How to Pick the Right Speech Therapist for You (Because Quality Matters)

Let’s face it: choosing a speech therapist for your child (or yourself) can feel a little like online dating. Everyone looks good on paper. There are a lot of smiling headshots. And just because someone has a bunch of letters after their name (hello, CCC-SLP) doesn’t automatically mean they’re the right fit for your family.

I’ve been on both sides—therapist and mom—and I can tell you this: credentials are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. You deserve a therapist who is not only competent, but also aligned with your values, goals, and vision for your child.

So let’s talk about how to find that person.

What to Look For in a Quality Therapist

Before we dive into the checklist and red flags, here’s what truly matters:

• Competency over credentials – CCCs (Certificate of Clinical Competence) mean someone passed a national exam and did a clinical fellowship. Great start! But it doesn’t guarantee they're trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, culturally responsive, or up to date on best practices.

• Relationship-based care – The therapist-client (and therapist-parent!) relationship is everything. If the vibes are off, the progress probably will be too.

• Alignment with your values – Does the therapist respect and support neurodiversity? Are they open to collaboration? Do they treat your concerns with care? These things matter more than how many years they’ve been in practice.

  
  

Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

Feel free to copy/paste this list, bring it to consultations, or tweak it to fit your needs. These questions go beyond the basics—and help you dig deeper:

🧠 Philosophy & Approach

• How would you describe your therapy approach or philosophy?

• How do you support neurodivergent clients (autistic, ADHD, sensory differences, etc.)?

• Are you trained in neuroaffirming or strength-based approaches?

  
  

🧩 Individualization

• How do you tailor goals for each child?

• What does “success” in therapy look like to you?

• How do you involve parents/caregivers in the therapy process?

  
  

📚 Competency & Growth

• What continuing education topics have you pursued recently?

• How do you handle feedback or concerns from parents?

  
  

🌍 Inclusivity

• How do you make therapy accessible and respectful of each family’s culture, language, and background?

• Are you comfortable collaborating with other providers or school teams?

  
  

💡 Bonus Insight: Real-Life Scenarios

• Can you describe a time when you adjusted your therapy plan based on a family’s feedback or a child’s changing needs?

• How do you support children who aren’t “traditional” communicators (AAC users, nonspeaking, gestalt language processors, etc.)?

  
  

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every therapist will be the right fit—and that’s okay. But here are some signs that might mean it’s time to keep looking:

🚩 They talk more about compliance than connection.If a therapist is hyper-focused on getting a child to “sit still,” “follow directions,” or “make eye contact” without understanding why a child behaves the way they do—that’s a red flag.

🚩 They dismiss your concerns.If you feel brushed off, shamed, or like you have to fight to be heard—that’s not the partnership you need.

🚩 They speak in jargon without explaining.You deserve clear, respectful communication. If a therapist uses a wall of clinical terms and doesn’t take the time to explain or connect—it’s not helpful.

🚩 They promise quick fixes.Real growth takes time. Anyone promising to “cure” or “fix” speech and language challenges in a few sessions may be overpromising and underdelivering.

🚩 Your child dreads sessions—or you do.Therapy should be challenging, yes. But it should never feel unsafe or miserable. If your child leaves sessions dysregulated, anxious, or unheard, something’s off.

Bottom Line: Trust Your Gut

You know your child best. If something feels off, it probably is. If you leave a consult feeling energized, supported, and like you found someone who gets it—that’s your person.

The best therapists don’t just treat symptoms. They see the whole child. They partner with the family. And they care about the long game—not just the quick win.

Final Thought (and One More Cup of Coffee)

Choosing the right speech therapist isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about building a relationship with someone who’s going to be on this journey with you. Take your time, ask the hard questions, and don’t settle.

And remember: just because someone looks great on paper doesn’t mean they’re the right fit in real life. (Same goes for dating, just saying.)

If you’ve got questions or want to talk through what to look for in a therapist, I’m always happy to chat. Sometimes it just helps to talk to another parent who's been there.

Talk soon, Kayla

(Speech therapist, proud mom, and forever believer in trusting your gut.)