Private Practice vs. School-Based Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Parents seeking speech therapy for their child often wonder about the differences between private practice and school-based therapy. Both have their benefits, but understanding how they work can help you make the best choice for your child.

School-Based Speech Therapy

• Provided as part of a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) under federal law

• Focuses on educational impact rather than comprehensive language needs

• Often occurs in small groups, meaning less individualized attention

• Limited session time due to caseload demands

Private Practice Speech Therapy

• Personalized, one-on-one sessions tailored to the child’s specific needs

• More flexibility in scheduling and treatment goals

• Addresses communication skills beyond the classroom, including social and functional speech

• More frequent sessions can lead to faster progress

While school-based therapy is valuable, private practice can provide a more intensive, individualized approach that supports speech and language development in all aspects of life.