Speech-Language Pathology
Speech and swallowing difficulties can affect your sense of connection and identity. Our team helps you regain your abilities and independence.
Medically reviewed by Nicole Lee on Sep. 22, 2026.
Expert Care for Speech and Swallowing Disorders
UC Davis Health's Speech-Language Pathology Program specializes in evaluating and treating speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders. Our speech-language pathologists customize your care, addressing your unique medical, emotional and social needs to help you reclaim skills and confidence.
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Our Speech-Language Pathology Services
Our speech-language pathologists work closely with your health care team to discuss your specific medical diagnosis and goals. Then, we provide a thorough evaluation and proven therapies based on your needs. Our team specializes in:
Aphasia and Language Disorders
We provide expert care for adults who have lost language abilities due to brain injury, neurological diseases or stroke. Our team helps you rebuild comprehension, expression and reading and writing skills.
Dysphagia and Swallowing Disorders
We provide a comprehensive evaluation for swallowing disorders with a videoscopic swallow study (VSS). Our therapists customize your swallowing therapy plan. They focus on improving your nutrition and helping you avoid inhaling rather than swallowing food or liquid.
Fluency Disorders
Our compassionate team treats stuttering and other speech issues in all ages. We guide you through ways to treat the speech disorder and calm communication anxiety.
Infant and Pediatric Feeding Disorders
We diagnose and treat all types of feeding challenges in babies and children. Our team is at the forefront of research for these disorders, helping your child have positive feeding experiences.
Motor Speech Disorders
Speech problems like apraxia and dysarthria often occur alongside neurological conditions. We use evidence-based techniques to help you speak more clearly and quickly so you can communicate effectively.
Pediatric Speech and Language Disorders
Our experienced team cares for children who have delays or conditions that affect how they speak or understand language. We create fun, play-based exercises tailored to each child.
Vocal and Resonance Disorders
We treat hoarseness, vocal strain and problems with voice quality. Our approach includes exercises and strategies for healthy vocal cords.
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Benefits of Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-language pathology treats all types of speech, swallowing and language challenges. At UC Davis Health, we deliver this care through:
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Expert Assessment
Our speech-language pathologists use the latest tools to find the cause of language, swallowing and voice disorders. With this information, we target your challenges and help you meet your goals.
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Coordinated Care
We work with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists and dietitians to provide coordinated care. This team-based approach allows us to fit your therapy into your overall medical care, so all your needs are covered.
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Support Groups
Talking with others who understand speech and swallowing disorders can play a key role in your healing. We host support groups where you have a community that provides a safe space to listen and share.
What to Expect in Speech-Language Pathology
You'll work closely with our specialists to improve the skills and abilities that matter most to you. Your speech-language pathology plan will include:
Assessment and Goal Setting
We start with an evaluation of your speech and language needs, which will shape your therapy sessions. We also discuss your concerns and work with you to set meaningful goals.
Sessions and Family Involvement
Each session includes therapies such as customized exercises or functional activities. We also train caregivers so they can support your progress.
Home Care
We provide you with home practice activities you can use in everyday life. Doing these activities helps you maintain your progress.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the best in 6 specialties
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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