School Speech Therapy vs. Private Speech Therapy
What Parents Need to Know
As a new school year approaches, many parents begin to consider whether their child might benefit from speech therapy, and if so, what type of services will be the most helpful. A common question I hear is: What’s the difference between school based speech therapy and private speech therapy? Both have significant value, but they serve different purposes and operate under different models. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions that best support your child’s communication development.
Similarities Between School and Private Speech Therapy
While school based and private speech therapy services differ in many ways, they do share some important common ground. In both settings, therapy is delivered by licensed professionals either fully certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) or Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP-As). Regardless of the provider’s title, both models are grounded in evidence based techniques designed to support children’s communication development. Another shared strength is that therapy in both settings is personalized. Goals are created based on a combination of assessment results, clinician observations, and input from families and teachers, ensuring the therapy plan aligns with each child’s unique needs. That said, the way these services are delivered, and the specific goals they target, can look quite different depending on the setting.
Key Differences Between School-Based and Private Speech Therapy
One of the most significant differences between school based and private speech therapy lies in eligibility and purpose. School based therapy is provided through the public education system under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To receive these services, a child must go through a formal evaluation process and demonstrate that their communication challenges are negatively impacting their academic performance. Once qualified, services are written into an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and all therapy goals are linked directly to helping the child succeed in the classroom environment. On the other hand, private therapy is available to any child who needs support, regardless of whether schoolwork is affected. Private therapists can work on a wide range of skills that may not fall under the umbrella of educational impact such as social communication, articulation clarity, feeding and swallowing, myofunctional goals (like breathing and oral rest posture), sensory regulation, and overall functional communication.
The setting and structure of therapy also varies. In schools, therapy is often provided in small groups of two to four students, and sessions usually last 20 to 30 minutes once or twice a week, depending on what’s outlined in the child’s IEP. This group format can provide valuable peer interaction and can help children generalize their skills in a classroom-like environment. One of the greatest advantages of school based therapy is its convenience. Children receive services during the school day, eliminating the need for parents to coordinate transportation or rearrange their schedules. In contrast, private therapy is most commonly delivered 1:1, allowing for highly individualized attention. Sessions are usually 30 minutes, though some private providers (hi! It’s me!) offer longer sessions to provide more in-depth, focused support tailored to each child’s needs.
When it comes to scheduling and consistency, school based services are tied to the school calendar. Sessions occur during the school day, which is convenient for families, but they may occasionally be missed due to assemblies, testing, holidays, or other school events. School therapists also carry large caseloads, which can limit how frequently a child is seen or how easily therapy can be rescheduled. Private therapy typically offers more flexibility and greater week to week consistency. Many private practices continue services year round, including during school breaks and summer months, which can be especially helpful for maintaining progress and preventing regression.
Another important difference lies in the focus of therapy. School based therapists target skills that directly support academic success. These might include improving a child’s ability to follow directions in the classroom, participate in group discussions, or clearly articulate speech sounds during classroom presentations. While these goals are valuable, they may not cover all of a child’s communication needs. In private therapy, the approach tends to be more holistic, with goals that extend beyond the school setting. Private therapists often collaborate closely with parents and caregivers to prioritize what matters most at home, and in their daily life.
Lastly, one of the most pressing concerns for many families right now is the difference in access and wait times. School based therapy follows a lengthy, multi-step process that includes a referral, formal evaluation, eligibility determination, and IEP development. In many districts, this can take several months and unfortunately, due to widespread staffing shortages and growing caseloads, families are often experiencing even longer delays than usual. I’m hearing from more and more parents who feel discouraged or helpless while waiting for services to begin. Private therapy can be a faster, more flexible solution (especially when working with private pay practices!) that are not restricted by insurance authorization or school district timelines. Evaluations can often be scheduled within days or weeks, and therapy can begin shortly afterward. For families seeking timely support during these critical developmental windows, this quicker turnaround can make a meaningful difference.
Pros and Cons of Both
Both school based and private speech therapy come with unique benefits and potential drawbacks, depending on your family’s needs and your child’s specific challenges.
School based speech therapy is often a great starting point because it’s provided at no cost to families and is conveniently integrated into the school day. It allows therapists to collaborate directly with teachers and staff, ensuring that therapy goals are aligned with classroom expectations and learning objectives. The focus is on supporting academic success, which makes it especially beneficial for children whose communication difficulties are impacting their performance at school. However, there are some limitations. School based services are typically provided in shorter sessions, often just 20 to 30 minutes, and frequently in small group settings. These sessions are only available during the school year and can be impacted by school events, holidays, or testing schedules. Additionally, in order to qualify, a child must meet specific criteria, and if their challenges are not seen as significantly affecting academic performance, they may not be eligible for services. This means that certain concerns such as mild articulation delays, social communication needs, feeding challenges, or breathing/airway might not be addressed through the school system.
Private speech therapy offers a more individualized and flexible experience. Children receive one on one attention, and therapy goals can be customized to address concerns in any area of life, not just the classroom. Private practices typically allow for more flexible scheduling and often continue services year round, helping maintain consistency and progress during school breaks. This broader approach can be especially helpful for addressing functional needs that may not qualify based on the school’s criteria. The main consideration for private therapy is the cost. Some practices accept insurance, but coverage may vary, and many families opt to pay out of pocket. Additionally, insurance based clinics may come with their own challenges, such as longer waitlists or restrictions on session length and frequency. That’s why many families turn to private pay providers for more control, quicker access, and personalized care.
Why not do both!
In many cases, combining school based and private speech therapy can provide the best of both worlds. School therapy ensures your child is supported within their educational environment, while private therapy allows for more intensive, customized intervention that targets additional needs. Therapists from both settings can collaborate to reinforce skills across environments and promote faster progress.
If your child already receives services at school but you feel they need more support, or if you’re waiting on the school evaluation process to be completed, private therapy can fill in the gaps and provide more immediate help.
What Makes Meaningful Connections Pediatrics Different
At Meaningful Connections Pediatrics, all of our services are private pay, which allows me to provide highly individualized, meaningful therapy that is tailored to each child’s needs without the limitations of insurance or outside approval processes. Therapy sessions last 45 minutes, longer than most insurance based private practices (which often offer only 30 minute sessions) and significantly more individualized than the typical 30 minute group model in schools.
Our extended sessions allow us to not only address your child’s goals in greater depth, but also incorporate important skills such as sensory regulation when appropriate. I take a whole child approach, working closely with families to build strong carryover at home, and I design therapy that supports your child across all settings.
Because I operate independently of insurance, I’m able to begin services quickly, create highly personalized plans, and adjust our approach without needing to seek authorization or navigate red tape. I offer a welcoming, supportive environment focused on long term success and meaningful progress.
If you’re considering speech therapy this school year and aren’t sure what’s right for your child, I’m here to help! Reach out to schedule a consultation and learn more about how I can support your child’s unique journey.
