Getting a referral from a doctor or a healthcare professional can be a big help as your child starts their speech therapy journey. A referral offers critical information about your child’s medical history, challenges, and needs—information that guides the speech-language pathologist in creating a tailored therapy plan. In some cases, a referral is necessary. Some speech therapy clinics might accept direct appointments without a referral, while others might prefer or require one. It’s a good idea to check with the specific clinic you’re considering to understand their policy.
A referral may also be necessary if your insurance plan requires one for coverage. Don’t hesitate to reach out to both the potential speech therapy clinic and your child’s doctor for specific guidance based on your child’s unique needs and the clinic’s requirements.