How to Choose a Speech or Occupational Therapist for Your Child

Maybe your pediatrician mentioned it, maybe a teacher did, or maybe your own gut is telling you your child could use a little help. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with children on speech sounds, language, stuttering, social communication, and feeding and swallowing. Occupational therapists (OTs) help children with the everyday "jobs" of childhood, like play, self-care, fine motor skills such as holding a crayon, and handling sensory input. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, so here is how I would go about it. This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your pediatrician is a great first call.

Know your free options first

For children under 3, the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program offers early intervention through regional Children's Developmental Services Agencies (CDSAs), and you can make a referral yourself. For children 3 and older, you can ask your public school district in writing for a special education evaluation, which is free under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Many families use school or early intervention services and private therapy side by side.

Questions to ask a therapist

• Are you licensed in North Carolina? SLPs are licensed by the NC Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, and many also hold ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). OTs are licensed by the NC Board of Occupational Therapy and are often nationally certified by NBCOT.
• Who will actually work with my child? Assistants (SLPAs and OTAs) can do great work under supervision. Ask who supervises them and how often.
• How much experience do you have with children my child's age and with this need? A therapist who loves toddlers may not be the best match for a teen, and the reverse is true too.
• What does the evaluation include? Ask whether you will get a written report with clear goals you understand.
• How will you measure progress? Good therapists set goals, track them and update you on a regular schedule.
• What will sessions look like? Ask about play-based activities, clinic, home, school or daycare visits, and whether teletherapy is an option.
• What can I do at home? Practice between sessions makes a difference, so ask for simple activities you can work into your day.
• Do you take my insurance, and is there a waitlist? Ask whether you need a doctor's referral, how billing works and what the cancellation policy is.
• Will you talk with my child's school and doctor? Teamwork helps everyone work on the same goals.

Red flags

• Promises of a "cure" or a guaranteed result by a certain date.
• Therapy starts without an evaluation or clear written goals.
• You are not allowed to watch a session or get regular updates.
• Pressure to prepay for a large package of sessions.
• The therapist will not share a license number.

How to check a therapist's license

• Speech-language pathologists: use the Licensee Lookup at ncboeslpa.org, and check ASHA certification with ASHA's free Certification Verification tool.
• Occupational therapists: use "Verify a License" at ncbot.org, and check national certification at nbcot.org.
• South Carolina providers: the SC Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and the SC Board of Occupational Therapy each have a Licensee Lookup at llr.sc.gov.

Local speech and occupational therapy in the Kids' Directory

Show me ones near: EverywhereMonroe & Indian TrailNorth CharlotteUptownSouth CharlotteSeveral locations

These practices advertise with me in the Kids' Directory. Each one offers different services, so call and ask the questions above to find the right fit for your child, and please tell them you found them in the Kids' Directory!

Where this comes from

• ASHA - Certification (CCC-SLP) (opens in a new tab)
• ASHA - Certification Verification (opens in a new tab)
• NC Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists - Licensee Lookup (opens in a new tab)
• NC Board of Occupational Therapy (opens in a new tab)
• NBCOT - Verify Certification (opens in a new tab)
• AOTA - Occupational Therapy for Babies and Toddlers (opens in a new tab)
• NCDHHS - NC Infant-Toddler Program FAQ (opens in a new tab)
• Understood - Evaluation rights (opens in a new tab)
• SC LLR - Board of Occupational Therapy (opens in a new tab)

More guides: How to Choose a Preschool in Charlotte · How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist in Charlotte · How to Choose a Tutor for Your Child