Help for Swallowing, Voice and Speech in Rockland County--Where Is It?

I continually hear the same scenario from my patients.  These are adults, primarily--although I do have one 7-year old with a stuttering problem.  They tell me; "Why couldn't we find you earlier?" or "I couldn't find a speech pathologist anywhere in the County who was available" I hear frequently.

There are millions of Americans who suffer from problems with voice or swallowing.  Additionally, many adults with acquired neurological impairments such as Parkinson's Disease or stroke have real need of immediate and consistent help in remediating speech and language deficits.

So where are the speech pathologists?  Well, one answer is in the hospitals.  I worked in hospital settings for many years.  The problem is that  there is such a demand for these services that many outpatient clinics are overbooked, with waiting lists that go on for weeks or months!  When someone has just had a stroke, he or she requires IMMEDIATE and TIMELY intervention.  Yes, one can improve for the rest of one's life, but it is VITAL that someone start as soon as possible.  If a voice disorder is put off too long, the resulting abuse concomitant with putting that first visit off can cause structural damage that may require surgery or may eventually be PERMANENT.

If you are suffering from a voice, communication or, even more of a concern, a swallowing problem, you just can't afford to put off getting help.  Because hospitals are so overbooked, some people look for therapists in other locations.  Sometimes they find them.  Sometimes they don't.

I get referrals from doctors in my area, but I am just getting known, as most of the MDs that I've worked with associate me with hospitals that I've worked for in the past, so I'm trying to get the word out.

If you need help, call 845 608 1080 or visit my website for information http://www.speechpathologyworks.com and I'll be happy to try and help.  It's what I do.

So, I began this blog to get the word out.  I simply need to let people know they have a choice.

Don't wait, no matter what you decide.  The "use it or lose it" motto applies here.  Don't put off getting help for yourself--or for someone you love.