Speech Therapy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have many pediatric speech-language providers — private clinics, hospital-based programs (including UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh), and school-based services — with several practices focused on autism and AAC.

Coverage. Pennsylvania's Act 62 requires many state-regulated private plans to cover therapeutic care from speech-language pathologists as part of autism treatment for individuals under 21 (subject to the annual cap). Medical Assistance also covers medically necessary speech therapy, and for children on Medicaid the EPSDT benefit is a strong entitlement to medically necessary services. Self-funded employer (ERISA) plans are exempt from Act 62, so check your plan.

School-based speech services are provided through the IEP when a child's communication needs affect their education — this is separate from, and can run alongside, clinic-based therapy.

Wait times vary by provider; the most sought-after clinics carry waitlists, so calling several is worthwhile.