Speech & Language Therapy
Speech-language pathologists help with communication challenges including speech sounds, language development, social communication, stuttering, and feeding issues.
Speech and language therapy addresses a wide range of communication difficulties. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with individuals who have trouble producing speech sounds, understanding or using language, social communication challenges (like those associated with autism), voice disorders, stuttering, and feeding or swallowing difficulties.
For children, therapy often focuses on building vocabulary, forming sentences, following directions, and developing social communication skills like turn-taking and conversation. For individuals with autism or related conditions, therapy may include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) such as picture systems or speech-generating devices. Sessions can occur in clinics, schools, homes, or via telehealth.
Speech therapy can be accessed through multiple pathways: your child's school (as part of an IEP), through Regional Center (for children 0-3 or as a vendored service), through private insurance, or through Medi-Cal. Many families access services through more than one pathway to maximize the support their child receives. Frequency and duration of sessions depend on individual needs.
Eligibility
Anyone with a communication, speech, language, voice, or feeding/swallowing disorder. A referral from a physician is required for some insurance plans. No diagnosis required to request an evaluation.
Typical Timeline
Wait times for private SLPs range from 2-8 weeks. School-based services begin after IEP is finalized. Regional Center services typically begin within 30 days of authorization.
Documents You May Need
- Physician referral (if required by insurance)
- Health insurance card
- Any previous speech or developmental evaluations
- School IEP or IFSP if applicable
What to Ask For
- What is your experience with my child's specific diagnosis or challenges?
- How frequently do you recommend therapy sessions?
- Do you use AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) approaches?
- How do you involve parents in therapy and practice at home?
- What insurance plans do you accept and what are the out-of-pocket costs?
Age Groups
Providers Offering This Service
Bay Area Autism Services
Nonprofit providing ABA therapy, social skills groups, parent training, and diagnostic evaluations in the East Bay.
Pacific Behavioral Health
Private practice specializing in ABA therapy, psychological evaluations, and social skills groups for children and adolescents.
SF Unified School District - Special Education
Provides special education services including IEP development, specialized instruction, and related services for students ages 3-22.
Stanford Children's Health - Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics
Multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluations and treatment for developmental delays, autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.
Community Gatepath
Lifespan services including pediatric therapies, early intervention, adult employment, and family support on the Peninsula.