Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) versus speech therapist: What's the difference?

In this post you will learn:

• What does CF-SLP mean?

• What does CCC-SLP mean?

• Who needs an SLP?

So, what does CF-SLP mean?

CF stands for clinical fellowship. An SLP who graduates from a Master's speech-language pathology program must complete their first year under supervised clinical guidance. If someone is using the CF-SLP title that means they are still in their clinical fellowship. Upon completion of their fellowship, they use the title SLP.

And how about CCC-SLP?

CCC stands for Certificate of Clinical Competence. So someone who refers to themselves as CCC-SLP has voluntarily met the academic and professional standards that often go beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure. This standard is a nationally recognized professional credential from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). CCC-SLP's have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high quality clinical services and actively participate in continuing education to ensure their certification does not lapse. I received the CCC-SLP by completing 1,260 hours of clinical experience during my CF year and passing a specific speech exam.

Find a CCC-SLP in your area here.

Who would benefit from an SLP?

Speech-Language Pathologists are experts in communication and swallowing. They treat the following conditions:

• Aphasia - a disorder that results from damage to specific parts of the brain

• Apraxia - a disorder where the individual has a difficult time producing sounds even though muscles are normal. The brain knows what it wants to say, but the individuals have a difficult time producing the sounds necessary

• Articulation Disorders - a disorder where the individual has a difficult time producing one or more sounds

• Cognitive-communication disorders - a disorder that results from impaired functioning of one or more of the cognitive processes

• Dysarthria - a disorder where the individual has a difficult time producing sounds secondary to muscular weakness. Speech is often slurred and difficult to understand

• Dysphagia - a disorder that relates to the individual's ability to suck, chew, and swallow foods/liquids

• Expressive-Language Disorders - a disorder that impacts the ability to use language. Individuals with this disorder understand what is being said (unless they have an expressive and receptive-language disorder)

• Fluency Disorders - a disorder that impacts the flow, rhythm, and speed of speech. Stuttering and cluttering are both fluency disorders

• Pragmatics or social communication - a disorder that impacts an individual's ability to take turns, follow social rules, and respond appropriately during conversation

• Receptive-Language Disorders - a disorder that impacts the ability to understand language

• Voice Disorders - a disorder that impacts the voice (an individual may sound hoarse, lose their voice, talk too loudly, or have vocal nodules)

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About the author:  

Stephanie Jeret, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Speak with Stephanie, a private speech therapy practice serving children, teens, and adults in Skokie and Chicago's North Shore.

With more than 10 years of experience, Stephanie provides individualized therapy for speech sound disorders, language disorders, stuttering, and other communication challenges. She offers in-home, school-based, and online speech therapy, with a focus on helping clients build practical communication skills they can use in everyday life.

Wondering if speech therapy may be a good fit for you or your child?

Schedule a free consultation with Stephanie to discuss your concerns and learn more about therapy options.