Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest in your knowledge. These books provide practical frameworks for running a speech therapy business, understanding client needs, and building sustainable systems. They’ll help you make smarter decisions about what you actually need versus what’s marketing hype.
The Business of Speech-Language Pathology by Margaret Vento-Wilson
This book covers the full lifecycle of starting and running an SLP practice, from licensing and credentialing to billing, caseload management, and marketing. You’ll find realistic guidance on building systems before you buy expensive equipment. It’s written by someone who understands the clinical side and the business side.
Start Your Own Speech-Language Pathology Practice by Entrepreneur Press
This guide walks through startup logistics, licensing requirements, insurance, and equipment decisions specific to SLP practices. It includes checklists that help you determine what’s essential versus optional for your service model. Practical and straightforward without unnecessary jargon.
Telepractice in Speech-Language Pathology by Katherine E. Atkins
If you’re planning to offer virtual sessions (which many SLPs do part-time), this book covers equipment, software, and clinical best practices for telehealth delivery. It helps you understand what technology actually matters for remote therapy versus what’s unnecessary. Especially valuable if you’re building a hybrid practice model.
How to Start a Home-Based Speech Therapy Practice by Shelley K. Pelletier
Written for SLPs working from home or small clinics, this book focuses on low-cost setups, space optimization, and equipment priorities for limited budgets. It’s honest about what you can skip and what’s worth the investment for credibility and effectiveness.
Equipment You Need
Your equipment list depends heavily on your service model (in-home, private clinic, schools, telehealth, or hybrid). Start with essentials that directly impact client outcomes, then add tools that improve efficiency and professionalism. Most new SLP practices don’t need expensive equipment right away.
Assessment and Screening Tools
- Standardized articulation tests: Tests like the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation (GFTA) or Arizona Articulation Proficiency Scale are standard in the field and expected by clients and schools.
- Language assessment tools: Resources for evaluating vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension depending on your client population.
- Fluency and voice screening materials: Physical or digital tools to assess stuttering, voice disorders, and resonance issues.
- Hearing screening device: An audiometer or portable hearing screener is useful if you’re evaluating potential hearing-related speech issues.
Shop assessment materials on Amazon →
Therapy Materials and Tools
- Articulation cards and picture sets: Flashcards with images to practice specific speech sounds. Therapy-grade sets are more durable than generic alternatives.
- Language building games: Board games and card games designed for speech therapy (many overlap with general developmental toys).
- Sound production mirrors: Large mirrors help clients see tongue and lip placement during articulation practice.
- Oral motor tools: Tongue depressors, straws, and oral motor exercises for clients with motor planning or strength issues.
- Reinforcement toys and rewards: Small toys and stickers for positive reinforcement, especially with pediatric clients.
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Recording and Documentation Equipment
- Digital audio recorder: High-quality recordings help with assessment, progress tracking, and clinical notes. Many SLPs use smartphones, but a dedicated recorder provides better audio.
- Video recording device or webcam: Useful for analyzing motor patterns, stuttering behavior, or voice quality. Also essential for telehealth sessions.
- Headphones: Professional-grade headphones for listening to recordings and conducting telehealth sessions clearly.
- Document camera: Optional but helpful for showing materials to clients during virtual sessions or for clinical training.
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Technology and Software
- Laptop or tablet: For scheduling, clinical notes, assessments, and telehealth. A reliable computer is non-negotiable.
- Speech therapy software: Applications like Articulation Station, Speech Buddies, or Therapy Insights can supplement in-person therapy and help with home practice.
- Practice management software: For scheduling, billing, and client documentation. Examples include TherapyNotes or SimplePractice.
- Telehealth platform: If offering virtual services, you’ll need secure, HIPAA-compliant software like Zoom for Healthcare or dedicated SLP telehealth platforms.
Shop computers and tablets on Amazon →
Office and Space Equipment
- Desk and comfortable chair: For documentation, telehealth sessions, and admin work.
- Storage cabinets or shelving: Therapy materials need organized, accessible storage. Clients should see a professional environment.
- Comfortable seating for clients: Child-sized chairs and tables if working with pediatric clients.
- Whiteboard or flip chart: For visual supports, goal-setting, and interactive therapy activities.
- Basic office supplies: Notebooks, pens, printer, ink, folders for documentation and organization.
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What to Buy First vs Later
Your initial purchase should focus on what clients directly experience and what affects your credibility and clinical quality. Less critical items can wait until you have revenue to reinvest.
- Buy first: Laptop, standardized assessment tools, articulation materials, mirror, audio recorder, professional furniture for your workspace, and scheduling software.
- Buy within 3-6 months: Expanded therapy materials library, telehealth software, practice management system, video recording device, and oral motor tools.
- Buy when revenue allows: Advanced software subscriptions, digital therapy platforms, document camera, expanded assessment battery, and upgraded office furniture.
New vs Used Equipment
Some equipment has minimal risk when buying used; other items should be new for hygiene, liability, and safety reasons. Assessment tools and therapy materials can sometimes be found secondhand through SLP Facebook groups or Craigslist, but standardized tests require current editions and manuals.
Never buy used articulation cards, mirrors, or oral motor tools if they’ve been in clients’ mouths—hygiene and cross-contamination risk make new equipment non-negotiable here. Used furniture (desks, chairs, shelving) is fine and can save significant money. New assessment batteries are expensive but necessary for clinical validity; used versions may have outdated norms. Used computers and recording devices are acceptable as long as they’re functional and reliable. When in doubt, new is safer for anything that enters a client’s mouth or affects your professional credibility in front of clients.
Where to Buy
- Therapy Specialties Stores: SuperDuperInc, Speech Therapy Store, and Speechville carry professional-grade assessment tools and therapy materials designed for SLPs. Prices are higher than Amazon but quality and clinical appropriateness are guaranteed.
- Educational Supply Companies: Lakeshore Learning, Constructive Playthings, and School Specialty offer overlapping therapy materials at competitive prices.
- Assessment Publishers: Pearson, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Pro-Ed sell standardized assessments directly or through authorized distributors. Certification and training often come with purchase.
- Facebook Groups: SLP-specific buying/selling groups often have used assessment manuals and therapy materials at discounts.
- Office Supply Stores: Staples and local office retailers for furniture, storage, and basic supplies.
- General Retailers: Target and Walmart carry some therapy-appropriate toys and materials at lower costs than specialty stores.