Teens

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After you submit the contact form or schedule a consultation, we will discuss your teen’s communication concerns and goals. If appropriate, we will begin with a comprehensive evaluation to guide therapy planning.

Common areas include:

• Stuttering
• Persistent or “stubborn” articulation challenges
• Language difficulties affecting schoolwork
• Reading and spelling challenges 
• Communication confidence and participation
   

Therapy for teens focuses on real-life communication needs and independence.

Not at all. Many teens benefit from speech therapy that focuses on real-world communication, such as presentations, interviews, and social interactions.

Absolutely. Teen therapy works best when the student has a voice in the process. Goals are collaborative and focused on situations that matter to them, such as presentations, conversations, interviews, and social interactions.

Language skills are closely connected to literacy. Speech-language therapy can address language-based challenges that affect reading comprehension, spelling, and written expression.

Therapy can help teens develop strategies for managing communication challenges, reducing avoidance, and building confidence in academic and social settings.

Some speech sound patterns persist into adolescence. Therapy at this stage focuses on targeted strategies, awareness, and practical communication skills.

Yes, although teens typically take a more active role. Parents or caregivers remain important partners in supporting communication and learning.

Therapy often incorporates principles from Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering®, focusing on reducing avoidance, increasing participation, and building communication confidence rather than simply chasing fluency.

Yes. Language skills, reading, and spelling are closely connected. Therapy may integrate approaches informed by:

• Barton Reading and Spelling System
• Orton–Gillingham
• SPELL-Links
   

These approaches help support language-based learning differences.

We are currently in-network with HealthPartners, MinnesotaCare, and some Cigna plans. Coverage varies by plan, and private pay options are available.

I am a licensed speech-language pathologist with specialized training in stuttering, speech sound disorders, language, and literacy. I am also a Certified Fearless Living Coach and a candidate for board certification as a specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders.