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What is the difference between a speech therapist and a 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?
17 Answers
The correct title for a master's level (or higher) clinician is Speech-Language Pathologist. We are often referred to as a Speech Therapist and sometimes even a Speech Teacher. More important than the "official" title is whether your speech therapist holds a license from the state in which they are practicing along with the Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. You will want to make sure that your provider is in good standing with both organizations.
there is technically no difference between the terms, "Speech Therapist" and "Speech Language Pathologist" . In order to be certified by ASHA, all practitioners must have completed a Masters Program in Speech -Language Pathology, complete a final board examination and a Fellowship Program. It's just a choice I believe in the title people use or how one is referred to. thank you for your question... it's a common question
Hi, There is none :) Speech Pathologist is our technical name/credential; however, it's the same as a Speech therapist. Glad your child is getting services! - Anna
None, the terms are interchangeable
Speech-language pathologists are often referred as Speech Therapists. It has to do with that other allied health professionals Occupational Therapists and Physicial therapists, use only the therapist title. There are some speech therapists in schools who are not Speech-Language Pathologists as they don't have their Masters's degree in communication disorders. These therapists were grandfathered in when changes were made to school programs back in the Early 2000's. If seeing a private therapist, these are always a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) often referred to as a Speech Therapist in Lamen's terms.
They are one and the same! The more formal term for our job title is Speech Language Pathologist" but we are often referred to as simply Speech Therapists as well. No need to be concerned. :)
There is no difference. However, pathologist is usually the term used in a
medical setting and therapist in education. Again same training
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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