On the HSE waiting list? Here are your options.
This page is here to inform, not to pressure you. HSE community speech and language therapy is a valuable, free service — this is simply an honest look at what waiting means, and what alternatives exist.
What HSE community speech and language therapy offers
The HSE provides speech and language therapy through primary care and disability services, free at the point of use. Therapists are well trained, and for many families this is the right and sufficient route. The main practical challenge in most areas currently is waiting time , referrals can take a considerable time to reach an initial assessment, and longer again before ongoing therapy begins.
Why the wait matters for some families more than others
For a mild, likely self resolving concern, a wait may not change much. But for children where communication difficulty is affecting school readiness, confidence, or family life day to day, months of waiting carry a real cost , which is exactly why some families choose to start privately rather than wait.
Your realistic options
- Wait for HSE services , free, but with a current waiting time that varies by area and is worth asking about directly.
- Start private therapy now , fast access, paid privately, alongside remaining on the HSE list.
- Private assessment, then decide , get clarity on what's needed, then choose how to proceed for ongoing therapy.
- A blended approach , private therapy now, transitioning to HSE services later if that becomes the better fit for your family.
If you choose private therapy with us
Seen within 1–2 weeks
No months-long wait to get started.
Your HSE place is unaffected
You can remain on the public list throughout.
Clear, written reports
Useful documentation regardless of which service you use long-term.
No pressure, no upsell
We'll tell you honestly if we think waiting is a reasonable option for your child.
Questions parents ask
Will starting private therapy affect our place on the HSE list?+
No — starting private therapy doesn't remove or affect your position on an HSE waiting list. Many families run both in parallel and reassess once an HSE appointment comes through.
Should we just wait for the free HSE service instead?+
That's a genuinely personal decision, and it depends on your child's needs and how urgent things feel. For a mild concern, waiting may be entirely reasonable. For a child whose communication is significantly affecting daily life, school, or wellbeing, many families feel the wait carries a real cost.
Can I get a private assessment now and use HSE therapy later?+
Yes. Some families use a private assessment to get clarity quickly, then use that report to inform how they engage with HSE services once therapy becomes available.