Speech and Language Therapy Services in Ireland

Speech and Language Therapy Services in Ireland

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTS) work with people across the lifespan, from the tiniest premature babies to the most vulnerable elderly people. With our specialist knowledge and skills, we can support people with a wide range of communication and feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing (FEDS) difficulties. An SLT's role is to assess, diagnose and support people with communication needs to fulfil their social, educational, emotional and vocational potential and to ensure safe swallowing for those with FEDS needs.

Where do Speech and Language Therapists Work ?

Where do Speech and Language Therapists Work ?

We work across a wide and surprising variety of settings including but not limited to the following.

  • HSE Primary Care and Health Centres
  • Early Intervention and School age Disability Teams
  • Acute Public and Private Hospitals and Outpatient Departments 
  • Rehabilitation Centres
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Teams
  • Adult Mental Health Services
  • Intellectual Disability Services

  • Language Classes in Mainstream schools
  • Mainstream Schools
  • Special Educational Settings 
  • Charities / Voluntary Organisations looking after people with disabilities.
  • Courtrooms, Prisons and Young Offenders’ Institutions
  • Day Centres
  • Clients’ own homes
  • Independently or in private practice.
  • Community Development settings

Where can I find a Speech and Language Therapist?

Where can I find a Speech and Language Therapist?

If you or your child are admitted to an acute hospital or rehabilitation centre and if you have communication or swallowing needs, the speech and language therapist will be involved in your care as part of the hospital or rehabilitation team. They will refer you to the speech and language therapy services in your community when you leave hospital.

If you are living in the community and you need to find a speech and language therapist for yourself or a family member, there are several ways of doing so.

  • Parents of children and teenagers from 0-17.11 years can make a referral directly to their local Health Service Executive (HSE) Community/ Primary care  Speech and Language Therapy service by contacting their Local Health Office directly and completing a referral form. 
  • If your child is under five and they have difficulties with two or more areas of their development, you may also seek a referral to your local Early Intervention Team, where they will see a Speech and Language Therapist as part of a team of other professionals..
    A detailed referral form must be completed by a professional such as GP, Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or Social Worker. 
  • If your child is attending a  HSE funded voluntary service for physical sensory or intellectual disability they may receive speech and language therapy as part of that service.
  • Adult Speech and Language Therapy services are now available at many H.S.E.  Primary Health Care Centres.
  • Specific adult and child services are available through Child and Adolescent or Adult Mental Health Services.
  • You can contact your Local Health Office for information on public services in your area.You can also contact your general practitioner (GP).

Private Speech and Language Therapy Services which may be partly covered by private health insurance and eligible for tax relief are also available.

Many charitable organisations offer helpful information and supports to individuals with speech and language therapy needs. For more information, contact the relevant support group below.

The Irish Stammering Association

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Parkinsons Association of Ireland

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Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

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