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Speech therapy
Speech therapist supports speech, language, communication, and voice use skills of all ages in various life situations.
Specialist in the article
Johtava terapeutti, Palvelupäällikkö
Revised 1/23/2026
Speech therapy concisely
- Speech therapy supports speech, language, communication, and interaction skills when they need strengthening in daily life or at work.
- Speech therapy can focus on, for example, speech production, speech fluency, linguistic skills, as well as voice use and management of voice strain.
- Speech therapy is carried out at the practice, in the everyday environment, or remotely, according to the client's needs.
Speech therapist is a specialist in speech, language development, and communication
A speech therapist is a specialist in speech, language development, and communication. In clinical practice or everyday environments, the speech therapist assesses the client’s situation and plans rehabilitation that supports daily life, interaction, and individual goals across various life situations.
Speech therapy methods
Speech and language comprehension disorders can be congenital or result from an injury or illness. The methods and approaches used in speech therapy are always selected according to the client’s individual needs and life situation.
Speech therapy methods include:
- guidance and counselling, for example, in solutions supporting everyday communication, interaction, or voice use.
- exercises to support speech and language development, such as work related to articulation, speech fluency, or linguistic skills.
- methods related to voice use and management of voice strain, especially for those working with speech.
- supporting interaction and communication, including the utilization of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods.
- guidance of the immediate environment, so that rehabilitation goals support daily life even between therapy sessions.
- supporting eating and swallowing skills, as part of overall functional capacity.
In children's speech therapy, exercises are carried out through various games, play, and everyday activities. The aim is to support the development of the child's communication and interaction in daily situations.
Speech therapy can take place at the practice, in the client’s everyday environment, or remotely, and it may be provided individually or in a group setting.
Who is speech therapy suitable for?
Speech therapy is suitable for children, young people, and adults of all ages whose speech, language development, communication, interaction, or voice use skills need support. Speech therapy may be beneficial, for example, when you or a loved one has:
- challenges related to speech production or speech fluency, such as articulation difficulties or stuttering
- delayed language development or a need for support in developing language skills
- challenges related to interaction or communication
- a need for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods
- problems related to voice use or voice strain, especially in speech-intensive work
- language-related challenges in reading or writing
- a need for support related to eating or swallowing
- a neurological disease, injury, or other health condition that affects speech or communication, such as aphasia
How speech therapy progresses
The speech therapist tailors speech therapy to meet your or your loved one’s needs, goals, resources, and life situation. Speech therapy may be provided over a shorter or longer period, and the frequency of sessions varies individually.
At the first meeting, the speech therapist discusses everyday situations related to speech, language development, communication, or voice use with you and reviews the rehabilitation plan if you are attending with a payment commitment.
If a speech therapy assessment has not been conducted previously, an initial assessment period can be arranged to evaluate skills related to speech and communication.
Together with the speech therapist, you will agree on the goals of the rehabilitation, the frequency of appointments, and where and how the speech therapy will be carried out. Speech therapy can take place, for example, at the practice, in the client’s everyday environment, or remotely.
In speech therapy, skills related to speech, language development, communication, interaction, and voice use are strengthened according to individual goals. Therapy includes functional, everyday-oriented exercises that support the use of these skills in daily situations.
The speech therapist provides guidance on how exercises and supportive strategies can be continued between therapy sessions. Involving the client’s immediate environment helps support the achievement of goals in everyday life.
The progress of rehabilitation and the achievement of goals are monitored regularly. Speech therapy and its goals are adjusted as needed at different stages of the rehabilitation process.
How to get speech therapy
Speech therapy can be sought with a payment commitment or at one's own expense.
Speech therapy can be accessed with a payment commitment from Kela, the wellbeing services county, the hospital district, or the municipality. For clients coming with a payment commitment, speech therapy is based on a rehabilitation plan.
It is also possible to seek speech therapy at one's own expense without a referral. In this case, the speech therapist assesses the need for rehabilitation and suitable progress together with the client.
If necessary, our customer service will help in finding the right service and with questions related to appointment booking.
Frequently asked questions about speech therapy
Speech therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on improving and supporting speech, language, and communication. It can include various exercises and methods, such as articulation practice, supporting language comprehension and production, and developing communication skills.
A speech therapist is a healthcare professional who has completed a higher university degree in logopedics and is registered as a healthcare professional approved by Valvira. Their special expertise focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and communication disorders.
A speech therapist helps and supports individuals who have speech, language, or communication disorders. They work in clients' everyday environments, such as in homes, schools, or daycares, and collaborate with the client's close circle. The speech therapist's work includes assessment, planning, and rehabilitation, where various methods and exercises are used according to the client's needs.
In speech therapy, many different activities are done that support the development of speech and language. This can include various exercises and methods, such as articulation practice, improving speech fluency, developing eating and swallowing skills, voice use practice, and many other activities that help improve communication ability.
A person should seek speech therapy when they have difficulties in producing speech, understanding language, using their voice, or in other areas of communication that affect daily life activities. For example, if a child has a delay in speech or language development, or if an adult has experienced changes in speech as a result of a brain injury or neurological disease, speech therapy may be necessary.
Speech therapy can be sought at any age when a need is identified. For children, speech therapy may be necessary already in early childhood, while adults may need speech therapy, for example, after a brain injury, illness, or accident.
