How much does private speech and language therapy cost in the UK?

Private SALT sessions in the UK typically cost £60 to £120 per hour as of 2026, with London and Home Counties at the top of the range. Initial assessments are usually charged separately and range from £200 to £450. Block-booking discounts of 5 to 10 per cent are common.

How much does private occupational therapy cost in the UK?

Private paediatric OT sessions usually range from £70 to £130 per hour. A full sensory integration assessment costs £200 to £450. Specialist sensory equipment or programmes may add to this. NHS OT is available via referral but waitlists in many areas exceed 12 months.

How much does an educational psychology report cost privately?

A standard private EP assessment with a written report costs around £800 to £2,000 depending on complexity. A tribunal-ready report — used in EHCP appeals — typically costs £1,500 to £2,500 because it requires more thorough evidence and the EP being available to attend hearings. Follow-up consultations are usually £300 to £600 per hour.

Can I get private therapy paid for through an EHCP?

Sometimes. If specialist provision is named and quantified in Section F of an EHCP, the Local Authority must arrange and fund it. Many parents need to appeal to the SEND Tribunal to get private therapy named in Section F. Once named, KCC must pay or commission an equivalent service.

Does the calculator save my data?

Your slider values are saved only in your browser using localStorage so the plan persists when you return. Nothing is sent to SENDPath or any server.

Therapy Cost Calculator UK

Tip: Many families combine NHS provision (free, usually slow) with targeted private top-ups. Use the calculator to plan a realistic 2-year horizon, then scroll down to see how DLA, Carer's Allowance, grants, and an EHCP could cover the cost.

Build your therapy plan

Move the sliders to match what your child needs. Totals update live on the right.

🗣️ Speech & Language Therapy (SALT)

Most autistic children benefit from regular SALT for social communication, expressive or receptive language. Block-bookings often discount 5 to 10 per cent.

Sessions per month 0

Cost per session £80

🤲 Occupational Therapy (OT)

Sensory integration, fine motor skills, daily living skills. Often combined with home programmes between sessions.

Sessions per month 0

Cost per session £95

Add initial OT assessment

Assessment cost £350

🧠 Educational Psychology (EP)

EP reports are the backbone of strong EHCP claims and Tribunal cases. Most families need one full assessment and occasional follow-ups.

Full assessment & report

Cost £1,200

Tribunal-ready report

Cost £2,000

Follow-up consultations per year 0

Cost per consultation £400

💷 Ways to fund this

Most families piece together several sources. Stack what you can — every pound of benefits is a pound you don't have to spend.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Up to £194.55/week (2026 rates)

Tax-free, paid to parents of disabled children under 16. Many autistic children qualify.

DLA for autistic children →

Carer's Allowance

£86.45/week (2026 rates)

If your child gets DLA middle/higher rate care and you care 35+ hours/week.

Carer's Allowance guide →

SEND Grants Kent

One-off awards £100 to £2,000+

Family Fund, Caudwell Children, local Kent charities. Often cover assessments and equipment.

Kent SEND grants →

Therapy via EHCP

Free if named in Section F

If specified and quantified in an EHCP, the LA must arrange and fund therapy. Often requires a Tribunal appeal.

EHCP application Kent →

💡 Can I save money?

NHS via Right to Choose — for ADHD/Autism assessments you can choose any contracted provider, often with a much shorter wait. Free, but limited to assessment, not ongoing therapy.
Block bookings — most private SALT and OT clinics offer 5 to 10 per cent off when you pay for 6 or 12 sessions upfront.
Online sessions — telehealth SALT is typically £10 to £20 cheaper per session than in-person and works well for older children.
Group sessions — social skills groups (often run by SALTs) cost half the 1-to-1 rate and add peer practice.
Combine NHS + private — use NHS for diagnosis and core review; pay privately only for the specific intervention you can't access locally.
Time EP reports for an EHCP appeal — a single tribunal-ready report can secure tens of thousands of pounds of provision in Section F.

Related guides & directory

Speech & Language Therapists in Kent — directory of private SALTs
Occupational Therapists in Kent
Educational Psychologists in Kent
DLA eligibility checker — see if you qualify for £194.55/week
EHCP timeline tracker — keep KCC to the 20-week deadline
EHCP application Kent — get private therapy named in Section F