Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy

header-title-decorationSpeech Therapy

Vision 

As a partner with Audiology in the Communication Disorders Department, the Speech Therapy program seeks to “make communication a human right, accessible and achievable for all” (American Speech-Language Hearing Association).  Building on a strong tradition of excellence and leadership, the Speech Therapy program provides services in the acute and rehabilitation inpatient units as well as interdisciplinary and specialty outpatient rehabilitation services.   

Speech Therapy Services  

Speech-LanguagePathologists (also known as Speech Therapists or SLPs) are highly skilled professionals who help people optimize their cognitive, communication and swallowing skills. As key members of the multi-disciplinary team, speech-language pathologists collaborate to develop individualized therapy programs to meet the goals and needs of patients and their families and caregiversSLPs re-establish reliable, functional communication for people with aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria and voice disorders through advanced evaluation and treatment techniques (such as our Intensive Aphasia Program, Videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS), and Visi-Pitch).  Speech Pathologists are the preferred providers of swallowing assessment and treatment. At Rancho Los Amigos, our comprehensive swallowing program utilizes instrumental evaluation tools, such as a Modified Barium Swallow study (MBS), and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), as well as advanced treatment techniques (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and McNeil Dysphagia Treatment Program).

Who We Are  

The Communication Disorders Department currently includes 27 licensed Speech Language Pathologists averaging 12.5 years of clinical experience with complex neurological conditions. Many of us are bilingual and all have expertise working with patients from diverse cultural and ethnic communities. As of 2021, two of the 31 Board Certified Specialists in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders in the State of California are Speech Language Pathologists on our staff. In addition, 11 of our clinicians are Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD certified; 10 are Certified Brain Injury Specialists (by the Brain Injury Association of America); and 21 are paneled providers for California Children’s Services (CCS).

Continuing Education 

For more information, click here

Graduate Student Training Program  

For more information, click here

Outpatient Referrals for Speech Language Pathology Services: 

Referrals for outpatient speech therapy evaluation and treatment are welcomedPatient Information and Community Referral forms must be completed prior to scheduling an appointment. Insurance coverage will be verified. 

Submit completed forms by fax to the Rancho Outpatient Referral Office at (562) 385-7826.  For outpatient appointments and questions please call (562) 385-7111, Option #4, 2. Office hours are Monday  Friday (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). 

Referral to Specialty Communication Programs/Services: 

Rancho Levels of Cognitive Functioning 

In 1979, the Speech Therapists at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center developed the Rancho Levels of Cognitive Functioning (RLOCF).  The RLOCF is an evaluation tool that describes the cognitive recovery of individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.  It is used to guide the design and implementation of an effective rehabilitation therapy plan.  To learn more about the Rancho Levels of Cognitive Functioning DVD, professional reference cards, and family guide click here 

Employment Opportunities  

For information regarding employment please contact:
Sarah Taylor, Interim Director, Communication Disorders Department
Tel: (562) 385-7687 
Email:sltaylor@dhs.lacounty.gov