COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions I’m asked most often. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch — I’m always happy to help.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
If you have any concerns about your child’s communication — whether it’s their speech sounds, vocabulary, ability to follow instructions, or their confidence in communicating — it is always worth seeking an assessment. The free initial consultation is the best starting point: we’ll talk through your concerns and I’ll help you decide whether a full assessment would be worthwhile. Early support nearly always leads to better outcomes.
What’s the difference between NHS and private speech therapy?
Both NHS and private therapists are fully qualified and registered professionals. The main practical differences are waiting times and flexibility. NHS therapy is free but waiting times in Northern Ireland can be many months. Private therapy can usually begin within days or weeks, with more frequent sessions and more flexibility around scheduling. Some families access both — starting privately while waiting for an NHS appointment.
How long does therapy typically last?
This varies significantly depending on the nature and severity of your child’s difficulties, and how they respond to therapy. Some children make rapid progress in a short block of sessions; others benefit from longer-term support. After the initial assessment, I’ll give you a realistic expectation of the likely duration, and we’ll review progress regularly throughout.
Can parents be involved in sessions?
Yes — and I actively encourage it. Parents and carers are the most important part of any successful therapy programme. The strategies and activities from sessions need to be carried into everyday life at home for the best results. I always ensure you leave each session with a clear understanding of what was worked on and what you can do at home to support your child’s progress.
What happens at the first appointment?
The initial assessment is 60–90 minutes and takes place at the clinic in Crawfordsburn. It includes a structured assessment of your child’s speech and language skills, a discussion with you about your observations and concerns. For more complex cases a more detailed assessment may be provided. I’ll then discuss the findings with you and recommend a therapy plan tailored to your child’s individual needs.
Will therapy be covered by health insurance?
Many private health insurance policies cover speech and language therapy. You’ll need to check your policy details and obtain pre-authorisation from your insurer before starting therapy. I can provide invoices and reports in the format most insurers require. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss this further.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Virtual sessions are available and can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many children. They’re particularly useful for families who find travel difficult, or for maintaining progress between clinic visits. Online sessions can also be a good way to involve parents more directly in the therapy process.
Can you come to my child’s school or nursery?
Yes — therapy can be delivered directly in your child’s school or nursery setting. This is often valuable as it allows me to observe the child in their everyday environment and work directly with staff. I also offer staff training and consultation for schools and nurseries. Find out more about school and nursery services.
My child is on a waiting list — should I wait?
Early intervention generally leads to better outcomes. Starting private therapy now doesn’t mean you lose your NHS place — you can continue on the waiting list and transition to NHS therapy when a place becomes available, or continue privately if that works better for your family.
Still have a question? Get in touch — I’m happy to help.
Bayburn Speech Therapy 