Speech pathologist or speech therapist: what is the difference?
The short answer: there is no difference. In Australia, “speech pathologist” and “speech therapist” are two names for the same health professional, and “speech pathologist” is the name the profession uses here.
What matters more than the name is whether the person is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), because the title “speech pathologist” is not protected by law.
The two names side by side
| Speech pathologist | Speech therapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Is it the same job? | Yes | Yes |
| Where you hear it | The name used by Speech Pathology Australia, the profession’s national body, and by health services in Australia | The everyday name many parents, schools and doctors use |
| What they help with | Talking, understanding, social communication, voice, reading and writing, and eating, drinking and swallowing | The same |
| Regulated by Ahpra? | No. Speech pathology is a self-regulated profession | The same |
| What to look for | CPSP: Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with Speech Pathology Australia | The same: ask if they are a CPSP |
| Medicare or private health rebates | CPSP status is required for Medicare and private health insurance rebates | The same |
| Do you need a doctor’s referral? | No, but you need one for a Medicare rebate | The same |
Why the title matters
Some health professions in Australia, such as occupational therapy, psychology and physiotherapy, are registered with Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Speech pathology is not one of them. Instead, Speech Pathology Australia runs the Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) program, which sets standards for practice and ongoing training.
Because “speech pathologist” is not a protected title, anyone could use it, and “speech therapist” is not protected either. So the useful question is not “pathologist or therapist?” but “is this person a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist?” A CPSP can also help your family claim Medicare or private health rebates where they apply.
Who a speech pathologist suits
A speech pathologist may help if your child:
- is late to talk, or is hard to understand for their age
- finds it hard to follow directions or understand questions
- finds it hard to put words and sentences together
- finds it hard to get their message across and may use signs, symbols or a device (AAC)
- has trouble chewing, swallowing or drinking, or moving on to new food textures
- finds it hard to learn to read and spell
When another service fits
- Choose a speech pathologist when your main worry is talking, understanding, communicating or swallowing.
- An occupational therapist may fit better when the worry is everyday tasks such as dressing, handwriting, using scissors, play or managing big feelings. Some children see both; see OT or physio? for how occupational therapy differs from physiotherapy.
- Talk with your GP if you are worried about your child’s hearing or their general health. Your GP can also tell you whether a Medicare plan applies.
How My Therapy Space fits
All our Speech Pathologists are Certified Practising Speech Pathologists (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia. We see children 0-18 years, with some support also available to young adults with disabilities, at our Burleigh Waters and Hope Island clinics and by telehealth.
You do not need a letter from a GP to start: most families refer their child themselves. Our Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists work under one roof and can offer joint sessions.
- What we help with: Speech Pathology
- Fees: Therapist Fees
- NDIS, Medicare and private health: Funding, and NDIS, Medicare or private health?
- What a session costs after funding: What will I pay?
Questions families ask
Is a speech pathologist the same as a speech therapist?
Yes. They are two names for the same profession. “Speech pathologist” is the name used in Australia.
Is a speech pathologist registered with Ahpra?
No. Speech pathology is self-regulated. Look for a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia.
Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?
No. You need a referral from your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist only if you want to claim a Medicare rebate.
Can I claim a speech pathologist through Medicare or my health fund?
Possibly. Medicare rebates and private health rebates need a CPSP, and Medicare also needs the right referral. See Funding.
Are all your Speech Pathologists CPSP?
Yes. All our Speech Pathologists are Certified Practising Speech Pathologists with Speech Pathology Australia.
Talk to us
Not sure where to start? Call reception on 07 5559 9888 or make a referral. Tell us what you have noticed, and we will help you work out the next step.