October, 2005

Speech Tip of the Month

How to Find the Right Speech-Language Pathologist

There are many factors to consider when choosing a speech therapist:  cost, location, availability, personality and quality of service.  It is often hard to find a match to these criteria to make a perfect fit with your child.  To begin your process, start with a qualified therapist.  Here are some ideas to make your search a little easier:

• First check out a potential Speech Therapist’s signature.  There are a lot of letters that should follow their name, which are very important.  For example, here’s mine:  Meredith B. Sorokwasz M.A., CCC-SLP
  • M.A. / M.S. = Master’s Degree
  • CCC = Certificate of Clinical Competency
  • SLP = Speech-Language Pathologist
  • SLPA = Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
  • A = Audiologist
• Check with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  “Certification is the public's assurance that an individual has met rigorous, peer-developed and reviewed standards endorsed by a national professional body.” (Benefits of ASHA Certification. Retrieved September 28, 2005, from http://www.asha.org/about/membership-certification/cert_benefits.htm)
  • To qualify to be a member of this organization you have to do many things to ensure that you are qualified:
    • Obtain a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
    • Pass a national exam after finishing graduate coursework
    • Hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCCs)
    • Complete at least 10 Continuing Education hours per year
    • Follow ASHA’s Code of Ethics
  • You can search for members of this association through the ASHA website www.asha.org or click here to search now www.asha.org/proserv/
• State Board of Examiners
  • Not all states require a Speech-Language Pathologist to obtain a State License.  Click here to find out if your state does.  http://www.asha.org/about/membership-certification/cert_benefits.htm
  • If your state does require State Licensure, contact your State Board of Examiner’s for Speech-Language Pathology for a searchable database.

Good Luck,
Meredith B. Sorokwasz M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

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