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Find A Speech Therapist

Your Guide to Finding the Right Speech Language Pathologist

Speech therapy can be pivotal in assisting people who stutter to enhance their comfort and confidence in speaking. Choosing the right Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a crucial and personal decision. To aid in this process, the NSA offers valuable resources, including websites and information, to help you find an SLP that best meets your needs.

It’s important to note, there is no “best” method of speech therapy for stuttering. While most treatment approaches help people who stutter, no single method works for everyone, regardless of the advertising claims for some therapies.

Research also shows that people who stutter see the most successful outcomes when:

  • The clinician is experienced in working with people who stutter; and

  • The clinician and client have a “therapeutic alliance” that enables them to work well together.

 
The NSA highly recommends you speak with potential SLPs and ask about their experience and comfort level with people who stutter, their treatment approaches, and their expected outcomes after therapy. Often, the specific questions you ask are not as important as your level of confidence that the SLP is the right one for you. Many SLPs will offer a consultation prior to initiating therapy in which you can ask questions and gauge your own comfort level in working with this professional. Below is a sample of questions you can ask an SLP during a consultation before starting therapy.

  • “How do you view stuttering—as something to ‘fix,’ or as a way of speaking that can be supported?”
    Red Flag Response: “My goal is to help you speak fluently all the time” or “We’ll work on eliminating your stutter.”

  • “What does a stuttering therapy session with you typically look like?”
    Red Flag Response: “We’ll do drills until you speak fluently” or “I use a set program where we practice techniques until you get rid of your stuttering.”

  • “How do you help clients balance fluency strategies with acceptance of their stuttering?”
    Red Flag Response: “I’ll give you techniques to hide your stuttering” or “Acceptance isn’t really part of therapy—our job is fluency.”

  • “What resources or communities do you recommend for people who stutter?”
    Red Flag Response: “I don’t really know of any stuttering communities” or “You shouldn’t need those if therapy works.”

  • “How do you handle moments when a client stutters openly in therapy?”
    Red Flag Response: “I’ll stop you and remind you to use your fluency technique” or “We’ll try again until it comes out smoothly.”


We suggest you visit the Treatment for Stuttering page to read up about the different types of treatment so you can ask the right types of questions to help the SLP tailor therapy to your specific needs. 

Speech-Language Pathologist Referral List

Specialty Board on Fluency Disorders
www.StutteringSpecialists.org
 
The Specialty Board on Fluency Disorders maintains a list of SLPs who have advanced training in stuttering and meet peer-reviewed standards as board-recognized specialists. They also offer tips on choosing an SLP and specific questions to ask to help you select the right therapist.

Please note: The NSA does not warrant the competency of these speech-language pathologists nor guarantee the effectiveness of their treatment. As with any referral, speak with the professional and ask questions.
 
GlobalSpeech
global-speech-access
​
GlobalSpeech is a student-created tool that maps nearly 2,000 speech therapy centers across the U.S. and parts of North America. With simple filters by state and clinic type, it’s designed to make finding support easier. Created by high school student Noel Thomas (Leland High School, San Jose, CA), who has personal experience with stuttering, GlobalSpeech was designed to help others in the community connect with services.
 
Please note: While we believe this is a valuable resource, it may not include every clinic, and some details may change over time. The NSA does not evaluate or guarantee the services listed, so please reach out to providers directly with any questions.


Other Resources
 
Stuttering Programs and Camps
westutter.org/post/other-programs
​The NSA maintains a list of workshops, intensive programs, camps, summer classes, and programs for people who stutter of all ages. (We do our best to keep this list as updated as possible.)

NSA Local Chapters
westutter.org/join-a-chapter
 The NSA has an extensive network of local chapters for Adults, Families, Teens and Kids across the United States. These chapters meet monthly and provide community and self-help support for people who stutter. The purpose of these local NSA chapters is to be a judgement-free place for people who stutter to share their stuttering experience with other people who stutter.


American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
www.asha.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a professional credentialing association for speech-language pathologists, audiologists and hearing scientists. ASHA has helpful advice about obtaining reimbursement for stuttering treatment.

Spero Stuttering, Inc.
www.sperostuttering.org
 The vision of Spero Stuttering, Inc. is to help, empower, and advocate for the stuttering community and their families by equipping those who work with people who stutter. The annual NSA conference is a perfect opportunity for SLPs to connect with and learn from people who stutter. Did you know that Spero has stipends available for SLPs to attend training and connection opportunities like the NSA conference? Apply today by going to Funding Opportunities at https://www.sperostuttering.org/ally. If you have any questions, email Ana Paula Mumy.

NSA National Office
If needed, the NSA can offer further assistance in helping you find an SLP in your area. Contact us.

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