Does Online Speech Therapy Work as Well as In-Person Therapy?
Leanne Sherred, M.S., CCC-SLP
At Expressable, we often hear this important question: Does online speech therapy work as well as in-person speech therapy?
More and more people are choosing teletherapy because of its convenience, flexibility, and ability to fit into busy schedules. Online speech therapy allows families to connect with a licensed speech-language pathologist from the comfort of home, without the hassle of commuting. It also gives parents more opportunities to be involved in their child’s progress, which can be harder when therapy happens in a school or clinic.
But how does online speech therapy compare to in-person therapy in terms of effectiveness? Let’s take a look at the research.
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Get startedDoes research support online speech therapy?
Extensive studies have been done on the results of online vs. in-person speech therapy for various speech and language disorders. The results are clear: Done properly, online speech therapy is highly effective.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognizes teletherapy as a valid and evidence-based service delivery model for speech and language disorders. Research shows that when conducted by a qualified professional, online speech therapy can yield similar outcomes to in-person therapy.
Online vs. in-person speech therapy for toddlers
Many studies have shown the effectiveness of online speech therapy for toddlers:
De Leon et al. (2022) looked at toddlers ages 1-2 years old receiving early intervention speech therapy. They achieved comparable 6-month progress on their goals whether therapy was delivered online or in-person.
Several studies comparing in-person and telepractice speech therapy among toddlers (ages 18 to 30 months) have found that telepractice led to equivalent or higher scores on standardized language assessments (Behl et al. 2017; Blaiser et al. 2013; Constantinescu et al. 2014).
Research also shows that when parents are coached during online speech therapy, their toddlers increase their expressive language and social communication skills (Ingersoll et al. 2024, Mettler et al. 2023).
Online vs. in-person speech therapy for children
One of the most well-known studies was done in 2011 at Kent State University. Researchers compared students receiving in-person speech therapy to those receiving online speech therapy over eight months. Here were the key findings:
Children made similar progress in both therapy models.
No significant difference was found in GFTA-2 (Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation) scores. The GFTA-2 is the most commonly used articulation test for children and adults.
Parents and students overwhelmingly supported teletherapy due to convenience and accessibility.
Similarly, a study by the Ohio Department of Public Health examined the use of teletherapy in schools due to a shortage of speech therapists. The results were clear: Students in the online speech therapy group showed the same level of progress as those in in-person therapy when measured on the GFTA-2.
A qualitative systematic review of telepractice for 0-7 year olds found that "the majority of studies … described telepractice as a format of service delivery that seemed to facilitate and enhance children’s, families’ and professionals’ engagement in [early intervention]." Telepractice provided more opportunities for teaching families how to help their children at home. Researchers also found that young children are generally engaged in online therapy—often better than parents or providers might expect! Other studies have shown that online speech therapy works just as well as in-person for treating specific conditions such as:
Online vs. in-person speech therapy for adults
Other studies have looked at how well online speech therapy works for adults. Research shows that it works just as well as in-person therapy. For example, studies show that online speech therapy is effective and reliable for adults with:
Of course, there are cases where in-person therapy is best for the client. But for many adults, online speech therapy is just as helpful, with some added benefits, too, such as:
Flexible scheduling
No need to travel (and the cost savings that results!)
Receiving therapy in a comfortable home environment
What makes online speech therapy successful?
One major reason for the success of online vs. in-person speech therapy is that both models rely on the skills and expertise of the therapist. A great speech therapist will ensure their client's engagement, progress, and results, regardless of whether sessions are in-person or online.
If you decide on online speech therapy for your child, make sure you find a speech therapist who’s experienced with this delivery method. Beyond providing excellent care, online speech therapists know how to keep children engaged in sessions. They use different techniques to keep children's attention, such as playing fun computer games or giving your child remote access to draw on a virtual whiteboard.
Remember, one of the biggest benefits of online speech therapy is that it takes place in the comfort and familiarity of the child's home. Your speech therapist should encourage you and your child to bring favorite toys, games, or books to the session.
Parent involvement should be a central focus when speech therapy is delivered online.
Of course, for many children, especially toddlers, we'd never expect them to pay attention to a screen for 30 minutes. That's why caregiver involvement is so important--and online speech therapy makes it easy! When you attend sessions alongside your child, you learn how to practice speech and language with them at home, between sessions. More home practice will lead to faster progress.
This approach is called parent coaching, and it should be a central focus when speech therapy is delivered online.
Parent involvement in online vs. in-person speech therapy
Studies show that parent involvement is a key factor in therapy success, whether online or in-person. A review of 12 studies on "parent-implemented interventions” via teletherapy found that in all cases:
Caregiver participation led to improved speech-language outcomes.
Parents were just as effective as therapists in helping children develop language skills.
In another example, a study conducted at Vanderbilt University looked at how well parent-implemented intervention worked among groups of parents trained to promote their child’s communication. Here were some key results:
Parents were able to understand the strategies taught by the speech therapists and use them with their child. As a result, children showed improvement in their verbal and nonverbal communication skills, including understanding, vocabulary, grammar, and how often they communicated.
Parents were just as effective at helping their child as speech therapists were. In fact, when it came to understanding language and grammar, parents were actually more effective than their therapists.
Children with a variety of language difficulties made progress when their parents were involved. That included language impairment, autism, and developmental delays.
As this and other studies show, empowering caregivers to work directly with their children can greatly improve their child’s speech-language skills. Online speech therapy makes it easier than ever for parents to be involved, leading to faster progress and better outcomes.
Final thoughts: Is online or in-person speech therapy better?
The debate between online vs. in-person speech therapy ultimately comes down to individual needs. Research shows that both methods are equally effective when delivered by a skilled therapist.
If you value flexibility, convenience, and parent involvement, online speech therapy might be the best fit for your family. If your child requires hands-on assistance or highly specialized interventions, in-person therapy may be the better choice.
At Expressable, we’re here to help you find the best option for your needs. Find the right speech therapist for you or your child today!
