Who are Speech Language Pathologists (SLP).

If you are reading this you may have been told that you or your loved one might be in need of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). So I am here to answer some commonly asked questions. Here is a rundown of the roles and responsibilities of an SLP.

What do SLP's Do?

Speech Language Pathologists diagnose and treat speech, language, feeding, swallowing, social communication and cognitive communication disorders in children and adults. They are licensed professionals with Master and/or Doctorate Degrees specializing in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

How are SLP's Credentialed?

Practicing SLP’s hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech -Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) awarded by the American Speech -Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). A therapist receives their (CCC-SLP) by completing course work in a graduate program, completing clinical practicum hours, passing a national practicum examination and completing a set amount of supervised therapy hours in their clinical fellowship year. Each state also has its own set of criteria for SLP's to follow in order to be licensed in that region. SLP's typically hold their Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech -Language Pathology and state licensure for where they practice.

Who do SLP's work with?

SLP’s can treat clients from birth to senior citizens depending on their skill set. Similar to other health-care professions SLP’s can work across multiple environments such as: Schools Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) Private Clinics Telemedicine Hospitals Home health ( in the clients home) And more…

SLP’s often work on interdisciplinary teams with audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, teachers and more.

Do SLP's Specialize?

Some Speech Pathologists specialize in a particular area. This is similar to some physicians being a general practitioner or family doctor while others specialize as allergists or otolaryngologists (ENT) etc. SLP’s may have certifications and increased experience working with a particular population that allows them to be considered specialists. Some SLP’s may even have board certification in specialty areas but this is NOT needed in order to specialize.

Below are some areas frequent areas of expertise: Feeding & Swallowing Oralmyology Motor Speech Stuttering Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Child Language School based Speech and Language Articulation and Phonology Executive Functioning Aphasia And more…

SLP’s get the amazing opportunity to service a plethora of clients and have multiple specialties. You can work with a therapist at a private practice who typically sees students utilizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and building functional communication for a client, Home- Based SLP’s specializing in Early Intervention and Play- Based Therapy, School Based SLP’s specializing in Articulation/ Phonology, Stuttering, Motor Speech etc. You may come across a therapist who has worked and specialized in some of these areas at different points in their career. They all have increased experience and training working with a set population and treating their area of expertise

What Certifications do SLP's have?

There are multiple certifications attached to areas of expertise SLP’s may acquire. Below you will find a list certifications you may come across:

Prompt for restructuring oral muscular phonetic targets (PROMPT) Hanen Certifications Picture exchange communication system (PECS) Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) FEED the PEDS

and more....

I hope this was helpful in your quest to understand Speech Language Pathologists!

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Author: Jamease McDonald M.S., CCC-SLP