Why Private Feeding Therapy Costs What It Does
If you’re considering seeing a private feeding therapist, you might be wondering why the fees seem high compared to other services - or compared to NHS care, which is free at the point of use.
I want to be completely transparent about this. My goal is not just to justify the cost, but to help you understand what you’re actually paying for, what happens behind the scenes, and how to decide if private feeding therapy is the right investment for your family.
1. You’re Paying for Specialist Expertise (Not Just an Hour of Time)
A feeding therapist is not a generic therapist. Paediatric feeding and swallowing disorders are a highly specialised area that requires:
A degree and professional qualification (e.g. Speech and Language Therapy)
Years of clinical experience with infants and children
Postgraduate courses in feeding, dysphagia, sensory processing, and oral motor development
Ongoing professional development to stay safe and evidence-based
You’re paying for the years of training, supervision, and clinical judgement that allow a therapist to assess your child accurately and safely.
2. The Session Is Only Part of the Work
When you pay for an assessment or session, you’re not just paying for the time we spend together on Zoom or in your home.
Behind the scenes, a therapist often spends additional time on:
Reviewing case history and questionnaires
Writing detailed reports and recommendations
Liaising with nurseries, schools, GPs, or other professionals (with your consent)
Creating tailored home programmes and resources
Responding to follow-up questions or clarifying advice
In many cases, a one-hour appointment can easily generate another hour (or more) of unseen work.
3. Private Therapists Cover All Their Own Costs
In the NHS, therapists don’t pay for the room, equipment, admin staff, or IT systems out of their own pocket. In private practice, we do.
Typical ongoing business expenses include:
Professional registration and indemnity insurance
Professional body fees and CPD courses
Clinic room hire or travel costs for home visits
Practice management software, secure record keeping, and GDPR compliance
Website hosting, marketing, and booking systems
Accounting, taxes, and pension contributions
Unpaid admin time (invoicing, scheduling, emails, paperwork)
These costs add up, and they are built into the hourly fee.
4. You’re Paying for Convenience and Speed
One of the biggest reasons families choose private therapy is access.
NHS waiting lists can be months or even years
Private therapy often means appointments within days or weeks
Flexible appointment times (evenings, weekends, home visits)
That speed and flexibility are part of what you’re paying for.
5. Feeding Therapy Is High Responsibility Work
Feeding and swallowing involve real medical risk. Therapists must be highly cautious, evidence-based, and insured, because poor advice can have serious consequences (e.g. aspiration, choking, failure to thrive, long-term feeding aversion).
With that responsibility comes higher training requirements, higher insurance, and a high level of clinical decision-making.
6. Private Therapy Is a Personalised Service
Unlike group classes or generic courses, private feeding therapy is tailored to your child and your family.
This often includes:
Individualised assessment and goal setting
Bespoke strategies that fit your child’s sensory profile, medical history, and family routines
Ongoing adjustments as your child progresses
Personalisation takes time, expertise, and preparation.
7. What About Online Courses or Cheaper Alternatives?
Online courses, books, and free resources can be helpful - and I often recommend them. But they can’t replace a trained clinician assessing your child in real time.
Feeding difficulties can look similar on the surface but have very different underlying causes. Getting the wrong advice can delay progress or make things worse.
Is Private Feeding Therapy Worth It?
That depends on your situation. For some families, NHS support is sufficient. For others, the speed, specialist input, and personalised care of private therapy can be life-changing.
If you’re unsure, you can always book a short consultation call to discuss whether a full assessment is the right next step.
Final Thoughts
Private feeding therapy is not cheap, and it shouldn’t be treated as a casual purchase. But it is a highly skilled, responsibility-heavy, and resource-intensive service.
Transparency matters. My aim is for you to feel informed, empowered, and confident in your decision - whatever you choose.