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Speech therapy for children in Australia

Helps children understand and use words, sounds and language.

  • 1,300+Providers listed
  • 765Suburbs covered
  • FreeFor families to use

What is speech therapy for children?

Speech pathologists (often called speech therapists) assess and support how children communicate - including late talking, unclear or hard-to-understand speech, difficulty understanding language, stuttering, and using alternative communication.

For most families, an initial assessment leads to a short plan of regular sessions, with practical strategies to use at home and, where helpful, with the child's early-learning centre or school.

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

Medicare pays a rebate for some speech therapy sessions when your GP writes a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a referral first. Some private health extras policies pay part of the cost. For a child with autism, a paediatrician's treatment plan opens up to 20 more rebated sessions.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • NDIS price limit

    $193.99 an hour

    Speech pathology, 2026–27.

  • Medicare rebate

    $63.40 a session

    Up to 5 sessions a year with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No referral is needed to see one privately. You only need a GP referral if you want to access Medicare rebates or are going through certain funded pathways.

Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?

It can be, usually under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living, if it aligns with your child's plan goals. Check your plan or ask your support coordinator.

At what age should we see a speech pathologist?

There's no "too early." If you have concerns about your child's talking or understanding at any age, an assessment can clarify whether support would help.

How long are sessions and how many will we need?

Session length varies between clinics and services, so check it with the provider when you book. The number depends on your child's goals; the pathologist will recommend a plan after the initial assessment.

Most in-demand areas for speech therapy

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