Specializing as a Speech-Language Pathologist

As speech-language pathologists our scope of practice is huge. It is impossible to be an expert or specialist in all areas of our field. Many speech-language pathologists are never taught about other options like specializing/niching down.

You can do this by starting your own private practice, or niching down on the clients you take on if you work in a setting that allows you to do so.

What is a niche practice?

A niche practice is a specialized practice. Specializing allows you to support the clients that you’re passionate about and deep dive into an area of our field rather than feeling like you have to know it all. For example, many members of the Meaningful Speech team have niche practices that focus on supporting gestalt language processors and/or AAC. Some other examples of niches include (not an exhaustive list):

• Neurodiversity-affirming therapy
• Early intervention
• Apraxia/Motor speech
• Speech sound disorders
• Stuttering
• Adult Neurogenic Speech Disorders
• Executive Functioning
• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)
• Voice
• Literacy

Private practices also come in many shapes and sizes. There is no “one-size-fits-all” to what it needs to look and operate like. There are various options for the type of practice you can have (e.g. brick and mortar clinic, in-home, virtual, mixed), the size of the practice you run (e.g. you may want a solo practice or you may want to build a team), and the services you offer (direct therapy, coaching, teletherapy, trainings, advocacy, etc.). Your vision for your practice might change over time, and that is okay! 

Why start a niche practice?

Supporting clients that you feel experienced, comfortable and passionate about may prevent burn out and resentment throughout your career. You have complete autonomy over all clinical, business, and administrative decisions you make. People will also see you as an expert in your niche(s) and know they will be getting quality therapy. Word of mouth referrals from current and past clients is huge for building a caseload. If you are known for quality therapy, families will be confident and excited to refer other families to you that are looking for services. 

How to start a niche practice?

If you’re interested in learning  how to start a niche private practice, check out the 1-hour recorded webinar that was hosted by Meaningful Speech team members Alex Zachos and Jess Teixeira. The webinar includes each of their own speech-language pathology niche practice stories, guidance on how to get started and answers to the most common questions about starting a niche practice! Once purchased, you will have access to the recording for a calendar year. You can sign up for the webinar here. 

Want to learn more in-depth information about how to support gestalt language processors?

1. There are many free podcasts, webinars and articles to get you started. A comprehensive list of resources can also be found on our website. We just released a new FREE masterclass on echolalia and child-led therapy that is perfect for anyone starting their learning journey or on the fence about purchasing our courses! 
2. Consider taking the Meaningful Speech course to learn more about how your child or client processes language, how you can help support them from echolalia to self-generated (original flexible) language, child-led therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Looking for something shorter? We have a 1-hour introductory course perfect for extended family, daycare or school staff.
3. Consider taking our AAC + Gestalt Language Processing course. It will teach you how to identify, evaluate and support gestalt language processors who use AAC or who you think might benefit from AAC.
4. Look for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who "gets it" and can help you in supporting your child's language development. Check out our registry for SLPs who understand gestalt language processing and child-led therapy.
5. Are you a school-based or private practice clinician looking for intake forms for new clients/students or creative visual reminder posters for your space? Check out the Meaningful Speech Marketplace. 
6. Want to learn more about starting a niche private practice? Watch our 1-hour webinar on starting a niche private practice hosted by Alex Zachos and Jess Teixeira from the Meaningful Speech team HERE.