The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Service at Newton-Wellesley Hospital includes highly qualified individuals who specialize in evaluation and treatment of pediatric, adolescent, and adult speech, language, voice, cognition, literacy and swallowing disorders. 

Our team is staffed by individuals who all hold at least a master's degree, national certification and Massachusetts licensure in Speech-Language Pathology.   

Typical problems we address on both an inpatient and outpatient basis include:

• Aphasia - a language disorder caused by a stroke or other brain injury
• Articulation/Phonological Disorders - difficulty making speech sounds correctly
• Cognitive-Linguistic Disorders - difficulty thinking, problem solving, and remembering  
• Dysphagia - a swallowing disorder which can affect one's ability to eat and drink normally
• Language – delays or disorders in comprehension or expression  
• Stuttering - unnatural hesitations, repetitions, or prolongations of sounds, words, or phrases
• Voice Disorders - prolonged hoarse, breathy, or atypical voice quality

Evaluations

Patients are referred by their physician for SLP services and are evaluated one-on-one to determine the nature and severity of communication and/or swallowing problems which may exist.

Swallowing assessments may also involve an X-ray procedure called a modified barium swallow study for a more detailed evaluation. The results of the evaluations are discussed with each patient and/or appropriate family members and a plan of care is suggested.

Goals are developed jointly whenever possible and treatment is initiated (after insurance clearance or private pay arrangements are made for outpatients).Coordination of services with school systems and referrals to other specialists, when appropriate, are completed on a regular basis.

Making Outpatient Appointments:

1. Contact the Rehabilitation Services Department to make an evaluation appointment with a Speech-Language Pathologist. Adult appointments: 617-243-6172; Pediatric appointments:  617-243-6175
   
2. Before the appointment pre-register online or by phone at 617-243-6122.
   
3. Bring any pertinent speech, medical or school-based reports that you have to your appointment. You may also fax this information to us at 617-243-6377.
   
4. Call your PCP to obtain
   - an insurance referral if necessary
   - a prescription for “evaluation and treatment” of the communication or swallowing difficulty .