How to Find a Speech Therapist in South West London (Wandsworth, Battersea & Clapham)

Finding the right speech and language therapist (SLT) for your child can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to access speech therapy in South West London, whether through the NHS or privately, so you know what your options are.

Accessing NHS Speech and Language Therapy in South West London

The NHS provides speech and language therapy services for children, but the referral process can vary slightly depending on your local borough. Here are the main routes:

1. Self-Referral

In many parts of South West London, including Wandsworth, Battersea, and Clapham, parents and carers can refer their preschool child directly to NHS speech and language therapy services. This usually involves completing a referral form on your local NHS trust’s website. You don’t need a GP to make this referral, although you’ll often be asked to provide details about your child’s development and communication needs.

2. Referral Through a Professional

If you’re unsure about the process, or if your local NHS trust does not accept self-referrals, another professional can make the referral on your behalf. This could be:

• Your GP

• Your child’s health visitor (particularly for children under five)

• Your child’s nursery or school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)

These professionals can help by identifying your child’s needs and supporting the referral to NHS services.

⚠️ Important to note: NHS waiting times can be long, particularly in busy London boroughs such as Wandsworth. While the service is free, some families choose to explore private options while they wait.

Finding a Private Speech and Language Therapist in Wandsworth, Battersea & Clapham

If you’d like to access support more quickly, or prefer more flexibility in session times, you may wish to look for a private SLT. Here are some reliable ways to find one:

1. ASLTIP (Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice)

ASLTIP is the main directory for independent SLTs in the UK. Their website lets you search for qualified, HCPC-registered therapists by postcode or specialist area. This is a great place to start if you want reassurance that the therapist is fully accredited.

2. Local Recommendations

Word of mouth can be powerful, many families find therapists through recommendations from friends, nurseries, schools, or local parent groups in Battersea, Clapham, or wider Wandsworth.

3. Private Practices in Your Area

Some therapists work independently, while others run practices that cover South West London. Our team at South West Speech Therapy is based in Wandsworth and supports families across Battersea, Clapham, and the wider South West London area. We offer assessment and therapy sessions tailored to your child’s needs, with flexible scheduling and ongoing support for families navigating both NHS and private services.

NHS and Private Therapy: Can You Do Both?

Yes, you can. Choosing private therapy does not stop you from accessing NHS services. Many of our families do both:

• Some see us while they are waiting for their NHS therapy to begin.

• Others pause private sessions once NHS therapy starts, and then return to us if their NHS support pauses or finishes.

• Some families run NHS and private therapy side by side, so their child gets consistent input.

This flexible approach means your child can receive support when they need it most, without having to “pick” one system over the other.

Which Option is Right for You?

There’s no single “best” route, some families choose to wait for NHS support, while others start with private therapy and then transition into NHS services, or use both at the same time. The most important thing is that your child gets the help they need to reach their full potential.

If you’re looking for a speech and language therapist in Wandsworth, Battersea, Clapham, or the wider South West London area, please feel free to get in touch with us at South West Speech Therapy. We’re happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

✅ Key Takeaway:

• NHS referrals can be made by parents (self-referral), GPs, health visitors, or school staff.

• Private SLTs can be found via ASLTIP, local recommendations, or practices like ours in Wandsworth.

• Accessing private therapy does not affect your right to NHS therapy many families use both together, or move between them depending on availability.

• South West Speech Therapy is based in Wandsworth and supports families across Battersea, Clapham, and South West London.