What’s Your Niche? Specializing as an Speech-Language Pathologist

As speech-language pathologists (SLPs), our scope of practice is vast, covering everything from early intervention to adult cognitive rehabilitation. It’s simply not realistic (or necessary) to be an expert in every area. Yet, many SLPs enter the field without being introduced to the idea of specializing or niching down.

Specializing can happen in a variety of ways. You might focus your caseload in a specific area while working within a school or clinic, or you may decide to start your own private practice tailored to your niche.

What Is a Niche Practice?

A niche practice is one that focuses on a specific area of speech-language pathology. Niching down allows you to work with the clients you're most passionate about while building deep expertise, rather than feeling pressured to “do it all.”

For example, many members of the Meaningful Speech team run niche practices focused on supporting gestalt language processors and/or clients who use AAC. But there are many possible niches, including:

• Neurodiversity-affirming therapy

• Early intervention

• Apraxia / Motor speech disorders

• Speech sound disorders

• Stuttering

• Adult neurogenic communication disorders

• Executive functioning

• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

• Voice

• Literacy

Private Practice Can Look However You Want

There’s no one “right” way to run a private practice. It can be:

• In-person, virtual, in-home, or a hybrid

• A solo operation or a growing team

• Offering direct therapy, coaching, consulting, training, advocacy, or more

Your vision can grow and shift over time—and that’s okay! 

Why Start a Niche Practice?

When you work with clients you feel confident and passionate about, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled—and less likely to burn out. You also gain:

• Clinical autonomy to make decisions aligned with your values

• A reputation as an specialist, which drives referrals

• Strong word-of-mouth marketing from satisfied clients and families

When families trust your expertise, they’re excited to share your name with others.

How to Start a Niche Practice

If you're ready to explore private practice, check out our 1-hour recorded webinar hosted by Meaningful Speech team members Alex Zachos and Jess Teixeira. You’ll hear each of their stories, learn practical steps for getting started, and get answers to the most frequently asked questions about starting a niche private practice. And the best part? It’s just $47.  Sign up for the webinar HERE. 

Here’s what we cover in the webinar:

• Our stories – Both Alex and Jess share their journeys into private practice. Each path is different. You might relate to one, or both!
• Why start a niche practice?
•  Types of niches and how to define yours
• What you actually need to get started
• Deciding on your rates (we even share a helpful formula!)
• Insurance vs. private pay: how to choose what fits you
•  Superbills: what they are and how they work
• Health insurance/benefits for private practitioners
• BONUS: A recorded Q&A where we answer real questions from other professionals

Once purchased, you’ll have access to the recording for a full calendar year. Sign up for the webinar here.

Additional Resources

• There are many free podcasts, webinars and articles to get you started. A comprehensive list of resources can also be found on our website. We now have a FREE masterclass on echolalia and child-led therapy and a Beginner's Guide to AAC & Gestalt Language Processing that are perfect for anyone starting their learning journey or on the fence about purchasing our courses! 
• Meaningful Speech Course or AAC + Gestalt Language Processing Course: Deepen your understanding of gestalt language processing and learn strategies to support gestalt language development with one of our self-paced courses or webinars. 
• SLP Registry: Find speech-language pathologists experienced in supporting gestalt language processors and child-led therapy.
• Free Webinars and Articles: Access free information to further your own knowledge or get free resources you can share with others.