FHU CSD Clinic Offers Free Assessment, Treatment of Speech Disorders
Henderson, Tennessee (Oct. 11, 2022) — The Department of Communication Science Disorders (CSD) at Freed-Hardeman University now offers free assessment and treatment of adults and children with speech, language, voice, cognitive and fluency disorders. Located on the top floor of the Associates Science Building, FHU CSD Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.
The clinic, which began this fall, can serve 25 clients through group and individualized therapy. Junior and senior CSD majors, who are 100% supervised by a certified speech-language pathologist, provide clinical services. Freshman and sophomore students are permitted to observe sessions to accrue the 25 hours of observation needed for graduate school admission.
Specific services include evaluation and management services for disorders related to speech and language. Services are provided by undergraduate students under the direct supervision of certified faculty members. All clinical faculty members are certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and licensed by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Science.
Diagnostic services are provided to people of all ages for articulation disorders, language delay or disorders, and fluency disorders or stuttering. Assessment typically includes comprehensive testing, observation, interview with the client and/or family members and consultation regarding clinical findings and recommendations.
The nature of intervention programs depends on the type and severity of the disorder, client’s age and individual concerns. Therapy is available for both children and adults through individual or group sessions.Services are first come, first served, based on demand. Treatment is provided for the following: articulation disorders, language delay and disorders, fluency disorders or stuttering, voice disorders, autism spectrum disorders and cognition.
Faculty members also supervise students in the provision of LSVT Loud, a treatment approach for addressing speech and voice disorders common with Parkinson’s Disease and similar neurological conditions. In addition, the CSD Clinic houses a sound-attenuated audiology suite for hearing screenings.
Services are provided by undergraduate students under the direct supervision of certified faculty members. All clinical faculty members are certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and licensed by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Science.
“The clinic provides our students with opportunities for clinical training and research,” Dr. Meagan Spencer, clinic director, said. “In addition, patients are offered a full range of services. They benefit from being treated in a university setting where professors are at the forefront of their field.”
Among the students receiving clinical training is Emily Beard, a member of the first CSD cohort.
“Being able to work in the CSD Speech Clinic has allowed me to positively impact the lives of children and their families while also solidifying that this is the career path I want to take,” Beard said.
Members of the cohort also plan to attend many conferences and tour graduate programs to help them transition from an undergraduate to graduate degree.
Clients are notified of the dates and times for appointments throughout the semester. Clinical sessions and diagnostic evaluations are taken on an as available basis. They do not require a physician referral. Currently, clinical services are offered free of charge.
“Our goal is to reach out to children who do not qualify for other available services or who are a part of the Henderson/West Tennessee community,” Spencer said.
The CSD program, begun in Fall 2021, currently has 17 majors. To learn more about FHU CSD or to schedule an appointment, individuals may contact Spencer by calling 731-989-6096 or emailing her at mspencer@fhu.edu.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associates, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
