Bilingual Speech Therapy

No. Bilingual speech therapy is not language instruction; it is therapy provided by a SLP to support communication skills in both of a child’s existing languages. The focus is on improving clarity, vocabulary, social communication and confidence across the languages a child already uses.

Insurance coverage for bilingual therapies varies by plan but is often included when therapy is deemed medically necessary. Because services are provided by licensed SLPs, insurance typically views them similarly to other types of pediatric speech therapy. Families should confirm details, such as co-pays, session limits and referral requirements with their insurance provider before beginning.

Some insurance plans require a referral from a pediatrician or primary care provider for bilingual therapy services, while others do not. Referrals are also common when children are identified through school screenings or pediatric wellness checks. Checking your plan’s requirements and discussing concerns with your child’s doctor can help determine the best first step.

Your child may benefit from bilingual speech therapy if they have difficulty communicating clearly in one or both languages, are hard to understand or struggle to keep up with peers in language development. An evaluation by a bilingual SLP can help determine whether therapy is needed and how it can support growth across both languages.

The length of bilingual speech therapy depends on each child’s developmental needs, progress and exposure to both languages. Toddlers often participate in weekly sessions for several months, with regular progress reviews. Because therapy reinforces skills across two languages, consistent practice at home and in daily life plays an especially important role in supporting steady improvement.