Speech-Language Pathology
Patients with psychiatric diagnoses often have difficulty with communication or social language use. Specifically, patients may need help in the following areas:
- Expressing emotions effectively
- Dealing with frustration and anger by using appropriate language skills or strategies
- Handling conflicts using language skills
- Taking another’s perspective to understand and react appropriately in a situation
- Identifying and expressing positive feelings of self-worth
- Using body language and facial expressions to enhance the verbal message
The Speech-Language Pathologist’s Role in Psychiatry
Speech-language pathologists at the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provide treatment to address communication needs in group and individual sessions. A physician’s referral is required for diagnostic or treatment services.
Individual Sessions
Screening and evaluations are completed in individual session. Individual therapy sessions target specific areas of speech or language weakness.
Group Sessions
- Groups focus on developing skills to meet the emotional and social needs of the patient.
- Groups may also focus on increasing the skills required to function appropriately in the community.
- Groups may be provided with occupational therapy to ensure that sensory and motor skills are incorporated appropriately.
- Literacy and language groups are provided to those patients who are under 8 years of age.
- Services are provided one to five days a week, depending on the unit.
Recommendations are provided at discharge if additional speech-language services are indicated.
Speech-Language Pathology Cost
Speech-language evaluations and therapy are billed separately from psychiatry. Insurance is billed directly for the services provided. Cincinnati Children’s is committed to providing services to all children, regardless of the ability to pay. A financial counselor is available at 513-636-0201
Contact
For more information about the Division of Speech Pathology at Cincinnati Children’s, contact 513-636-4341 or speech.pathology@cchmc.org
