Questions to Ask During Your Child’s Speech Therapy Consultation

Starting speech therapy is an exciting step toward supporting your child’s growth, but it can also feel overwhelming. An initial consultation or evaluation is your chance to learn more about a therapist’s approach and to see whether it’s the right fit for your family.

Here are some helpful questions parents may want to ask during that first meeting:

1. What experience do you have with children like mine?

Every child is unique, and experience matters. You might ask about the therapist’s background working with children who are autistic, minimally verbal, or who have specific speech sound challenges.

2. What therapy approaches do you use?

Some therapists use more naturalistic methods, some use more structured teaching, while others use a mix of both. In addition to how therapy is structured, it may be a good idea to ask what evidence-based approaches your therapist will be using so that you can determine whether you think their approach will be a good fit for your child. Asking this question will also help you understand how therapy will look day to day!

3. What role will I, as a parent, play in the process?

Parent involvement is key! Many children make faster progress when parents learn strategies to use at home. Ask whether the therapist offers parent coaching and how they’ll support you in becoming part of your child’s communication journey.

4. What does progress typically look like?

It’s helpful to know how the therapist measures progress and how often they check in with families. Progress may mean new sounds, more words, better clarity, or improved social interactions (depending on your child’s individual needs).

5. How long and how often will therapy sessions be?

Understanding the recommended frequency and length of sessions helps you plan for consistency. Some families start with weekly sessions, while others benefit from more intensive support.

6. Do you offer different settings or formats?

Some children thrive in a clinic space, while others do better at home, in school, or via teletherapy. If flexibility matters to you, ask about these options.

7. Do you take insurance, or is your clinic private pay?

Depending on the speech therapy clinic, payment may be billed through insurance or private pay. Billing through insurance may reduce the out-of-pocket cost for your family, but may also but restraints on the frequency/type/duration on therapy. Private pay clinics may tailor therapy more specifically to your family, without the insurance constrains. Many clinics also offer to provide superbills for reinbursement through insurance companies. Which route you decide to pursue is best determined by you and your family’s specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Your consultation isn’t just about your child being evaluated — it’s also about you evaluating the therapist! The right fit should feel supportive, collaborative, and experienced in the area of your child’s needs. Asking these questions will give you confidence as you begin this important journey.

At Saltwater Speech, we offer a complimentary consultation so families can explore whether my approach is the right fit. Together, we’ll make a plan that supports your child’s communication, connection, and confidence.