How much does private speech therapy cost in the UK?

What usually makes up the cost?

Usually a handful of separate things, and the main job is finding out which of them a price includes. Those can be a first assessment, a written report, sessions after that, visits to a nursery or school, and travel. Some therapists charge for each separately.

The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP) says that what affects the cost includes how often sessions take place, and whether additional work is needed, such as reports or liaison with other professionals.¹ It also says therapists should explain any travel or additional charges before your first appointment.¹

Is there a standard price in the UK?

No. ASLTIP says the cost of speech and language therapy can vary, and that its members work independently and set their own fees based on the support they offer and how therapy is delivered.¹ It publishes no standard rate, so I won't guess at a typical price. A higher fee doesn't tell you the therapy will be better, and a lower one doesn't tell you it's worse. It helps to ask what each part of the price covers.

What should I ask so there are no surprises?

Ask for the full picture in writing before you book. ASLTIP says a therapist should clearly explain the cost of assessments and therapy sessions, any travel or additional charges, and cancellation and payment terms.¹ Beyond that, these are the questions I'd ask:

• Does the assessment fee include a written report, or is that extra?
• Is the price per session, per hour or per block, and is the block a discount?
• What happens if I need to cancel or rearrange?
• Will you visit my child's nursery or school, and what does that cost?
• Is there a travel charge, and how is it worked out?
• When is payment due?
• Is the therapist registered with the HCPC? You can check the register by surname or registration number.²

My guide to choosing a private therapist has the rest of the questions to ask a therapist, not only the ones about money.

Will my health insurance pay?

It depends on the policy, so check with your insurer before you book. Cover for children's speech and language therapy differs between policies and insurers, and some exclude developmental difficulties. Bupa's policy guide, for example, tells members to contact Bupa before having any consultations, tests or treatment, to check they're covered.³ I'm a recognised Bupa provider, and if you email me I can tell you what an insurer will need from me.

Is there a way to get help without paying?

Yes. NHS speech and language therapy doesn't charge families. Talk to your GP or health visitor, or refer your child yourself.⁴ The wait can be long in some places, and the late talkers guide has things to try at home in the meantime.

If you're thinking of asking the local authority for an EHC needs assessment in England, you don't have to buy a report first. IPSEA, the SEND law charity, says it would be unlawful for an authority to refuse a request because you haven't included evidence from a specialist such as a speech therapist, as that isn't part of the legal test.⁵ The authority must also gather advice from relevant professionals itself, under paragraph 9.46 of the SEND Code of Practice.⁶ An independent report can still be useful, especially if you disagree with what the authority finds. I explain more on my EHCP and tribunal reports page.

What do you charge?

My fees are fixed. They're the same on every page, and none of them is a "from" price. The full list is on the fees page. The ones that matter most to parents are:

• The first 15-minute call is free.
• An assessment is £270. That covers the session, the analysis afterwards and a conversation about what I found. It doesn't include a written report.
• A detailed written report, after the assessment, is £95. It's separate because not every family needs one.
• A therapy session is £85 an hour.
• A block of eight sessions is £680. That's eight hours at £85 an hour, so it's not a discount, just one payment instead of eight.
• A nursery or school visit is £85 an hour.

If staff at your child's nursery or school would like a short consultation, that's £45 for 30 minutes or £85 for 60 minutes. Longer training is quoted. If you're comparing quotes from several therapists, line up what each one includes (assessment, report, travel) before you compare the totals.

Travel fees may apply where I need to travel to you, so please ask before you book. Payment is due in advance of a booked session, and where that hasn't happened it's due on the day. My advice doesn't change depending on who is paying for it.

Who can I ask for help while I weigh up the cost?

Your GP, your health visitor and your child's nursery or school can all be asked at no charge. At a nursery or school, the person to ask for is the SENCO (special educational needs coordinator).

What happens if I get in touch?

The 15-minute call is free, and it's a good place to ask what an assessment would cover and what it would cost for your child. You don't need a GP referral, and seeing me doesn't take your child off an NHS list. The first step is usually an assessment (£270), which is mostly play. The assessment guide describes the session, and the fees page lists everything else.