Speech-Language Pathology Clinic at Carlow University

The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Clinic at Carlow University is a pro-bono (no-cost) center that provides assessment and treatment services for children and adults with communication needs. It is the only pro-bono SLP clinic in Pittsburgh and the outlying areas. Conveniently located on Carlow University’s campus, we proudly serve our local community of Oakland and the surrounding Pittsburgh area. 

State-licensed and nationally certified faculty directly supervise all graduate students. All sessions are led by a master’s student clinician in SLP under the direct supervision of an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathology faculty member. 

This outpatient clinic offers in-person, virtual, and group therapy options. Parking is free and Accessible.  

Clients benefit from:

• Individualized evidence-based assessment & treatment plans
• Teletherapy, individual & group therapy options
• Free & Accessible Parking

All sessions are led by a Carlow University graduate student clinician under the supervision of an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathology faculty member.

The SLP Clinic at Carlow has 5 specialty clinics run by faculty with expertise in the following: 

1. Speech Sound Disorders Clinic 

The Speech Sound Disorders Clinic supports children and adults who have trouble making certain speech sounds or being understood when they talk. We also help people who want to adjust their accent to improve how clearly, they are understood. 

Speech challenges may be due to developmental differences, neurological conditions, or other factors. No matter the cause, we offer thorough evaluations and one-on-one therapy to help improve speech clarity. Services are tailored to each person and can be provided in person or through Telepractice (online). 

Children with: 

• Articulation or phonological delays (e.g., difficulty with /r/, /s/, or final consonants) 

• Childhood apraxia of speech 

• Speech sound errors associated with developmental conditions (e.g., autism, Down syndrome) 

Adults experiencing: 

• Acquired apraxia or dysarthria following stroke or brain injury 

• Accent modification goals for personal or professional reasons 

• Persistent articulation difficulties 

• Speech clarity challenges due to Parkinson’s or ALS 

What We Offer: 

• Online therapy options when needed 

• Personalized treatment plans delivered one-on-one 

• Research-based assessments and therapy 

• Support for families and caregivers 

Program Goals: 

• Use evidence-based practices to guide therapy 

• Involve parents and caregivers as part of the therapy process 

• Help clients use their speech skills in everyday life—at home, school, work, or in social settings 

• Combine research-based approaches with practical clinical care 

• Coordinate with other professionals or services to support each client’s needs 

2. Language Disorders and Autism Clinic  

We provide evaluation and treatment for children and adults who have language difficulties related to various diagnoses, including autism. 

This clinic serves children, teens, and adults with developmental language disorders and autism who may: 

• Have trouble understanding what others say, like following directions, answering questions, or pointing to objects and pictures 

• Find it hard to express themselves, such as putting words together, asking questions, naming things, or defining words 

• Struggle with reading, spelling, and writing skills 

• Need help with social communication skills, like keeping a conversation going, understanding body language and facial expressions, and using language in everyday life 

Program Goals 

Our clinicians create personalized treatment plans using research-backed methods to help clients improve skills in: 

• Listening and understanding language 

• Speaking clearly and effectively 

• Early reading skills and awareness of sounds in words 

• Reading comprehension 

• Writing and spelling 

• Social communication and interaction 

• Using alternative ways to communicate, such as communication devices or sign language (AAC) 

3. The Stuttering Clinic 

The Stuttering Clinic provides personalized assessment and therapy for children and adults who stutter. People who stutter may repeat or stretch out sounds or feel stuck and unable to say what they want to say. Sometimes, they may avoid speaking altogether. 

At the Stuttering Clinic, therapy is supportive, practical, and tailored to each person. We start by helping you understand more about how speech works and what stuttering looks and feels like for you. From there, we focus on your goals. Therapy may include learning ways to make talking easier and more natural. It can also involve working through any thoughts, feelings, or fears that come up around speaking. 

Stuttering can feel frustrating or limiting, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Our goal is to help you communicate more freely and confidently—so you can say what you want, how you want. 

4. The Voice and Upper Airway Disorders (VUAD) Clinic 

The VUAD provides state-of-the-art care for voice and upper airway disorders affecting voice, speech, breathing, and swallowing. We also have expertise in voice and communication training for diverse populations. Comprehensive voice evaluations include state of the art acoustic (sound) and phonatory aerodynamic (breathing) instrumentation. Voice therapy includes but is not limited to: 

• Age-related voice changes 

• Pediatric voice therapy 

• High occupational voice demands 

• Benign vocal fold lesions (e.g., nodules) 

• Vocal fold mobility disorders 

• Tension of the voice box (e.g., muscle tension dysphonia) 

• Parkinson’s Disease  

• Breathing Difficulties due to: 

• Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction 

• Dysfunctional Breathing Pattern 

• Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction  

• Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy 

5. Adult Neurogenic Communication and Cognition Clinic

Cognitive and Language Rehabilitation Clinic for Adults 

This clinic supports adults who are experiencing communication or thinking challenges due to brain injuries or neurological conditions. 

We also help adults with communication and cognitive difficulties resulting from: 

• Aphasia 

• Brain tumors  

• Concussions (mild TBIs) 

• Degenerative conditions 

• Infections 

• Stroke 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) 
  
  

Schedule an evaluation

Inquire today about diagnostic and therapy options beginning August 2021. All referrals accepted.

SLP Clinic hours

The SLP clinic is open Monday through Friday throughout the academic year. Hours of operation vary by semester and include morning or afternoon appointments.

Carlow University lifts up World Voice Day

Join us April 13, 2024!

LEARN MORE

Carlow University’s Speech-Language Pathology Clinic prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment on the bases of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, handicap or disability, sex, age, pregnancy, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, genetic information, gender identification, veteran’s status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.