Accent modification is a service for individuals wanting to change their accent/speech pattern. Having an accent is not a communication disorder, so accent modification is an elective service — not covered by insurance.

With accent modification training, you will learn how to modify/change your speech pattern and produce sounds that you have difficulty producing (e.g., the tricky “th” sound). Our goal is to help you become a more effective communicator while preserving your unique cultural identity.

Accent modification is currently for adults (18 years or older) and individuals who have a proficient understanding/expressive use of the English language (i.e., speak at an intermediate to advanced level).

Accent modification training sessions will be conducted online. We can schedule sessions at times that are most convenient for you.

After the comprehensive evaluation, a personalized set of goals will be created. These goals will also reflect any personal goals that you may have.

The speech-language pathologist may work on the following with you:

• General American English: pronunciation of specific consonants and/or vowels.

• Prosody: word stress and intonation.

• Connected speech: vowel reduction and linking.

• Vocabulary specific to your profession.

• Pragmatics: identifying and correcting communication breakdowns.

• Special occasions: practicing for presentations or job interviews.

Accent modification training involves the following:

• Direct teaching: Explicit teaching of sounds.

• Practice: listening and imitating.

• Visual aids: pictures and charts.

• Corrective feedback.

• Auditory discrimination training.

• Minimal pairs.

• Reading aloud.

Activities will vary (e.g. reading, role-playing, etc), depending on your interests/goals and targeted features. Improving speech clarity requires consistent practice and dedication. To achieve the best results, we encourage clients to attend all classes and engage in regular practice.

Sessions will primarily focus on accent training; however, grammatical difficulties will be addressed as needed.

An evaluation is required to obtain an overall picture of your speech pattern, strengths, and weaknesses. It will be used to determine appropriate goals and recommendations.

Yes, please contact me for more information.

Early Intervention refers to a set of services for children (birth to 36 months of age) who have a developmental delay or disability. It often includes services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The purpose of early intervention is to identify and provide appropriate interventions to support the child and family.

At Nalee Speech Clinic, we provide early intervention speech therapy services to children (18 to 36 months of age) who have delayed speech and language skills. Children with delayed speech and language skills have difficulty expanding their vocabulary and combining words.

Each session will be child-led and play-based as children learn through playing (e.g., play with toys, gross-motor play).

Parents and/or caregivers will learn about speech and language developmental milestones, and evidence-based strategies to support the child’s speech and language skills. Parents and/or caregivers will be coached during therapy sessions. Parent coaching involves the following:

Observation: The speech-language pathologist (SLP) will observe how you interact with your child during daily routines or activities and share feedback.

Direct Teaching: The SLP will teach strategies that may best support the child. The therapist with demonstrate how strategies are used.

Practice: Parent and/or caregivers are encouraged to practice and use strategies with their child during routines or play. The SLP will observe and guide or support as needed.

At lease one parent or caregiver and the child needs to be present during the session.

Sessions will take place in the child’s most natural environment (e.g., in the home, at daycare). We also provide online sessions, if preferred.

Yes, a comprehensive evaluation will be required to determine your child’s current level of performance and his/her strengths and weaknesses.

Speech-language evaluations completed within the past three months may be accepted; however, incomplete evaluation reports will not be accepted.

We only accept clients residing in California.

No, we do not take insurance; however, we are a vendor for the Westside Regional Center.

Private-pay clients are responsible for all services billed.

Superbills are provided monthly for all invoices paid (early intervention services only) and you can submit it to your insurance provider for out-of-network coverage. It is recommended that you speak with your insurance company about out-of-network coverage (i.e., reimbursement amount) for speech evaluations and treatment.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or speech therapists are experts in speech, language, and communication. They receive extensive training in areas such as phonetics, articulation, and language development. SLPs diagnose and treat a variety of communication disorders and work with people of all ages.