Department of Speech and Communication

Good Shepherd’s Department of Speech and Communication specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, cognitive or swallow disorders.  

Our Master’s level speech/language pathologists, each of whom is licensed and certified, will work closely with you, your family and Good Shepherd’s physical and occupational therapy teams to help you meet your goals and achieve maximum results.

If you’ve had a neurological event (spinal cord or brain injury, stroke) or have a neuromuscular disorder (MD, MS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease) and you need speech and language therapy, Good Shepherd’s multi-disciplinary approach to rehabilitation can help. 

Levels of care:

• Treatment for speech, language or swallowing disorders is available at Good Shepherd's four inpatient rehabilitation locations and one long-term acute care location.
• A Neonatal and Infant Feeder Program is available at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit.
• Good Shepherd offers numerous outpatient rehabilitation facilities to continue your progress and help you maintain your function.
• If you can't make it to one of Good Shepherd's outpatient locations, we provide in-home therapy services throughout our service area.
• Speech and language therapy for children is availabile in Good Shepherd's Pediatrics Program.
• Good Shepherd’s two long-term care facilities offer services for speech. language and swallowing disorders. 

Good Shepherd’s Department of Speech and Communication specializes in evaluating and treating:

• Issues with listening, reading, writing or speaking (Aphasia)
• Pronunciation disorders (Apraxia)
• Slurred speech (Dysarthria)
• Issues with memory, organization or thinking skills (cognitive/linguistic)
• Swallowing disorders (Dysphagia)
• Fluency disorders
• Voice disorders

Support groups offered by Good Shepherd’s Department of Speech and Communication:

• Communication Skills Group: If you have difficulty communicating, this group can help by providing opportunities to practice social and conversational skills and develop a vital support system.
• Cognitive Linguistic Skills Group: This group provides important opportunities to practice cognitive and linguistic strategies with others.
• Aphasia Group: If you have issues with listening, reading, writing or speaking, this group can help by providing ongoing support, family education and functional communication practice.

Other services available through Good Shepherd’s Department of Speech and Communication:

• Assessment and prescriptions for augmentative communication devices
• Good Shepherd is an official Assistive Technology Resource Center for the Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT).  The program includes a free assistive technology lending library, which includes devices for speech- and hearing-impaired individuals.

For more information on the Good Shepherd Department of Speech and Communication, contact us, call 610-776-3270 or Request an Appointment.