What is Speech Pathology?

Speech pathology, also known as speech-language pathology, is a healthcare field focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), or speech therapists, work with individuals of all ages who experience difficulties with speech, language, voice, or fluency. This includes helping people who have trouble producing sounds clearly, understanding or using language, maintaining appropriate voice quality, or speaking fluently. SLPs also address cognitive-communication disorders that affect skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. These professionals work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and private practices. Their goal is to improve communication abilities and overall quality of life for their clients.