What Is a Speech Language Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist (or SLP) is a medical professional who cares for persons with speech or swallowing disorders. Also called speech therapists, SLPs work primarily with people of all ages that are having difficulty with oral or verbal communication resulting from medical, physical, or genetic causes. Swallowing impairments are addressed as well. SLPs are employed in a variety of settings and can be found in hospitals, schools, health clinics, rehabilitation centers, military bases, and long-term care facilities.

Practicing speech-language pathology in the United States requires a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. This is typically a two-year program with coursework and clinical training. Graduates continue their education in a fellowship program. SLPs pass a praxis exam and obtain a state license before they practice. Many go on to earn certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), a leading professional organization.

What Does a Speech-language Pathologist Do?

Most persons see an SLP on referral from a primary care physician or another source. The goal of speech-language pathology is to improve the communication or swallowing abilities of persons affected by one or more of the following conditions:

Cognitive-communication disorders: Difficulties with focus, memory, organization, or logical assessment often resulting from brain injury or dementia.
Language disorders: Problems using language to express one’s thoughts or to understand the thoughts of others.
Speech disorders: Issues with sound formation or producing intelligible speech. This includes stuttering, resonance disorders, and various facial, oral, and pharyngeal muscle conditions.
Social-communication disorders: Trouble with the social aspects of communication (for example, when to speak, what is appropriate to say, understanding how language affects others, and so forth).
Swallowing disorders: Also called dysphagia, swallowing disorders make eating food, drinking liquids, and taking medications problematic.

The causes of these disorders are varied, and include physical injury, cancer, neurological concerns, age-related conditions, and congenital or developmental issues.

What Types of Speech-language Pathologists Are There?

Speech-language pathologists are trained in one or more specialties:

Alternative and augmentative communication: A focus on individuals using alternative forms of communication, such as electronic devices, to replace human speech.
Fluency disorders: A specialization on issues of speech flow, including stuttering.
Myofunctional disorders: Treatment of speech issues stemming from muscular dysfunction in the mouth or face.
Pediatric language disorders: Expertise in language disorders of children and adolescents.
Swallowing disorders: Treatment of dysphagia and related swallowing conditions.
Vocal disorders: A focus on helping individuals to speak and articulate clearly.

When Should You See a Speech-language Pathologist?

You might see a speech-language pathologist whenever you want to:

Improve speech
Enhance communication
Improve social communication
Reduce or eliminate vocal impediments
Address swallowing issues

Some persons also see SLPs to improve vocal performance as actors, singers, or public speakers.

What Can I Expect at My Visit to a Speech-language Pathologist?

The SLP will begin by reviewing your medical history and, when relevant, asking questions about your health prior to injury or illness. The SLP will evaluate your current condition, using a series of tests for speech clarity, comprehension, and effectiveness, or swallowing ability. This will be the basis for a customized treatment plan specific to your needs. This plan might involve a number of different therapies focused on vocalization, articulation, language modeling, muscle training and control, or even mild forms of electrical stimulation (in the case of stroke victims). Your SLP will monitor your progress as you undergo the plan in follow-up appointments, setting or adjusting goals for gradual improvement. When you reach these goals, your SLP will manage your discharge, with recommendations for future care at home.

If you’re experiencing problems with speaking or swallowing regardless of cause, the Baptist Health Speech and Language Services Care team is ready with expert care. For more information, contact Baptist Health at 1-877-697-0420.

Speech-language Pathologist FAQs

Is a speech-language pathologist a doctor?

No. To practice, SLPs are required to have a master’s degree, a completed fellowship, a praxis examination, and a state license but are not required to have a medical or osteopathic doctorate.

Is a speech-language pathologist the same as a speech therapist?

Yes. Though both terms refer to the same thing, speech-language pathologist is preferred to speech therapist because it more accurately conveys the range of conditions that someone in this profession addresses.

How long do you need for speech therapy?

The amount of time for therapy depends on the nature of the condition being treated. Some individuals need only a few weeks of therapy while others might require years.