore Private Speech Therapy?

If you're considering private speech therapy for your child, I encourage you to:

  1. Schedule consultations with potential providers

  2. Ask lots of questions about their approach and experience

  3. Trust your instincts about the fit for your family

  4. Consider a trial period to see how your child responds


Remember, you are your child's best advocate. If you feel that private speech therapy might benefit your family, it's worth exploring your options.



At The Speech Path, we believe every child deserves to find their voice in an environment where they feel safe, understood, and celebrated. Our new Williamsville location offers a warm, sensory-rich space designed specifically for play-based, neurodiversity-affirming therapy. If you'd like to learn more about our approach or schedule a consultation, we'd love to hear from you.


Contact us:


Have questions about private speech therapy? Drop them in the comments below or reach out directly. I'm here to help you navigate this important decision for your family.

 
 
 

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