Speech Therapy

Communication is key to how we connect with the world. If you or a loved one has difficulty speaking or understanding language, you know how deeply this can affect everyday life.

At Banner Health, our speech therapy team is here to help. We provide expert, compassionate care to children and adults with speech and language challenges. Our multidisciplinary team creates personalized treatment plans designed to improve communication, confidence and overall quality of life.

What is speech therapy and how does it help?

Speech therapy is a treatment approach that helps individuals improve communication skills and manage speech disorders. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also known as speech therapists, use techniques like articulation therapy, language intervention activities and other evidence-based methods.

Speech therapy can benefit both children and adults. The goal is to help patients speak more clearly and better understand and express language - both verbally and nonverbally.

Who needs speech therapy? Signs and conditions

Speech therapy can help people of all ages with a variety of speech, language, voice and cognitive communication issues. Individuals may benefit from speech therapy if they:

• Have difficulty speaking clearly or forming words
• Struggle to understand or use language
• Experience cognitive-communication issues due to brain injury or illness
• Have a condition that affects voice, fluency or oral motor function

Children with developmental delays, adults recovering from stroke or brain injury, and people managing chronic neurological conditions can all benefit from speech therapy services.

How speech therapy works: What to expect

Speech therapy can help patients improve communication by enhancing clarity, comprehension and confidence. Your speech therapist will assess your specific challenges and goals, then develop a personalized plan focused on skill-building and daily function.

For many, speech therapy is a long-term investment. While some patients see improvement within months, others may benefit from therapy over several years. Consistency, patience and support from your care team are key.

Conditions treated with speech therapy

Speech-language pathologists at Banner Health treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Aphasia – Affects the ability to speak, understand, read or write. Common after stroke or brain injury.
• Articulation disorders – Difficulty forming certain sounds correctly (e.g., saying “thith” instead of “this”).
• Cognitive-communication disorders – Caused by brain injuries that affect memory, attention and problem-solving.
• Dysarthria – Slurred or slow speech due to weakened muscles, often related to conditions like ALS, MS or stroke.
• Expressive language disorders – Trouble putting thoughts into words.
• Fluency disorders – Interruptions in speech flow, such as stuttering.
• Receptive language disorders – Difficulty understanding what others say.
• Resonance disorders – Abnormal voice quality due to structural issues or neurological conditions.
• Voice disorders – Issues with pitch, volume or vocal quality that impact communication.

LSVT speech therapy for Parkinson’s and neurological conditions

Banner Health also offers Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), an evidence-based program proven to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.

LSVT includes two targeted programs:

• LSVT LOUD – Also known as Loud Voice Therapy, this program helps patients recalibrate and strengthen their voice for clearer speech.
• LSVT BIG – This program focuses on improving body movement, helping patients regain control of everyday actions and physical communication.

LSVT has been successfully used for decades and continues to help patients improve speech, movement and independence. Learn more about LSVT.

Speech therapy for children: Play-based learning for language development

Speech therapy for children focuses on creating a fun, play-based environment that encourages kids to actively participate. Whether in small groups or one-on-one sessions, activities are tailored to the child’s specific age, needs and communication disorder. Your speech therapist may use talking, playing, books, pictures and games to stimulate language development and help children learn sounds. Additionally, caregivers are provided with techniques and activities to continue speech therapy progress at home, reinforcing the child’s improvement.

Speech therapy for adults: Tailored techniques for speech, language and cognitive communication

Adult speech therapy may address a variety of issues, such as speech, language and cognitive communication challenges. In some cases, therapy may also help patients retain their ability to swallow due to medical conditions. Depending on individual needs, speech therapists employ a range of techniques, including:

• Problem-solving & memory exercises: Activities that help improve cognitive function, memory and organization.
• Social communication skills: Techniques to improve conversational abilities and interactions with others.
• Breathing & resonance exercises: Exercises that focus on improving voice quality and strength.
• Muscle strengthening: Targeted exercises to help improve speech articulation and overall vocal strength.

Your speech therapy journey: What to expect

At Banner Health, our approach to speech therapy is collaborative and patient focused. Every patient begins with a thorough evaluation to understand their communication needs and create a targeted treatment plan.

Our care team includes speech-language pathologists as well as audiologists, physical therapists, nurses, physicians and other health care professionals. This multidisciplinary approach ensures well-rounded, effective care.

You can expect your therapist to guide you through techniques, strategies and exercises tailored to your goals. We also provide education and resources to support you beyond therapy sessions.

Everyone progresses at their own pace. Some people may need therapy for a few months, while others may continue for years. No matter where you are in your journey, we’ll be by your side to support your progress.