What Is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy helps children, teens, and adults improve how they speak, understand language, use their voice, and communicate with others. It can also support communication changes after stroke, brain injury, or illness. Speech therapy is provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) and is tailored to real-life needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
1. What Speech Therapy Helps With
Speech therapy supports a wide range of communication needs. Some people need help being understood. Others need support understanding language, speaking smoothly, using their voice safely, or communicating in social situations.
- Speech sound difficulties (unclear speech, lisps, trouble with certain sounds)
- Speech delay and late talking
- Language difficulties (understanding or using words and sentences)
- Stuttering and other fluency challenges
- Social communication (conversation skills, pragmatics)
- Voice problems (hoarseness, strain, vocal fatigue)
- Communication changes after stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions
- In some settings, swallowing or feeding support
Who Speech Therapy Is For
Speech therapy supports people of all ages. The goals change depending on the person, their environment, and what they need to communicate successfully each day.
- Toddlers and preschoolers: first words, speech delay, early language, social connection
- School-age children: clarity, language for reading and writing, classroom communication
- Teens: fluency, confidence, social communication, academic and career readiness
- Adults: communication after injury or illness, voice, clarity, workplace communication
- Older adults: communication and swallowing changes, cognitive-communication support
What Happens in Speech Therapy
Speech therapy usually begins with an evaluation. The speech-language pathologist looks at strengths, challenges, and everyday communication needs. Therapy then focuses on clear goals and practical strategies that carry over into daily life.
- A personalized evaluation
- Clear, measurable goals
- Targeted practice and functional activities
- Simple home strategies to support progress
- Ongoing adjustments as skills improve
Speech Therapy by Age
Children
Teens
Adults
When Should You Consider Speech Therapy?
You may want to consider speech therapy if communication is getting in the way at home, school, work, or in relationships.
- Speech is difficult to understand
- There is frustration, withdrawal, or avoidance of speaking
- Understanding questions or directions is hard
- Social communication feels challenging
- A voice problem lasts longer than a few weeks
- Communication changed after illness, injury, or stroke
Speech Therapy vs. “Just Waiting”
Some communication challenges resolve naturally, but many do not. Speech therapy provides guidance, structure, and strategies that help communication improve more efficiently. Early support often leads to better long-term outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is speech therapy only for children?
No. Speech therapy helps toddlers, children, teens, adults, and older adults.
How long does speech therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on individual goals, frequency of sessions, and practice outside of therapy. Some people see progress quickly, while others benefit from ongoing support.
Do I need a referral?
This depends on your location, insurance plan, and setting. Many private practices allow families and adults to contact them directly.