4 Steps to Speech Therapy in Germany: Why Most People Struggle With Step #3

If you're a parent in Germany concerned about your child's speech, you're not alone. The journey to speech therapy can feel overwhelming, but it's often more straightforward than you think. The real challenge for many families isn't finding a place that offers speech therapy—it's what happens after.

Here, we'll walk you through the four key steps, and explain why Step 3 is where most people get stuck and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

1. The Prescription – Who Can Issue It?

To have speech therapy costs covered by your public health insurance (or for a referral for private insurance), a doctor's prescription (Verordnung) is required.

This is usually issued by your pediatrician. However, other specialists, like an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor, a dentist, or a phoniatrist (a specialist in voice and communication disorders), can also write one. A prescription is only issued if there is a medically justified need, such as a speech, language, voice, or swallowing disorder.

Important: If your pediatrician does not issue a prescription but you still have strong concerns about your child's development, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Getting the view from another doctor or specialist can often provide new insights and help you determine the best path forward for your child.

2. Finding the Right Practice

Once you have the prescription, you can begin your search for a suitable speech therapy practice. This part can feel like detective work, but a few resources can help:

• Ask for recommendations. Your doctor or other parents in your social circle can often provide trusted suggestions.

• Search online. Websites like Jameda, as well as a simple Google search, can help you find local practices.

Once you have a list, get in touch—either by phone or through a digital registration form on their website.

3. Waiting Lists and Appointments

This is the step that catches most parents by surprise. Due to high demand, it's very common to encounter long waiting lists before your child can begin therapy. It's frustrating to know your child needs help but has to wait.

While it's difficult, you don't have to be passive during this time. The waiting period is a valuable opportunity to proactively support your child's development.

Here’s what you can do while you wait:

• Get on multiple waiting lists. There's no rule against it. Contact several practices and put your name down on each waiting list. As soon as you get a confirmed appointment, remember to cancel the others to be fair to other families.

• Check for cancellations. Call the practices regularly—every few weeks—to see if there have been any cancellations that could get you an earlier appointment. Please Check first how the practice Handles their appointments first. In most practices it is enough that you called once - you will be on their lost and they will call once its possible tomoffer you an appointment. 

• Create a supportive environment at home. The best way to help your child is by using everyday activities to encourage their skills.

  • Engage in conversation. Talk to your child constantly throughout the day, describing what you're doing.

  • Read together. Point to pictures and name objects. Ask your child questions about the story.

  • Use playtime at home or outside. Play games and sing songs that involve repetition and simple instructions. You don't have to be a therapist; just being an engaged and patient partner in play can make a huge difference.

  • Use playtime with apps. There are many online resources and apps available that can help support your child's speech development in a fun way. For instance, SpeechyLift is an app that focuses on a crucial, often overlooked area: speech development through hearing differentes in speech. Strong hearing skills are a key foundation for clear speech, and an app like this can help your child practice and strengthen those skills at home.

4. What Do I Need to Bring to My First Appointment?

When you finally get an appointment, make sure you're prepared. You'll need to bring:

• Your insurance card

• The prescription from your doctor

Important note: A prescription is not valid indefinitely. It's best to check its validity when you book the appointment. If the appointment is several weeks after the prescription was issued, call the practice to confirm it's still valid. If it's expired, your doctor can easily issue a new one.

Conclusion: Proactive Support Is Key

The path to speech therapy in Germany doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require patience and a little organization, especially with the waiting lists.

Remember, you are your child's most important supporter. Every interaction you have, every book you read, every game you play, and every conversation you share helps build the foundational skills they need.

To make this waiting period even more productive, consider using a tool that's designed to help. Our app, SpeechyLift, offers a range of fun, interactive games and exercises for kids to practice their hearing and speaking skills. You can use it at home to keep your child's progress going while you wait for a therapy spot, and it can also be used as a complementary tool to reinforce what they learn in therapy once it begins.