If you or your child need speech therapy, you might be wondering: "How much does it cost to see a speech pathologist?" or "How much is speech therapy per session?" Speech pathology services are an essential support for individuals with communication difficulties, but many families are concerned about the cost.
At Write to Speak, we charge $193.99 per hour for both private and NDIS clients. Our pricing reflects the true cost of delivering high-quality therapy while ensuring fairness for all clients. But why does speech therapy cost what it does? Let's break it down.
Hourly Rate for Speech Therapists in Australia
The hourly rate for speech therapists varies depending on whether you see a private provider, use NDIS funding, or access therapy through a public service. In Australia, private speech therapy rates typically range from $150 to $250 per hour, depending on the provider's experience, location, and specialisation.
For NDIS participants, the current maximum NDIS hourly rate for speech pathology is $193.99 per hour. However, it's important to note that this rate has not changed since 2019, despite increases in inflation and business costs.
How Much Is Speech Therapy Per Session?
A typical speech therapy session lasts 45 to 60 minutes, though shorter and longer sessions are sometimes available. The total cost of a session depends on:
- Direct therapy time (e.g. 45–60 minutes of face-to-face therapy)
- Non-face-to-face tasks, such as documentation, goal-setting, and therapy preparation
- Assessment and reporting (if required)
- Travel costs (if the session is conducted at home or school)
At Write to Speak, our 60-minute sessions are charged at $193.99, which includes both direct therapy and essential non-face-to-face work.
Why Is Speech Therapy So Expensive?
Many families ask, "Why does speech therapy cost so much?" The cost of speech pathology reflects several factors, including:
Comprehensive Service Delivery
A one-hour session is more than just the time spent in therapy. Speech pathologists also spend time preparing for sessions, writing reports, developing resources, and liaising with teachers or other health professionals.
Professional Training and Expertise
Speech pathologists complete years of university education and must stay up to date with the latest research and treatment techniques. Ongoing professional development is a requirement of the profession.
Business and Operational Costs
Running a speech pathology clinic involves rent, insurance, professional membership fees, therapy materials, and administration costs.
NDIS Pricing and the Lack of Increases
While the NDIS aims to provide affordable services, the NDIS hourly rate for speech pathology has remained at $193.99 since 2019. This means that while business expenses have increased, speech pathologists providing NDIS services are limited in what they can charge.
How Much Does Private Speech Therapy Cost Compared to NDIS?
At Write to Speak, we believe in fair and ethical pricing, which is why we charge the same hourly rate for private clients as we do for NDIS participants. Some clinics charge private clients more than NDIS clients, but we believe in providing the same high-quality service to all individuals, regardless of how their sessions are funded.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of Speech Therapy?
If you're concerned about how much speech therapy costs, there are options available to make it more affordable:
- NDIS funding (for eligible individuals with communication disorders)
- Medicare rebates (for clients with a Chronic Disease Management Plan from their GP)
- Private health insurance (some extras policies cover speech therapy)
- School-based or community-funded services
Final Thoughts: Is Speech Therapy Worth the Cost?
Speech therapy is an investment in communication skills, academic success, and overall quality of life. While the cost of speech therapy may seem high, it reflects the expertise, preparation, and personalised care that each client receives.
At Write to Speak, we are committed to transparent and ethical pricing to ensure all clients receive the support they need.
For more details on our services, visit our pricing page.
