Speech Therapy Clinics in Portland, ME
Speech Therapy Clinics in Portland, ME
- Serving South Portland and the Greater Portland area, ME
- (207) 200-5543
- portlandspeechme.com
- Children ages 18 months to 18 years: autism, childhood apraxia of speech, social and pragmatic language, speech-sound disorders, stuttering, language delay, and auditory processing
- What they're known for: Led by Susan Bahadori, CCC-SLP, this practice covers an unusually broad span of childhood and adolescent communication needs across the Greater Portland area, with care delivered in clinic and community settings — a flexible option for families who value continuity with a single, experienced clinician.
- Mobile service across greater Portland, ME (home- and preschool-based; no fixed clinic address)
- (207) 406-9300
- mainelyspeechforkids.com
- Language delays and disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and feeding
- Accepts private pay and works with Maine's Child Development Services (CDS)
- What they're known for: A mobile, home- and preschool-based practice that brings therapy to where the child already learns and plays — well suited to younger children, those in early intervention through CDS, and families who prefer treatment in familiar environments.
- 631 Stevens Ave, Suite 204, Portland, ME 04103
- (207) 370-0384
- skillbuildersspeech.com
- Speech-sound disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, language disorders, and orofacial myofunctional therapy
- What they're known for: A Portland practice with a strong focus on motor-speech and orofacial myofunctional work, offering care in clinic, in preschools, and via telehealth — useful for families balancing school schedules with therapy.
- 500 Southborough Dr, Suite 301, South Portland, ME 04106
- (207) 219-8300
- trainyourbrain.me
- Speech-sound, language, and pragmatic/social communication; literacy, fluency, and voice disorders; motor speech and apraxia; social-skills groups
- What they're known for: A neurodevelopment-focused center in South Portland offering a wide therapy menu, including literacy support and structured social-skills groups — a fit for children whose communication needs overlap with learning and social goals.
- 75 West Commercial St, Suite 205, Portland, ME 04101
- (207) 874-1065
- nehearingandspeech.org
- Pediatric speech-language evaluation and therapy, AAC, stuttering, and audiology including newborn hearing testing (ABR)
- What they're known for: A long-standing nonprofit on Portland's waterfront that pairs speech-language services with full audiology, including newborn hearing diagnostics — a strong choice when hearing and communication need to be assessed together.
- 1250 Forest Ave, Suite 301, Portland, ME 04103
- (207) 797-8255
- hammondme.com
- Expressive and receptive language, articulation, AAC, childhood apraxia of speech, voice, dysphagia, central auditory processing, and stuttering; combines SLP with audiology and ABA
- What they're known for: A Portland clinic that brings speech-language pathology together with audiology and ABA under one roof, convenient for families whose child needs more than one discipline or a comprehensive auditory-processing workup.
- 170 US Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105
- (207) 781-0022
- sspcmaine.com
- Speech-language pathology within a multidisciplinary pediatric clinic (OT, PT, and SLP), birth to age 18; oral-motor, feeding, and Social Thinking
- What they're known for: A family-centered Falmouth clinic where speech therapy sits alongside OT and PT, making it convenient for children who benefit from coordinated, multidisciplinary care from infancy through the teen years.
- 1601 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
- (207) 439-5104
- sacobaypt.com
- Speech-language pathology within a pediatric multidisciplinary team (PT, OT, SLP, and feeding), ages 0 to 30
- What they're known for: The Portland location of a pediatric multidisciplinary team, offering speech-language services alongside PT, OT, and feeding therapy — a practical option for families coordinating several therapies in one place.
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Treat?
Three things that are often collapsed into one. Speech is the sounds — articulation, clarity, stuttering. Language is the meaning — understanding what is said, and getting ideas out, whether in words, gestures, signs or a device. Feeding and swallowing is the mouth's other job, and speech-language pathologists assess and treat that too. Most toddlers referred for speech therapy have a language question rather than a speech one, and the therapy for that looks nothing like drilling sounds.
Conditions Speech Therapy Can Help With
Speech-language pathologists work with late talking and language delay, articulation and phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, stuttering and fluency, social and pragmatic communication, autism, hearing loss, augmentative and alternative communication, and pediatric feeding and swallowing. Many clinics also offer evaluations for children whose difficulty has not yet been named.
How to Choose a Speech Therapist in Portland
The "best" speech therapist is the one who fits your child's specific needs, your schedule, and your budget. Here's what to weigh:
- Check credentials. Look for an SLP who holds ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and a current Maine license. For specialized needs, ask about extra training (for example, in motor-speech, orofacial myofunctional therapy, or AAC).
- Match the specialty to the need. A practice that excels at feeding therapy or AAC may differ from one focused on articulation or stuttering. Ask whether the therapist regularly treats your child's specific concern.
- Confirm insurance and cost up front. Verify in-network status, copays, visit limits, and whether prior authorization is required — and ask whether the practice accepts MaineCare or works with Child Development Services, or can provide a superbill if it is private-pay.
- Consider the setting. Some children thrive in a clinic; others do better with in-home, preschool-based, or telehealth therapy. Several Greater Portland providers offer more than one of these.
- Ask about caregiver involvement. Strong programs coach parents so progress continues between sessions. Ask how they'll keep you involved and how they measure progress.
- Trust the rapport. Your child should feel comfortable. Many practices offer a brief consultation — use it to gauge fit before committing.
Questions to ask during a consultation
- What is your experience with my child's diagnosis?
- How will you set and track goals?
- How often will sessions be, and for how long?
- How do you involve parents?
- What happens if we don't see progress?
Speech Therapy Resources in Portland
- Maine Child Development Services (CDS) Maine's early intervention system, providing free developmental evaluations and speech-language services for children birth to age three (and preschool special education for ages three to five).
- MaineCare Maine's Medicaid program, which covers speech therapy for eligible children when medically necessary.
- Maine Medical Center / The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital Pediatric evaluations and specialty clinics for children with complex or co-occurring medical needs in Greater Portland.
- Northeast Hearing & Speech Center A Portland nonprofit offering speech-language and audiology services, including newborn hearing screening follow-up.
- Your child's school district Maine public schools provide speech-language services through IEPs and 504 plans for eligible students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does speech therapy cost in Portland, Maine?
Out-of-pocket speech therapy in the Portland, Maine area typically runs about $120–$200 per session at private practices, while hospital-affiliated and nonprofit programs may bill differently. Many Portland providers accept commercial insurance and MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program), which can reduce your cost to a copay or to $0 for covered, medically necessary services. Some practices are private-pay only and can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Always confirm rates and coverage directly with the provider.
Does insurance cover speech therapy in Maine?
Many Maine health plans cover speech therapy when it is medically necessary, and MaineCare covers speech therapy for eligible children. For children under three, Maine's Child Development Services (CDS) provides early intervention, often at no cost to families. Coverage limits, prior-authorization rules, and visit caps vary by plan, so verify benefits before starting. Some Portland practices are private-pay only and offer superbills for reimbursement.
How long are typical speech therapy sessions?
Most pediatric speech therapy sessions in Portland last 30 to 60 minutes, with younger children often starting at 30 minutes. Evaluations usually take 60 to 90 minutes. Frequency commonly ranges from once to twice a week depending on the child's goals and the therapist's recommendation.
At what age should my child start speech therapy?
There is no age that is too early. Maine's Child Development Services (CDS) serves children from birth to age three through early intervention, and many Portland practices evaluate toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. If you have concerns about your child's speech clarity, vocabulary, or social communication, an evaluation can be done at any age.
Do Portland speech therapists offer teletherapy or in-home visits?
Yes. Several Greater Portland providers offer flexible delivery. Mainely Speech Therapy for Kids provides home- and preschool-based services across greater Portland, Portland Pediatric Speech Therapy offers clinic and community-based care, and SkillBuilders Speech Therapy provides in-clinic, preschool, and telehealth options. Ask each practice which settings they currently offer.
What conditions do pediatric speech therapists in Portland treat?
Portland speech-language pathologists commonly treat articulation and speech-sound disorders, language delays and disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, stuttering, social and pragmatic language difficulties (including for autistic children), feeding and swallowing concerns, auditory processing, and they provide AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) support.
How long is the wait for a first appointment?
It varies by practice rather than by city, so it is worth asking when you call — a clinic with a long wait for weekly therapy will often book an evaluation much sooner, and some hold cancellation slots. Because of that, most families contact more than one practice on this page rather than waiting on the first. If your child is under three, your state's early intervention program runs on its own timeline and is worth starting in parallel.
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Medical disclaimer. This directory is for general informational purposes. A listing is not an endorsement, referral, or recommendation, and inclusion does not mean we have verified a provider’s credentials, licensure, or insurance. Confirm those directly with the provider before booking. DrSensory is not affiliated with the practices listed.