Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: I am not a doctor. I don’t play one on TV, I don’t have a prescription pad, and if you ask me to diagnose your mystery rash, I’m going to tell you to please go see an actual medical professional (and maybe rethink your life choices).

But can I help you with your voice? Oh, absolutely.

This comes up a lot in conversations with patients, colleagues, and even Google searches. People assume that because I work in hospitals, treat medical conditions, and have an almost suspicious amount of knowledge about the larynx, I must be a doctor. I get it! But here’s the deal:

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are not doctors.
• Even if an SLP has a doctorate, we still aren’t doctors.
• If you’re looking for a “voice doctor,” you might not actually need one.

Let’s break down what SLPs can do, how we fit into voice care, and why—despite not being doctors—we have skills that even some doctors don’t.

🔎 If You Want a Voice "Doctor," You Actually Need…

👨‍⚕️ An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) → Aka an otolaryngologist. They diagnose and treat medical conditions of the voice box and can prescribe medications or recommend surgery.

🩺 A Laryngologist → This is an ENT who specializes in voice, swallowing, and airway disorders. If you have a persistent voice problem, a laryngologist is the best doctor for the job.

An ENT or laryngologist can:
✅ Use a scope to actually see what’s happening inside your throat
✅ Diagnose medical voice disorders (nodules, polyps, paresis, reflux, etc.)
✅ Prescribe medications for inflammation, reflux, or vocal fold conditions
✅ Perform surgery if necessary

If you’re experiencing chronic hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or voice loss, seeing a laryngologist first is a great idea. But guess what? Even if you get a diagnosis, they don’t actually do the rehab. That’s where SLPs come in.

🎤 If You Want to Fix Your Voice, You Need an SLP

SLPs who specialize in voice therapy are the ones who actually help you restore and optimize your voice.

A laryngologist might diagnose you with muscle tension dysphonia, nodules, or vocal fatigue—but they’re not the ones who will teach you how to retrain your voice, reduce strain, or get back to singing or speaking with ease.

That’s my job. 🙋‍♀️

✅ SLPs assess how you’re actually using your voice. (Not just what’s wrong, but why it’s happening.)
✅ We create customized therapy plans to reduce tension, improve breath support, and restore vocal function.
✅ We use cutting-edge, evidence-based techniques—not just generic “rest your voice” advice.

SLPs are the rehabilitation specialists for the voice. We don’t just help you heal—we help you regain strength, flexibility, and endurance so your voice works better than before.

🧐 So… What’s With the "Doctor" Titles?

In healthcare, titles matter. They help patients understand who does what and what kind of expertise they bring to the table.

SLPs, for example, aren’t doctors—but we are highly trained in voice therapy and rehabilitation. Some SLPs do hold doctorates (PhDs or clinical doctorates), but because of healthcare regulations, we don’t use the title "Doctor" in clinical settings. The goal? To make sure patients don’t mistakenly think we’re medical doctors.

Meanwhile, in non-regulated fields like voice coaching and singing voice instruction, the rules are… well, a little less clear. Some professionals use "Doctor" in their branding, and while that might sound impressive, it’s worth digging into what their actual credentials are.

At the end of the day, a title doesn’t tell you everything. Training, experience, and expertise do.

🗣️ What SLPs Know That Many Doctors Don’t

I love my ENT and laryngologist colleagues. They are amazing at diagnosing voice disorders. But here’s the reality:

Most general ENTs receive very little training in voice therapy. They might diagnose nodules, polyps, or vocal cord dysfunction, but they often don’t have the specialized knowledge to help you fix it without surgery.

That’s why SLPs who specialize in voice therapy are so essential. We:
🎤 Understand functional voice issues (not just structural problems)
🎤 Know how to retrain your voice to reduce strain and fatigue
🎤 Work with singers, actors, teachers, and speakers who rely on their voice professionally

We don’t prescribe medications or perform surgery, but we do work closely with laryngologists to provide comprehensive, collaborative care.

🔎 How to Find a Legit Voice Professional (Without the Gimmicks)

If you’re searching for a voice specialist, here’s how to make sure you’re getting help from someone who’s actually qualified:

✅ Look for licensed SLPs who specialize in voice therapy. (Check CASLPO in Ontario or SAC in Canada.)
✅ Ask about training and credentials. A good voice therapist will have specialized training beyond a basic SLP degree.
✅ Verify their approach. If all they offer is “vocal rest,” look elsewhere.
✅ Check their affiliations. Legit voice professionals often have connections to PAVA, NATS, vocology programs, or laryngology clinics.
✅ Be mindful of marketing tactics. Some professionals use impressive-sounding titles, but credentials and experience always matter more.

🎤 Final Thoughts: I’m Not a Doctor—But I Am an Expert in Voice Rehab

If you’re dealing with hoarseness, vocal fatigue, nodules, or just a voice that won’t behave, you don’t necessarily need a “voice doctor.”

🚀 You need a laryngologist for a diagnosis.
🚀 You need a voice-trained SLP for the actual rehab.
🚀 You need both working together for the best results.

I may not be Dr. Voice, but I know how to get your voice back on track—no misleading titles required. 😉

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Ever been confused about who to see for a voice issue? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help you navigate the process! 🎶💡