Speech Therapy in Chattanooga, TN
Last updated: April 17, 2026
56 NPI-registered pediatric speech therapy providers serve Chattanooga, TN. Each listing includes the provider's name, location, specialties, listed credentials, and current new-patient status, with a link to the full profile and to verify the provider in the official ASHA registry. Listings refreshed from the NPPES registry April 2026.
56 providers in Chattanooga — showing 50 per page (page 2 of 2)
How we vet: Every listing starts from the provider's federal CMS NPI record and is refreshed from the registry on a recurring schedule, with direct links to the certification or state-licensing body for its specialty so you can verify credentials at the source. We do not accept paid placement. Read our full verification methodology.
Speech Therapy in Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga parents searching for a pediatric speech-language pathologist (often credentialed CCC-SLP) are usually weighing three things at once: who can see their child soonest, who is in-network with their plan, and who understands their child's specific concern — a late talker, articulation, stuttering, or a language delay connected to autism. FindKidTherapy lists verified pediatric speech providers across the Chattanooga area, from clinics in North Shore, East Brainerd, Hixson, and downtown to programs affiliated with Children's Hospital at Erlanger and the Siskin Children's Institute programs.
Chattanooga anchors southeast Tennessee, and families travel in from Hixson, Ooltewah, East Ridge, and Cleveland. Chattanooga's pediatric supply is anchored by the Siskin Children's Institute and Erlanger; families also travel in from North Georgia. Wait-lists run longest at the hospital systems and shortest at solo and teletherapy-first practices.
A typical path is a 60–90 minute evaluation followed by weekly 30–45 minute sessions, with many clinics coordinating speech alongside occupational or feeding therapy.
If your child is under three, the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) can often start services faster than a private wait-list.
Below are the speech providers currently active in Chattanooga — and first, what local parents wish they'd known.
What to expect
The first visit is an evaluation, not treatment — a play-based assessment, a parent interview, and a written report with goals. Bring pediatrician notes and any IEP/IFSP paperwork. Confirm the clinician is Tennessee licensed and holds the ASHA CCC-SLP credential.
Insurance
Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) covers medically necessary speech therapy for children, delivered through TennCare managed-care organizations BlueCare Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint. Commercial plans (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare) typically reimburse with prior authorization after the evaluation. Verify your specific plan first.
Typical wait times (reported, 2026)
Teletherapy-first 1–3 weeks · solo private practice 2–6 weeks · mid-sized clinics 4–10 weeks · hospital-affiliated (Erlanger Children's, Siskin) 8–13 weeks.
Start sooner if under 3
the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), the Part C system administered by the Tennessee Department of Education. Services can include speech, OT, and PT, often in-home, under an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), at no cost to families.
Frequently asked questions — Speech Therapy in Chattanooga, TN
How long is the wait for pediatric speech therapy in Chattanooga?
It depends on the provider type. Teletherapy-first practices typically start soonest, then solo private practices, then mid-sized clinics, with hospital-affiliated programs longest. If your child is under three, the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) is often faster than a private wait-list.
Does Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) cover speech therapy in Chattanooga?
Yes. Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) covers medically necessary speech-language therapy for children, delivered through TennCare managed-care organizations BlueCare Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint. Prior authorization is typically required after the evaluation. Confirm that your chosen practice is in-network with your specific plan.
How do I find a speech therapist near Hixson or elsewhere in the Chattanooga area?
The Chattanooga area spans southeast Tennessee, so travel time matters. Use the provider list below to find speech therapists by area, including North Shore, East Brainerd, Hixson, and downtown. A teletherapy-first practice can remove the commute entirely.
What does a first speech evaluation in Chattanooga cost without insurance?
Out-of-pocket evaluations in the Chattanooga area are typically reported at $175–$400 for a 60–90 minute session, with standard 30–45 minute therapy sessions around $90–$160. Many clinics offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured families; ask explicitly when you call.
Can my child get speech therapy through Hamilton County Schools?
Yes, when the delay affects educational performance. Hamilton County Schools provides speech-language services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at no cost when a child qualifies under IDEA. School-based therapy focuses on classroom communication goals; many Chattanooga families also pursue private therapy in parallel. The two are not mutually exclusive.
How do I start the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) for a child under 3 in Chattanooga?
the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) is the state's Part C program, run through the Tennessee Department of Education. You can refer your own child; eligible children receive a multidisciplinary evaluation at no cost, and services — which can include speech, OT, and PT — are delivered under an Individualized Family Service Plan, frequently in the home.
Related reading
Information is provided for general guidance and may change. Always verify directly with the program, plan, or provider before relying on these details for treatment decisions.
Other Therapy Types in Chattanooga
6 Speech Therapists in Chattanooga
Samantha Fanella, M.S. CF-SLP
Chattanooga, TN
Speech-Language Pathology provider in Chattanooga, TN
423-463-0683
Sara Glassman
Chattanooga, TN
Speech-Language Pathology provider in Chattanooga, TN
423-875-6723
Shannon Beatty, M.S. CCC-SLP
Chattanooga, TN
Speech-Language Pathology provider in Chattanooga, TN
817-504-7690
Sherrie Davis, CCC--SLP
Chattanooga, TN
Speech-Language Pathology provider in Chattanooga, TN
423-498-7020
Tracy Dougherty, CCC-SLP
Chattanooga, TN
Speech-Language Pathology provider in Chattanooga, TN
423-622-1551
Whitney Bacalman
Chattanooga, TN
Speech-Language Pathology provider in Chattanooga, TN
423-401-8714
Speech Therapy in Nearby Cities
About Speech Therapy for Children in Chattanooga, TN
Speech Therapy can make a significant difference in your child's development. If you're looking for pediatric speech therapy providers in Chattanooga, our directory can help you find qualified, experienced therapists who specialize in working with children.
What is Speech Therapy?
Speech-language pathologists help children with communication challenges including speech delays, language disorders, stuttering, and articulation difficulties.
Finding the Right Speech Therapist in Chattanooga
When choosing a speech therapy provider for your child in Chattanooga, Tennessee, consider factors such as their experience with your child's specific needs, accepted insurance plans, location convenience, and whether they offer in-clinic, in-home, or telehealth sessions.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Speech Therapy
Early intervention is key for pediatric therapy. If you notice your child struggling with age-appropriate milestones, talk to your pediatrician about whether speech therapy might help. Many families in Chattanooga find that starting therapy early leads to better outcomes.