People also ask What is the difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist? What does a speech language pathologist do? How much do speech pathologists make starting off? Is a speech language pathologist A doctor? Speech-language pathologists must be able to listen to and communicate with their patient in order to determine the right course of treatment. Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.