Speech-Language Pathologists: One Size Does Not Fit All - Part I

When you or your child has a speech problem, it makes sense to seek the help of a speech-language pathologist. But did you know that speech-language pathologists can help people of all ages with all kinds of conditions in various settings? It is important to find a speech-language pathologist with expertise for your condition. Here is a little more background information about speech-language pathologists:

To become a speech-language pathologist, students begin by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, usually in Communication Sciences and Disorders. To become an independent practitioner, students continue on to graduate school to earn a Master’s degree in speech pathology or communication sciences and disorders. Students can become a speech-language pathology assistant with a Bachelor’s degree. The main difference is that their supervisor does all testing and treatment planning for the clients that the assistant works with, since learning how to diagnose and treatment plan are a primary focus of graduate school.

After obtaining a Master’s degree, speech-language pathologists complete a Clinical Fellowship Year during which they practice independently with the exception of observations and feedback from their supervisor at regular periods. Depending on the state, they may also undergo a similar provisional year. In Texas, it is called the internship and similar observations and feedback from a supervisor are required for approximately one year.

SLPs work in many settings, including private practices, public schools, hospitals, early intervention programs, home health, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities.

Stay tuned for Part II - we’ll talk about how SLPs gain expertise treating stuttering, and post a link to download a guide to choose an SLP with experience treating people who stutter!

Keywords: speech therapy, stuttering, learning disabilities, dyslexia, childhood apraxia of speech, voice, teletherapy, telepractice, Texas, Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Klein, Spring, Woodlands