Private Speech & Language Therapy FAQs

Hopefully you should find answers to most of your questions in the FAQs section.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.

I’m not sure if my child needs therapy or not and I don’t want to pay for an assessment that I might not need. How can I find out?

Give me a call and I’d be happy to chat things through with you FREE of charge.

Do I need a referral from my GP / Consultant ?

No, a doctor’s referral is not necessary for the assessment of your child’s speech or language. Simply contact me and I will be happy to arrange an appointment.

Will we lose out on NHS Speech and Language Therapy if I go private?

You won’t lose your place on an NHS waiting list or have sessions reduced if you go private. There are clear professional guidelines to ensure that Speech and Language Therapists in the NHS and private practice work together, although I won’t share any information with anyone unless you give us consent is given. The same goes for schools and nurseries; I can supplement the existing service without you losing out on anything provided via the local offer.

Can I see both NHS and Private Therapists?

Absolutely. Lots of people see private therapists whilst they are waiting to reach the top of an NHS waiting list, or use it to fill the gaps between NHS sessions. There’s absolutely no reason why the two can’t run alongside each other and provided I have your consent, I am are more than happy to liaise with your child or school’s NHS Speech and Language Therapist.

How much does Speech and Language Therapy Cost?

My aim is to make private Speech and Language Therapy affordable. Details of my fees are listed on the Terms & Conditions page.

Is there any support available to help with funding of therapy sessions?

There are a small number of charitable organisations who may be able to offer some financial assistance on application. Give me a call if you’d like to discuss further.

I don’t want my child to miss out on school or nursery; Can you see him / her there?

That’s no problem! I have experience in working in schools and nurseries and am very supportive of school or nursery staff working with your child to be present during sessions so they can practise with your child.

My child has very specific needs. How do I know that you have the experience required to meet them?

I will always be open and honest with you in relation to my areas of expertise and strength and will refer you on to colleagues, with your consent, should I feel that this will achieve the very best outcomes for your child.

My child has already had lots of assessments, Can I get straight to therapy without having to go through yet another assessment?

I would be more than happy to make use of the information you already have on your child, provided that is up to date, relevant and the assessments have been administered by a fully qualified speech and language therapist. Should recent, comprehensive assessment information be available, assessment sessions may not be required.

The NHS are discharging my child and I’m not sure if it’s the right thing. How can I find out?

I am happy to see your child for a second opinion and give you an honest opinion about what your child needs.

I’m not sure if my child’s nursery/school have enough experience to help my child to develop his/her speech and language skills.

I can work together with your child’s support assistant and/or teaching staff to help them meet a child’s needs. I can also provide training for staff to further their understanding of your child’s specific needs.

How long is each session?

Speech and language assessments take approximately an hour. Speech therapy sessions can last up to one hour and vary depending on the difficulty presented and the age of your child. Younger children typically cope better with shorter appointments.

This includes direct therapy with your child and time taken to discuss progress and addressing any queries you may have.

Speech Therapy FAQs