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How Long Should speech therapy last?

Writer's picture: Andrea SarkauskasAndrea Sarkauskas

Speech therapy is an important part of helping people with communication disorders improve their speaking abilities. Whether you or a loved one is undergoing speech therapy, it’s important to understand how long the therapy should last and what factors influence the duration of therapy.



What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy, also known as speech-language pathology, is the treatment of speech and language disorders. It helps people of all ages, from children with articulation disorders and early language delays to elderly individuals with conditions such as aphasia and dysphagia from a stroke or dementia, to improve their communication skills. Speech therapists use various techniques, including exercises, games, and activities, to help their patients achieve their goals.

What Factors Influence the Duration of Speech Therapy?

There are several factors that can influence the length of time a person needs to spend in speech therapy. These factors include the individual's age, the severity of their communication disorder, and the frequency of their therapy sessions.

Age

The age of the person undergoing speech therapy can greatly influence the duration of therapy. Children tend to respond faster to speech therapy than adults, as their brains are still developing and more adaptable to change. Adults, on the other hand, may take longer to see improvements in their communication abilities, as their brains have already fully developed.

Severity of Communication Disorder

The severity of the individual’s communication disorder can also impact the duration of therapy. Individuals with mild speech disorders may only need a few months of therapy, while those with more severe disorders may require several years of therapy.

Frequency of Therapy Sessions

The frequency of therapy sessions can also impact the duration of therapy. Individuals who attend therapy sessions regularly are more likely to see improvements in their communication abilities than those who attend infrequently.

How Long Does Speech Therapy Typically Last?

The length of speech therapy can vary greatly depending on the factors listed above. However, on average, speech therapy can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Children with mild disorders may only need a few months of therapy, while children with more severe disorders or adults may require several years of therapy.

Can Speech Therapy be Stopped Once the Goals Have Been Achieved?

Yes, speech therapy can be stopped once the goals have been achieved! That's the whole plan! However, it’s important to keep in mind that some individuals may need ongoing therapy to maintain their improved communication abilities. Some clients do best with a burst of services at the beginning and then less frequent sessions later.

How Can You Ensure the Success of Speech Therapy?

There are several steps you can take to ensure the success of speech therapy, including:

  • Attend therapy sessions regularly and on time

  • Practice speech exercises and activities at home

  • Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated

  • Communicate openly and honestly with your speech therapist

  • Stay involved in therapy and take an active role in your own progress

These steps also are likely to decrease the amount of time spent in therapy. One thing to consider is the amount of time a therapist spends with your child (up to 1.5 hours per week) compared to how much time parents spend with their children. That's why Chit Chat Speech Therapy loves to provide parent training during sessions because it allows the parents to participate in therapy and learn the best strategies to improve their child's communication skills.


Speech therapy is an important part of improving communication abilities, but the length of therapy can vary greatly depending on several factors, including age, severity of communication disorder, type of speech therapy, and frequency of therapy sessions. On average, speech therapy can last anywhere from a few months to several years. To ensure the success of speech therapy, it’s important to attend therapy sessions regularly, practice speech exercises at home, maintain a positive attitude, and stay involved in therapy.

Discover the Benefits of Chit Chat Speech Therapy in Minnesota

If you're looking for top-notch speech therapy services in Minnesota, look no further than Chit Chat Speech Therapy. Our experienced therapists provide personalized, high-quality care to help children overcome speech and language challenges. Whether you're located in the Twin Cities Metro Area or nearby cities such as Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Blaine, North Oaks, Roseville, White Bear Lake, or other surrounding suburbs our therapy services are mobile, meaning we come to you! We are here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way. So if you're ready to take the first step of improving your child's speech and language development, contact us today at 763-280-3202 to schedule your first appointment!


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