If you are having concerns about your loved one's communication (or swallowing/eating), here are several ways to find a Speech Therapist in your area.
- Contact your insurance and ask for a list of local Speech Therapists in network with them. Most insurances have a provider search tool on their website. You may also want to check with the Speech Therapist of your choice to make sure they are an appropriate fit for your loved one; many Speech Therapists specialize in certain populations or diagnoses.
- Ask your doctor if they know a good Speech Therapist. Again, check to make sure the Speech Therapist accepts cases like yours and also is in network with your insurance.
- ASHA Profind is a tool provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); you can search for Speech Therapists through their website.
- Universities with Speech Therapy graduate programs often offer outpatient Speech Therapy services provided by graduate students mentored by licensed therapists. Depending on the nature of the therapy, it may be at a lower cost than local hospitals or clinics.
Once you find a Speech Therapist, talk to them about their evaluation process. They may request that you visit another healthcare provider before or after the speech evaluation (e.g. ENT, Audiologist, Neurologist, Nutritionist, etc.) to help them to determine the most accurate diagnosis possible.
You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers as you pursue healing through Speech Therapy!
