Seeing a Speech Pathologist
Speech Pathology Australia (the Association) provides information about how to find and choose a speech pathologist. On this page you can find out about how to find and choose a speech pathologist. In addition, there is information about fees, funding and rebates for speech pathology services, and answers to commonly asked questions about speech pathology services.
Speech pathology and the COVID-19 pandemic
It is still possible to see a speech pathologist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speech pathologists will discuss with their clients whether ‘face to face’ services can continue and/or when telepractice is appropriate during COVID-19 restrictions.
How do I choose a speech pathologist?
The Choosing a Speech Pathologist Information Sheet 
provides you with general information and range of questions you can ask a speech pathologist to find out if they can address your needs.
How do I find a speech pathologist?
Speech Pathology Australia provides a searchable directory of speech pathologists: Find a Speech Pathologist Search.
This is a listing of members of Speech Pathology Australia that have agreed to have their contact details made available to the general public. Searching the directory allows you to search for a speech pathologist in a specific locality.
Please note: Staff at Speech Pathology Australia are not able to recommend a speech pathologist, answer specific questions to assist with a diagnosis or treatment or recommend specific treatments. Such questions should be directed to a speech pathologist and in particular to a member of Speech Pathology Australia listed in the directory.
Is speech pathology a registered profession?
Speech pathology is a self-regulated profession. This means that membership of Speech Pathology Australia is the only real way of knowing that a speech pathologist has the necessary level of training and recency of practice to work as a speech pathologist. View the Speech Pathology is a Self-regulated Profession Information Sheet .
Where can I access speech pathology services?
Public services may be available through hospitals, community health centres and outreach services through your state based health system.
Several universities who offer speech pathology courses also have university clinics, whereby services are provided by students at a reduced rate. Contact your local university from the list of University Programs to find out more.
Private speech pathologists may also provide services in clinics, in the home, or in schools for a fee.
Some not for profit organisations also offer speech pathology services for people within the community who are involved with the organisation and meet certain criteria. These are less common, and may involve a referral from another health service.
What are the expected fees for speech pathology sessions?
Public speech pathology services are generally free though there may sometimes be a co-payment from the service and client.
Private speech pathologists can determine their own fee schedule. Speech Pathology Australia does not have a recommended schedule of fees for speech pathologists.
Speech pathologists may charge different fees for a range of services including assessment, therapy (individual or group), attendance at meetings, tele-health consultations, report writing, travel, presentations, non-attendance at a session, provision of materials, additional administrative tasks etc.
What rebates are available for speech pathology?
The Speech Pathology Fees, Rebates and Funded Programs Information Sheet
provides information about speech pathology fees, rebates available through Medicare (including items for Complex and Chronic Conditions and the Helping Children with Autism and Better Start programs), funded programs (including the NDIS, Helping Children with Autism and Better Start). and other funding sources (including private health insurance, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Workcover and the National Australian Defence Force Academy Family Health program).
How does a speech pathologist assess a client?
Find out what types of assessments a speech pathologist can conduct, standard procedures for conducting an assessment and general information about the assessment process and reports (Speech Pathology Assessments and Reports ).
Where can I find information about SPA’s position on specific clinical issues?
The Association's Position Statements provide more information about clinical and workplace issues relevant to the speech pathology profession.
The Association also has a range of Fact Sheets that provide general information about important topics in speech pathology.
The Association's FAQ sheets answer commonly asked questions about specific clinical areas including stuttering and tongue tie.
How do I make a complaint or talk to someone if I have any concerns?
If you have any concerns about your speech pathology services you, please see information about the Association's Code of Ethics and Making a Complaint.