Restoring Communication. Improving Swallowing. Enhancing Quality of Life.

If you’re experiencing speech, language, or swallowing difficulties due to a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorders, traumatic brain injury, or another medical condition, Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) services at Ellenville Regional Hospital can help you regain confidence, comfort, and function.

Many people don’t realize they have a communication or swallowing disorder until symptoms worsen or a loved one or provider notices subtle changes. At ERH, our outpatient SLP program offers expert evaluation and evidence-based therapy to address these challenges—helping you reconnect with others and regain essential life skills.

We welcome the involvement of caregivers and family members, who often play an important role in reinforcing techniques and supporting progress at home.

Common Conditions We Treat

Our highly trained speech-language pathologists provide personalized treatment for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders): Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or managing saliva. These issues can lead to poor nutrition, weight loss, and increased health risks.

• Aphasia: A communication disorder that affects your ability to speak, understand language, read, or write—often due to stroke or brain injury.

• Voice Disorders (Dysphonia): Hoarseness or abnormal vocal quality caused by impairments in the vocal cords or related structures.

• Speech Disorders (Dysarthria): Slurred or slow speech due to weakness or loss of control in the muscles used to speak.

• Fluency Disorders (Stuttering): Interruptions in speech flow, such as repetitions or prolonged sounds, that impact clarity and confidence.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Our evaluation process begins with a one-on-one consultation. During your initial visit, your therapist will gather a detailed medical history and discuss the onset and progression of your symptoms. We’ll evaluate your speech, language, and swallowing function through observation, hands-on assessment, and, when appropriate, referrals for imaging or further testing.

You’ll be asked about specific challenges, such as choking, coughing while eating, changes in voice quality, or difficulty articulating words. We’ll also assess muscle tone, coordination, and function in the mouth and throat to guide your personalized treatment plan.

Treatment and Therapy

Once a diagnosis is made, we’ll develop an individualized care plan tailored to your goals and physical condition. Therapy may include:

• Exercises to strengthen the muscles used for speaking and swallowing

• Techniques to improve articulation, breath control, or voice projection

• Swallowing strategies and safe feeding practices

• Vocal hygiene and conditioning exercises

• Cognitive-linguistic training for memory, organization, and problem-solving skills

Between sessions, you may be encouraged to practice assigned activities at home. Caregivers are often included to help track progress and support success.

Hours of Operation

Our SLP services are available:
Tuesday through Friday
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Referrals and Insurance

We welcome referrals from physicians, caregivers, educators, and other healthcare professionals. We also collaborate with your provider to ensure continuity of care and access to any additional medical services you may need.

Medicare and most major insurance plans cover speech-language pathology services. If cost is a concern, you may be eligible for our financial assistance program.

Licensed and Certified Staff

All services are provided by New York State-licensed and certified speech-language pathologists. Our therapists adhere to the highest clinical standards of care and stay up to date on the latest treatment methods.

For more information about speech, language, and swallowing disorders, visit:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

• New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NYSSLHA)

Help Is Close to Home

To learn more about ERH’s Speech and Language Pathology Program or to schedule an appointment, call us at (845) 210-3035.