Your guide to speech pathology services in Australia

What can speech pathologists not provide?

Despite being able to provide much-needed support and guidance, there are limitations to what a speech pathologist can do.

In Australia, a speech pathologists can not:

• Diagnose conditions such as intellectual disabilities or ADHD
• Provide psychotherapy unless dual qualified
• Make medical decisions regarding feeding tubes or medications

But they can still support with:

• Work collaboratively with doctors, and paediatricians to share observations regarding the individual.
• However, speech pathologists can still refer to services and work with a client’s psychologist to support treatment plans and goals
• Instead speech pathologist are able to observe the individual during mealtimes and provide information from their findings

How do I access speech pathology in Australia?

There are several ways to access speech pathology services in Australia, depending on whether the individual has an NDIS plan or is seeking support through private or public services.

Through the NDIS individuals are required to have a pre-existing NDIS plan and are able to access Speech Pathology services if it aligns with their funded supports and goals. Importantly accessing speech pathology through the NDIS requires an approved participant with a plan specifically including goals related to communication, feeding or swallowing. Individuals must provide sufficient evidence of significant, permanent disability such as reports from GP or speech pathologists following assessment. Once approved funds are accessed from the capacity building- improved daily living section. 

For local information about accessing support, read our guide to accessing NDIS speech pathology in Adelaide.

Steps to Access Speech Pathology via NDIS:

• Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you have a permanent and significant disability affecting daily life. Children under 9 may access support via the NDIS Early Childhood Approach.
• Gather Evidence: Collect reports from a speech pathologist, GP, or paediatrician detailing the impact of your condition on communication or swallowing.
• Apply for the NDIS: Complete an Access Request Form (ARF), available by calling 1800 800 110 or visiting the NDIS website.
• Define Goals: During planning, clearly state your goals regarding speech and communication to ensure appropriate funding.
• Find a Provider: Once funded, look for registered NDIS speech pathology providers. 

Can I claim speech pathology on medicare?

Medicare may provide partial rebates for speech pathology under specific conditions, these being that a GP has completed a Chronic Disease Management Plan which allows for 5 allied health sessions per calendar year, these medicare rebate options are separated from support accessed through the NDIS.

Do I need a referral for speech pathology?

Referrals are only required for Speech pathology if an individual is using Medicare or public services separate from the NDIS. 

Is speech pathology covered? 

Medicare :  Speech pathology is covered under medicare upon the completion of a Chronic Disease management plan. There is usually a gap to pay.

Private Health Insurance: Speech pathology can be covered under private health insurance typically under extras policies, but you must check your specific policy for waiting periods. There is usually a gap to pay.

Why is speech pathology so expensive? 

Speech pathology can seem expensive, but you’re paying for specialised healthcare, not just the session itself. While families usually see a 45–60 minute appointment, a significant amount of work happens outside the session. This includes assessment scoring, individualised planning, goal setting, progress notes, reports for schools or the NDIS, and collaboration with families, educators and other professionals.

Speech therapy is also highly individualised and typically delivered one-to-one or in very small groups. This means the speech therapist is actively involved for the entire session, unlike larger group programs or classes.