Speech-Language Pathology

speech therapy

Improving Quality of Life

Our certified speech-language pathologists have one goal: to work closely with patients and families to improve quality of life through enhanced communication and swallowing skills. 

Clinical Services

Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat all aspects of communication and oral-pharyngeal swallowing impairment. They participate in patient care teams across University of Michigan Health. Depending on the particular concern, an evaluation may include assessment of: 

  • Speech
  • Voice
  • Language
  • Cognitive-Communication
  • Dysphagia (Swallowing) 

We create a customized treatment program based on the results of the evaluation. Because changes in speech, language or swallowing abilities may signal a disease process, we communicate with the individual’s physician to assist in medical evaluation and patient education. 

See our Speech Therapy page to explore conditions, treatments, programs and resources related to speech pathology.

View our Speech Language Pathology Clinical Services page for a detailed list of speech pathology specialty areas and information about the speech therapy evaluation process.

Speech Therapy

Explore conditions, treatments, programs and resources related to speech pathology

Speech Language Pathology Clinical Services

Learn about speech pathology specialty areas and find information about the evaluation process.

Contact Speech Pathology

All ACUs (locations) should contact the Therapies Call Center at 734-936-7070, except for the following:

  • Exception: UH Speech-Language Pathology, MH Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology at 734-763-4003
  • Exception: WAA or BCSC Otolaryngology SLP:  734-936-8051 

The Speech-Language Pathology Department accepts a limited number of graduate student interns each year, pediatric and adult. Prospective interns typically apply 12 to 18 months in advance of the last-semester placement. Information on the application process is available from Sarah Russell MS CCC, Graduate Student Internship Manager: [email protected]

The Speech-Language Pathology Department also accepts requests from current graduate students for a one-day, three-hour clinical observation. Pediatric and adult observations are available. Please contact Samantha Kliman, the Student Observation Coordinator: [email protected] to request an observation. to request an observation. 

Referrals are welcomed from physicians, advanced practice providers (APP) and insurers. For medically-based communication or swallowing evaluation and/or treatment, a physician or APP referral is required. Individuals requesting transgender communication services may self-refer.

Internal Referrals

Referrals from within U-M Health should be submitted electronically via MiChart.

External Referrals

Referrals from outside of U-M Health may be faxed to 734-615-1532 or mailed to:

Forms: Outpatient Consult Request

Speech-Language Pathology
University of Michigan Health
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
1D203 University Hospital, SPC 5043
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

Education & Research

Speech-Language Pathology staff members present in-services and educational programs at a variety of state and national conferences as well as for community groups. Staff is also available to participate in medical grand rounds and medical student and resident lecture programs.

  • Adult Dysphagia: Assessment and Treatment
  • Overview of Communication and Swallowing Disorders
  • Aphasia, Apraxia and Dysarthria: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Augmentative/Alternative Communication for children with non-functional speech production
  • Augmentative/Alternative Communication for patients with Degenerative Speech
  • Disorders
  • Cognitive-Communicative Disorders
  • Communication Disorders in Patient with Acquired Brain Injury
  • Laryngectomy Rehabilitation
  • Learning Strategies for Children with Brain Injury
  • Managing Tracheostomy Tubes to Enhance Speech Production
  • Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement: Assessment and Treatment
  • Pediatric Dysphagia: Assessment and Treatment
  • Swallowing Rehabilitation following head/neck cancer surgery
  • Typical Speech, Language and Swallowing Development in Children
  • Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: Assessment and Management
  • Voice Disorders: Assessment and Treatment

To schedule an in-service or educational presentation, please email: [email protected]

Speech-Language Pathologists at U-M Health are involved in a variety of research projects designed to improve understanding of communication and swallowing disorders and their treatment. Current projects include:

Karen Kluin

  • Functional brain mapping & language: Communication outcomes in patients with refractory epilepsy & brain tumors
  • Communication outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disese & essential tremor following deep brain stimulatory (DBS) surgery
  • Motor speech & language disorders in patients with neurodegenerative diseases (such as PPA, PPAOS, SCA, MSA, PSP, CBS, ALS)

Margaret Tiner

  • Prosthesis guided speech rehabilitation of T1/T2 cancers of the tongue (PGSRT): a randomized clinical trial
  • Pilot study on high resolution 3D digital scanning for maxillofacial prosthetics for feasibility and efficacy.
  • Lip Augmentation for Restoration of Lip Competence-Case Study