For individuals with various speech problems, finding the right speech pathologist can be life changing. Many people think that a speech pathologist simply treats individuals with a stutter or lisp. However, speech pathologists treat a wide variety of disorders.

Speech pathologists are individuals who assess, define, diagnose, treat, and prevent swallowing and communication disorders. Speech pathologists work with both adults and children.

Many speech pathologists work in schools and healthcare facilities, such as hospitals.

A wide range of speech pathologists can be found all over North America. Do not hesitate to contact one for a consultation.

Types of Speech Pathologist Treatments

Speech pathologists treat a wide variety of speech issues. These include:

  • Speech delays and disorders – Specifically, speech pathologists treat phonology, motor speech disorders, and articulation problems.
  • Fluency disorders – Speech pathologists work with individuals with a wide range of fluency disorders, such as stuttering. These include individuals who repeat sounds, or those who pause while speaking.
  • Language delay disorders – Speech pathologists can help with expression and comprehension problems, such as aphasia, which refers to how one understands what he or she hears or how one uses words.
  • Voice disorders – Speech pathologists can assist individuals with how their voice sounds. This includes problems with hoarseness, nasal- sounding voices, voices that are too loud, or those unable to make sounds.
  • Cognitive and communicative disorders – Speech pathologists can help individuals with social communication skills, memory, attention, organization, problems solving, and more.
  • Social communication disorders – Speech pathologists can help individuals with the pragmatics of speech. This includes taking turns while speaking, how to speak to different people, and how close to stand next to someone when speaking.

Speech pathologists also work with voice and resonance disorders, and swallowing and feeding disorders. They can also help with communication and swallowing problems related to dementia, hearing impairment, traumatic brain injuries, and more.

Where to Find Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists can be found in a variety of settings. However, they are most commonly found in schools, hospitals, and private practice office. In addition, many offer home visits. School practices are simply for children, while hospitals, private clinics, and home visits are for both children and adults.

Some advantages of home visits include convenience and flexible scheduling options. There is no need to drive to appointments. Some disadvantages include limited insurance options, as home visits are often uninsured, potential home distractions, such as siblings and pets, as well as limited material.

Some advantages of hospitals include ease with insurance claims, access to support staff, limited distractions, and access to a great deal of resources and diagnostic tools. Some disadvantages include long wait times for appointments, as well as driving time to appointments.

Some advantages of a private office include a wide range of resources, limited distractions, and access to a support staff. Some disadvantages include limited insurance options and inconvenience.

Some advantages of a speech pathologist working in a school include low costs, convenience of appointments during school hours, and continuity of care. Often individuals are cared for throughout the year by the same speech pathologist. Some disadvantages include high caseloads, limited one on one attention, interruptions, and missed classes.

In addition, speech pathologists can be found in colleges and universities, as well as rehabilitation centres, residential health care facilities, and long-term health care facilities.

Choosing a Speech Pathologist

Finding the right speech pathologist does not have to be a difficult process. Ensure that the speech pathologist is considerate. As individuals struggling with communication and swallowing disorders often struggle with self-esteem issues, they may become frustrated and disappointed in themselves. A good speech pathologist will display empathy, sensitivity, and emotional support.

The speech pathologist should be resourceful. If one approach does not work, they should approach the problem from a different angle. All individuals are unique; there is no one size fits all solution to speech problems.

The speech pathologist should be persistent. Since patients may progress at different rates, they need to be patient and encouraging.

The speech pathologist should have strong listening skills as well. They should listen to the individual, as well as all other involved medical professionals.

Additional factors to consider include cost, convenience, location of office, and payment options.

Speech pathologists reviews can be found online. In addition, word of mouth recommendations from friends, coworkers, and loved ones can be beneficial as well. For child speech pathologists, educational staff are often a wealth of knowledge as well.

Costs of Speech Pathologists

Costs of speech pathologists depend on a variety of factors, including location of practice, as well as if the pathologist is covered by one’s insurance. They can cost approximately $100 USD for a 30-minute session. If you want to improve your speech from the comfort of your own home, online speech therapy is becoming much more popular, with some firms like Better Speech charging just $59 a session.

Speech pathologists can be found in most major North American cities. Do not hesitate to book a consultation today.