The Expert Guide to Speech Therapists in Hong Kong

This article will walk you through what is a speech therapist, the costs and where to find them in Hong Kong.

What is a speech therapist?

Speech therapists diagnose, assess, and treat people with hearing, speech, articulation, expression, and swallowing disorders. Based on the assessment and the advice of other professionals, the speech therapist will design individualized treatment for the patient, provide support to the patient's family and carers, and help the patient choose the appropriate communication system and hearing aids.

To become a speech therapist in Hong Kong, one must have completed any local Bachelor or Master program in speech therapy recognized by the Hong Kong Institute of Speech Therapists (HKIST), or obtained certification from a designated overseas professional association after completing a speech therapy degree program overseas.

Who does a speech therapist treat?

Speech therapists can improve a variety of language and expression problems for people of all ages. Here are some of the examples of diseases/ disorders that require treatment from a speech therapist.

• Child
  • Dyslexia
  • Autism/Asperger's
  • Delayed muscle development
  • Concentration disorder
  • Mental retardation
• Adults and Seniors
  • Parkinson’s
  • Stroke (and post-stroke aphasia)
  • Dementia

Speech therapy: Examples of treatments

Speech therapists use a variety of treatments to target different problems. Taking treatments for children as an example, they can be divided into four categories according to the main problems targeted.

Sources: Ms. Anita Li, Speech Therapist、Heep Hong Society、PDA

List of Speech Therapists in Hong Kong

1. Speech Therapists in the public sector

Speech therapists serve in hospitals, child care centers, special schools, education bureaus and other units. You can find a list of clinical settings and institutions with speech therapists available provided by the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists here.

2. Speech Therapists in the private sector

You can find a directory of speech therapists in private practice provided by the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists, in which you can search by therapist location, specialization, gender, and age group treated. Please note that the directory will only show information of therapists who are willing to be searchable by the public.

How much does it cost to see a Speech Therapist in Hong Kong?

Public sector fees: For eligible HKID-holders, the price is HK$135 for the first attendance, $80 per subsequent attendance and $15 per drug item.

Other organizations' fees: The assessment fees in different organizations vary widely, ranging from HK$780 to $4,000. In terms of treatment fees, the cost of language impairment for children ranges from $590 to $3,500, and the cost of dysphagia for the elderly suffering from stroke ranges from $700 to $3,500. The costs depend on therapist qualifications, assessment items, assessment durations, and whether a package fee is available.

Does health insurance cover Speech therapy in Hong Kong?

Speech therapy is usually not covered by health insurance. When it is covered, it’s usually under high-end medical plans and subject to a sub-limit and/or pre-authorization by the insurer. Most often Speech therapy is covered under outpatient benefits following an accident or sudden illness. In rare instances, it may cover services for children diagnosed with developmental delay. Contact an Alea advisor to learn more.