What is the difference between speech therapist and speech pathologist

My child is being sent to a speech therapist rather than a pathologist to correct his speech. What's the difference between a speech therapist and speech pathologist?

10 Answers

What is the difference between speech therapist and speech pathologist

The term “speech therapist” and “speech-language pathologist” are used interchangeably. They stand for the same entity and provide the same quality service. Hope this answers your question clearly.

Technically, the correct title is Speech Language Pathologist in the USA. However, some people call them speech therapist. In Canada and UK, they are called therapist, too. However, sometimes Speech therapists who do not have a Masters degree and have been grandfathered in with their BA degree before 1989 are called therapist. Important point is you find out what is their education. If they have a Masters degree and CCC-SLP, it means they are fully qualified and certified. They should also have the state license. If they only have a BA degree, their education is much less. However, for a simple problem they may be qualified.

What is the difference between speech therapist and speech pathologist

What is the difference between speech therapist and speech pathologist

Jamila Brown Speech-Language Pathologist Bellflower, CA

Hi there,

A speech therapist and a speech pathologist are the same people. The therapist may just prefer to be called "therapist" rather than a "pathologist."

What is the difference between speech therapist and speech pathologist

The term speech therapist and speech-language pathologist (SLP) can both be used to describe the same role. The only difference in licensed and certified therapists are that some can be SLP assistants versus a master-level SLP. You can learn this by finding out the therapists credentials.

Yanetsy Pena Speech-Language Pathologist MIAMI, FL

Hello,

I am happy to answer this question for you. In the Speech career, there are three different titles:

-SLP-A wish is an assistant with a (Bachelors Degree in speech) who’s role is to follow with the treatment plan and provide therapy only under direct supervision
-CF-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow (Masters degree working under supervision) evaluates and provides therapy
-CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist certified by the board and ASHA to evaluate/diagnose, treat and supervises assistants/clinical fellows (Highest Rank)

A speech therapist and speech pathologist are the same thing. The formal term is a speech-language pathologist, but people refer to us as SLP's, speech therapists, speech pathologists, etc.. It is important to make sure the SLP has their proper credentials and licensing.

Brittni Stolp Speech-Language Pathologist River Falls, WI

Where I practice in the midwest those terms are used interchangeably to mean the same thing (same licensure, degrees, etc.). If this is different in your area, I would ask your speech therapist for clarification.

What is the difference between speech therapist and speech pathologist

It depends on the state you are in. We usually use that term interchangeably, but in some states a speech therapist is someone who has a Bachelors in SLP or CSD and a speech language pathologist has a Masters, A national Certificate of Clinical Competence, and a passing score on the national SLP exam. You have the right to ask about the credentials and background of your treating SLP.

Typically the title "Speech Therapist" is interchangeable with "Speech Pathologist."

The professional and correct use is speech language pathologist. A lot of people use “speech therapist” because it’s more familiar or easier to understand for them/the families they work with. They should still be a speech language pathologist (SLP), I would ask them to confirm.

Ali Matisse, MS CCC-SLP

What exactly does a speech pathologist do?

Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They also treat clients who have problems swallowing.

What is a speech therapist called?

Speech-language pathologists, also called SLPs, are experts in communication. SLPs work with people of all ages, from babies to adults. SLPs treat many types of communication and swallowing problems. These include problems with: Speech sounds—how we say sounds and put sounds together into words.