San Francisco local guide

Speech-Language Evaluations in San Francisco

Where to get speech-language evaluation in San Francisco: free public options, local providers with sourced details, and what to ask before you book.

The Painted Ladies Victorian houses on Steiner Street, seen from Alamo Square park, with the San Francisco skyline behind
Photo: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where do I start?

Four questions, your next steps.

Answer a few questions about your child and we'll show you the free programs and evaluation options that fit, in San Francisco.

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Free public evaluations

Free public evaluations for San Francisco families

California pays for these evaluations. Which program you contact depends on your child's age. You can use them and a private evaluator at the same time.

Free · birth to 3

Early Start at Golden Gate Regional Center

A free developmental evaluation for babies and toddlers.

  • AgesBirth to 3
  • CostFree
  • How to startRefer your own child. No doctor or diagnosis needed.
  • TimelineEvaluation and first plan within 45 days
How to apply, step by step
  • For infants and toddlers from birth to 3 years old.
  • GGRC's Intake Contact page says to email the Early Start Referral Form to intake@ggrc.org, call 1-888-339-3305, or fax the form to 1-888-339-3306.
  • All faxes get a call to confirm receipt; if you don't hear back within 2 business days, call.
  • When this was checked, GGRC's Apply page said its online application was being fixed and asked families to download the referral form and email it, or call the intake line and leave a message.
  • Referral form (PDF): ggrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GGRC-Intake-Early-Start-.
  • DDS asks families to call before sending personal health information.
  • Early Start Family Resource Centers listed by DDS: Marin, Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center (800) 578-2592; San Francisco, Support for Families of Children with Disabilities (415) 920-5040; San Mateo, AbilityPath Family Resource Center (650) 259-0189.

Checked Oct 16, 2026 · ggrc.org, dds.ca.gov, sfusd.edu

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Free · ages 3 to 5

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Assessment Unit: San Francisco Unified School District

A free special education assessment, whether or not your child attends a district preschool.

  • Ages3 to 5
  • CostFree
  • How to startAsk in writing
  • TimelinePlan within 15 days, results within 60 days of signing
  • LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Chinese + 4 more
How to ask the district, step by step
  • For children ages 3 to 5.
  • SFUSD says: 'If you would like to request a special education assessment of your child please review the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Preschool Intake Packet.'
  • The packet includes a questionnaire and required documents, and it is published in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Russian.
  • The Assessment Unit is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • SFUSD's ECSE Services page also lists a fax number, (415) 920-5075.

Write your request letter with the California timelines included.

Checked Oct 16, 2026 · sfusd.edu

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Free · kindergarten to 12th grade

Special education assessment: San Francisco Unified School District

A free special education assessment for students in the district.

  • AgesKindergarten to 12th grade
  • CostFree
  • How to startAsk in writing
  • TimelinePlan within 15 days, results within 60 days of signing
  • LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Chinese + 4 more
How to ask the district, step by step
  • For a student in an SFUSD public school, SFUSD's instruction is: 'Email the School Principal about your request for a special education assessment.'
  • For a San Francisco private or parochial school student, complete the PPPSS - SFUSD Interest and Referral Form and email it to privateschoolreferrals@sfusd.edu, or mail it or drop it off at SFUSD Special Education Services, Attn: Private/Parochial Assessments, 3045 Santiago St, San Francisco, CA 94116.
  • For other evaluations (for example speech or occupational therapy), or if you're unsure who to contact, call SFUSD Special Education Services at (415) 759-2222.

Write your request letter with the California timelines included.

Checked Oct 16, 2026 · sfusd.edu

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San Francisco provider directory

Speech-Language Evaluation providers near San Francisco

Organizations in San Francisco County, with the 2 in or near San Francisco first. Each detail shows where it came from; anything the organization hasn't published says “Not yet confirmed.” Order never depends on payment.

2 providers in San Francisco County

We list an organization after confirming it exists at this location and offers the evaluation services listed, from its own published materials. Ages, insurance, and testing scope show “Not yet confirmed” until we can source them. Order never depends on payment.

How we source and review listings

Compare and contact providers

Before you book

Before you book

EvaluationSpeech-Language Evaluation
Common formatOften 1–3 hours
Private-pay context$400–$1,500+ (illustrative)
Do you evaluate this age and concern regularly?Is this comprehensive testing or a consultation?Which parts are in person?What records should we send?Is a feedback meeting included?What is the current wait for a first appointment?
Directory transparency

No scraped profiles. No pay-to-rank results.

We're starting the California directory in the Bay Area and adding providers slowly. A profile appears only after we confirm the organization, its location, and the services it publishes. Details we haven't confirmed are labeled “Not yet confirmed.”

How review works