“Speech-Language Pathologists, also called SLPs, are experts in communication.”
-American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
We are called speech-language pathologists, SLPs, speech therapists, or sometimes even “speechies.” And while we can certainly help you with your speech, our goal at Lotus Speech & Wellness is to do much more: we hope to support you as you continue to make progress and reach personal goals in the areas of communication, cognition, and wellness.
What training, credentials, and expertise does an SLP have?
- We earn a master’s degree (our alma mater, the MGH Institute of Health Professions, is ranked in the top 10 programs in the country) and pass a national Praxis exam.
- We train to work in both the medical and school settings, and complete internships in both settings.
- We participate in a clinical fellowship after graduation.
- We obtain state licensure in each state that we practice.
- Many SLPs meet “rigorous academic and professional standards” to earn the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC, or “Cs”).
- We participate in continuing education every year in order to renew our licenses and ASHA certification.
Katherine and Caitlin are both Licensed and ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologists.
Who do medical SLPs work with?
A medical speech-language pathologist supports people with neurological impairments, including those who have:
- had a stroke
- experienced a traumatic brain injury or concussion
- developed a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, or Primary Progressive Aphasia
- a brain tumor or have been treated for cancer
- experienced an anoxic brain injury
How can an SLP help me?
A speech-language pathologist targets the following goal areas, depending on each individual’s needs:
- Speech
- Voice
- Language
- Social Pragmatics
- Reading and Writing
- Cognition
- Fluency
- Feeding and Swallowing
When you first start working with an SLP, you will participate in an initial consultation and/or evaluation to better understand your diagnosis and determine your individual strengths, needs, and goals. The SLP will recommend a treatment plan, and you may participate in individual and/or group therapy to help you reach your goals. SLP services may be in person or online via teletherapy. Although SLPs have been using evidence-based telepractice for years, more and more SLPs are now offering telepractice because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your SLP may also recommend additional community resources, such as yoga, mindfulness, or consultation with other professionals such as a physical or occupational therapist as appropriate. At Lotus Speech & Wellness, we are not only SLPs; we are both Certified Brain Injury Specialists, Katherine is a Registered Yoga Teacher, and Caitlin is becoming a certified mindfulness instructor.
To learn more, explore our website and visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s website. Please contact us with any questions or comments. We are currently an informational website, but we plan to offer skilled SLP services in 2021!