How to start a private speech and language therapy practice in the UK

Registration and Insurance Requirements for Private Speech Therapists

‘Speech and Language Therapist’ is a protected title regulated by the HCPC. You must be registered to use the title and to practise - this applies equally in any employed setting and in private practice.

HCPC registration

Your existing registration continues into private practice with no additional steps. Keep your renewal dates noted and maintain your CPD requirements, ensuring your continuing development reflects the client groups you’re working with privately.

Professional indemnity insurance

You’ll need your own policy for private practice - your employer’s cover won’t apply. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) offers member insurance through Zurich. Specialist health and social care insurers like Balens, HCAS, and Towergate are also widely used by private SaLTs.

DBS check

If you work with children or vulnerable adults - which covers most private SaLT work - you’ll need an enhanced DBS check. As a self-employed practitioner, you’ll need to apply through a registered umbrella body. RCSLT can advise on this.

Choosing your client group

Many SaLTs go private in a specific area of expertise - paediatric speech and language delay, stammering, voice disorders, aphasia following stroke, dysphagia, or autism and AAC. Being clear about your specialism from the start makes your marketing much more straightforward and helps you attract the right referrals.

See the going private practice hub for an overview of going private across disciplines, including occupational therapists, psychologists and therapists, and physiotherapists.

Local SEO for Speech and Language Therapists: Getting Found by Families

Parents and carers searching for private SaLT tend to search with a lot of specificity. Ranking for those searches is the most direct route to enquiries.

The searches that matter

• “Private speech therapist [your area]” or “speech and language therapist near me”
• “Private speech therapy for children [area]”
• “Speech delay therapist [area]”
• “Stammering therapy [area]” or “private stuttering therapy”
• “AAC specialist [area]”
• “Dysphagia therapy [area]” (if you work with adults with swallowing difficulties)
• “Aphasia therapy [area]” (if you work with adults post-stroke)

How to improve your visibility

• Include your specialism and location in your website page titles and headings
• Create a dedicated page for each area you specialise in - these rank individually
• Write content that answers parent questions: “what to expect from a speech therapy assessment”, “how long does speech therapy take for a 3-year-old”
• Get Google reviews from professional referrers and from parents (within appropriate professional boundaries)
• Make your HCPC registration number clearly visible - it builds trust and supports Google’s quality signals for health content

Common Questions About Going Private as a Speech and Language Therapist

Can I offer online speech therapy sessions?

Yes, and many private SaLTs do - particularly for older children and adults. Online sessions aren’t suitable for all client groups (very young children often need in-person interaction) but they significantly expand your potential client base and reduce overhead. Make clear on your website and Google Business Profile which client groups you’ll see online versus in person.

How do I handle EHCP reviews and report writing privately?

Many parents commission private SaLT assessments specifically to support EHCP applications or reviews. If you’re writing reports for this purpose, be clear about what your assessment covers, use appropriate professional language, and make sure you’re familiar with the EHCP process and what local authorities expect from SaLT reports. The RCSLT has guidance on this.

How much should I charge for private speech therapy?

Rates vary by location and specialism. Initial assessments typically run from £120–£250, with follow-up therapy sessions at £80–£150 per hour. Report writing is often charged separately. Research comparable rates in your area - undercharging significantly can create sustainability issues and occasionally undermines professional confidence in your service.

Where do most private SaLT referrals come from?

For paediatric work, the most common routes are: parents searching Google directly, word of mouth from SENCOs and SEN departments, referrals from paediatricians, and health visitor recommendations. For adult work, GPs and hospital discharge teams are common referral routes. Being listed on the RCSLT’s find-a-therapist directory is helpful across both groups.

Also see our guides for physiotherapists, nutritionists and dietitians, occupational therapists, and psychologists and therapists if you’re part of a wider multidisciplinary team or building a referral network.