A clear, honest breakdown of what you can expect to pay for private speech and language therapy — session fees, assessments, reports, and how to make it more affordable.
Here is a quick overview of what you can expect to pay in 2026. These are typical UK ranges — your area may be higher or lower.
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment | £150–£350 | 1–2 hours, usually includes a brief written summary |
| Therapy session (30 min) | £60–£80 | Common for younger children |
| Therapy session (45–60 min) | £80–£120 | Standard length for school-age children |
| Block of 6 sessions | £350–£650 | Many therapists offer block discounts of 10–15% |
| Written report (for EHCP/tribunal) | £200–£400 | Detailed report with recommendations and costings |
| Comprehensive assessment + report | £300–£500 | Full standardised assessment plus detailed written report |
| School visit / observation | £200–£400 | Half day including travel and write-up |
| Attendance at EHCP meeting / tribunal | £400–£800+ | Full day rate including preparation and travel |
Speech therapy prices vary quite a bit across the UK. Here are the main factors that influence what you will pay.
Therapy in London and the South East is typically at the higher end of the range (£90-£120 per session), while costs in other regions may be lower (£60-£85 per session). This reflects differences in overheads, rent, and the local cost of living. Online sessions can sometimes be cheaper because the therapist has no travel or clinic costs.
A newly qualified therapist with a year or two of experience will generally charge less than a highly experienced specialist with 15+ years. Both are HCPC-registered and qualified — but a specialist with advanced training in a specific area (such as autism, stammering, or AAC) may charge a premium because of that expertise.
Some areas of speech and language therapy command higher fees:
Most therapists offer 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute sessions. For younger children (under 5), 30-minute sessions are often recommended because their attention span is shorter. Older children typically benefit from 45 or 60-minute sessions. Some therapists charge a flat rate regardless of length; others charge by the half hour.
Many parents wonder whether they should wait for NHS speech therapy or go private. Here is an honest comparison.
| NHS SALT | Private SALT | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | £60–£120 per session |
| Waiting time | 6–18 months typical | Days to weeks |
| Frequency | Often limited to blocks of 6 sessions | You choose — weekly, fortnightly, etc. |
| Model of delivery | Increasingly indirect (advice to school, not direct therapy) | Direct 1:1 therapy |
| Written reports | Brief summary, not always detailed | Detailed reports with recommendations |
| Continuity | May see different therapists | Same therapist each time |
| EHCP evidence | NHS reports carry weight but may lack detail | Private reports are excellent EHCP and tribunal evidence |
Absolutely. Many families access NHS services while also seeing a private therapist. This is perfectly fine and quite common. Some parents use private therapy to bridge the NHS waiting list gap, others use it to supplement NHS provision, and some get a private assessment for EHCP evidence while relying on NHS therapy for ongoing sessions.
It is worth knowing that many NHS speech and language therapy services have moved to an indirect or consultation model. This means the therapist assesses your child, creates a programme, and then trains school staff (usually a teaching assistant) to deliver it. The therapist may only see your child once or twice directly.
For some children, this works well — if the school implements the programme consistently. For others, particularly those with complex needs, it is not enough. This is one of the main reasons parents turn to private therapy.
When you pay for a private speech therapy session, you are not just paying for the 45 minutes your child spends with the therapist. The fee typically covers:
For every hour of face-to-face therapy, most therapists spend an additional 15-30 minutes on preparation and admin. This is why private therapy may seem expensive — the visible session is only part of the work.
We know private therapy is a significant expense for most families. Here are practical ways to bring the cost down or find funding.
If your child receives Disability Living Allowance, you can use it towards therapy costs. DLA is not ring-fenced — you can spend it on whatever best supports your child. The 2026-27 DLA rates are:
If your child receives middle-rate care (£76.70/week), that is over £300 a month — enough to cover 3-4 therapy sessions. For guidance on claiming DLA, see our DLA guide for autistic children.
If your child has an EHCP, speech and language therapy should be specified and quantified in Section F (educational provision) if it is needed for educational purposes — which it almost always is, since communication underpins all learning.
When SALT is in Section F, the local authority has a legal duty to provide it and fund it. The provision must be specific — for example, "45 minutes of direct 1:1 speech and language therapy per week, delivered by a qualified HCPC-registered speech and language therapist." Vague wording like "access to SALT as appropriate" is not enforceable and should be challenged.
A private SALT report is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence for an EHCP application. It typically costs £250-£400 and can be the difference between getting provision and not. See our full SALT guide for more on SALT and EHCPs.
Several charities and organisations offer grants to help families pay for therapy:
For a more comprehensive list, see our SEND grants guide.
Many therapists offer a discount of 10-15% if you book a block of 6 or more sessions upfront. This can save £50-£100 over a block. Always ask — even if it is not advertised.
Online (teletherapy) sessions can be slightly cheaper because the therapist has no travel or clinic costs. They also save you travel time and the disruption of taking your child out of school. Online therapy is not suitable for every child — younger children and those who struggle with screens may do better face to face — but for many school-age children, it works well.
Some therapists will offer a model where your child has direct therapy every other week, with the alternate weeks focused on a parent coaching session or a programme for you and school to follow. This can halve the cost while still maintaining therapeutic input and progress.
Some therapists offer reduced rates for families on low income. This is not universal, but it is worth asking. A therapist will not be offended — they understand that therapy is expensive and that many families struggle to afford it.
When looking for a private SLT, check these essentials:
Where to search:
Before booking, ask these questions so there are no surprises:
This is a personal decision that depends on your family's circumstances. But here are some things to consider:
Everything you need to know about SALT — what it is, when your child might need it, and what happens in sessions.
Read guide →A complete guide to claiming DLA — rates, how to apply, and what to write on the form.
Read guide →Grants and funding sources that can help cover the cost of therapy, equipment, and support.
Read guide →Independent professional reports can strengthen your case. Find specialists in our Kent directory: