Speech Therapy
Our speech-language pathologists integrate proven treatment, advanced technologies and supportive care to optimize each patient’s recovery.
Specialized treatment for communication and swallowing disorders
If you are experiencing problems with language, communication, cognition, voice or swallowing – our certified speech-language pathologists (SLP) can help you regain this vital function or help you adapt to your condition. Our certified SLPs address the complex needs of people with communication impairments including the following:
- Stroke
- Brain injury
- Brain tumors
- Head/neck cancer
- Oral and brain cancers
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Dementia
Our compassionate team will work with you to create an individualized program specific to your needs.
Treatment may include:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) — evaluations and training with communication devices for patients with aphasia and neurological conditions
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (CRP) — a comprehensive program to improve memory, attention, language and functioning skills
- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment® (LSVT) — a voice and respiration treatment method to improve vocal intensity and decrease the impact of Parkinson’s disease on communication
- McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) — an intense, exercise-based speech therapy program used to treat Dysphagia.
- ReVital™ Cancer Rehabilitation — specialized program for individuals whose cancer has impacted their communication or swallowing skills
- SPEAK OUT! and LOUD CROWD® — a specialized program that combines education, individual speech therapy (SPEAK OUT!) and ongoing group sessions (LOUD Crowd) to enhance speech and communication
- Visi-Pitch® — a computerized speech training and analysis program to help patients with voice disorders due to overuse, injury or disease
- VitalStim® — neuromuscular electrical stimulation, a low level electrical impulse that stimulates and strengthens muscles used for swallowing
During the treatment process, a home exercise program may be customized to meet your diagnosis.
Our approach to outpatient speech therapy treatment
Speech therapy at a Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation — Outpatient Therapy involves individual therapy and patient/caregiver training to help you overcome your speech and communication difficulties.
Every person has a unique set of needs. Our certified speech-language pathologists develop a treatment plan for each person based on their injury or illness and your level of function. For patients with voice disorders or swallowing problems, we use a combination of clinical assessments and specialized diagnostic tools as a starting point before we begin speech therapy. The number of therapy sessions vary based on your clinician’s recommendations.
For patients with severe aphasia or difficulty communicating, we will determine the need for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices. We develop picture and communication boards, and may use computer devices that produce electronic voice so that patients can express their thoughts, needs and ideas.
Conditions commonly treated
-
Difficulty in speaking, listening, reading and writing in order to communicate with others without impacting intelligence. Common with stroke, brain injuries, brain tumors and progressive neurological disorders.
-
Inability to execute coordinated movements necessary to speak, even though muscle strength and mental capacity are unchanged. Most common with stroke, brain injury and brain tumors.
-
Difficulty reasoning, recalling, attending to information and in social communication exchange. Patients may also have difficulty planning, organizing and prioritizing their time. Most common with stroke, traumatic brain injury, concussions, brain tumor and progressive neurological disease.
-
Difficulty articulating words due to muscle weakness and lack of coordination. This results in slurred or distorted speech. Most common with stroke, traumatic brain injury and other neurological disorders.
-
Difficulty in safely swallowing food, liquids and even saliva due to muscle weakness or paralysis. This can lead to poor nutrition, aspiration pneumonia and less enjoyment in eating. Common with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, head/neck cancer and other progressive neurological disorders. Some signs of dysphagia are coughing, choking or throat-clearing while eating or drinking. A sensation of food stuck in the mouth, throat or upper chest is also common.
-
Using proven methods such as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LVST) and SpeakOut Therapy, we can help you manage the communication barriers brought on by Parkinson’s disease.
-
Hoarse, strained voice or that which the quality, pitch or loudness is impaired. Voice disorders can result from improper or inefficient use of the voice, from physical changes in the vocal mechanism, or problems in the nervous system that relate to the larynx.
Take the Next Step. No Prescription Needed
Restrictions Apply