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.

There’s no difference in the service itself. “Accent reduction” is the older, more commonly searched term, while many speech-language pathologists, including us at Nalee Speech Clinic, Inc. prefer “accent modification.” The word “reduction” can suggest an accent is something to be removed, but we see accents as natural differences and part of your identity.

We help you adjust specific features of your speech, such as pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation, so you can be understood more easily at work, school, and in everyday conversations. You choose your goals, and we can’t promise specific outcomes, as progress depends on your goals and practice.

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.

The 7-week program is a good fit if you have a specific focus, like a few sounds or preparing for interviews and presentations. The 12-week program gives you more time for broader changes, like rhythm, stress, and intonation in everyday conversation. Not sure? Start with your free 15-minute call and we’ll help you decide.n

It depends on where you’re starting, your goals, and how much you practice between sessions. We’ll set clear, specific goals together so you can see your own progress.

Because an accent isn’t a medical condition, accent modification training is generally not covered by health insurance. Some employers do cover it as professional development, so it’s worth asking.

Accent modification training is for adults 18 and older who speak English as an additional language.

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.

Each session is 50 minutes, and most families come once or twice a week. Every child is different, so we’ll talk about what to expect after the evaluation.

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.

No. Learning two languages does not cause speech or language delays. Bilingual children may say their first words a little later, but still within the typical range, and a strong home language actually helps them learn English. If your child seems to be struggling, it’s not because of the second language, and we can help you find out what’s going on. Read more from the Hanen Centre.

Yes. Many parents want practical tools to support their child’s language growth, even when development is on track. In parent coaching sessions, we show you simple strategies to use during play and daily routines, so you feel confident helping your child at home. We’ll always tell you honestly what we recommend and what we don’t.

We only accept clients residing in California.

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

We’re a private-pay practice. Insurance typically covers speech therapy only when a child has a diagnosed communication disorder. If your child does have a diagnosis, we can provide a superbill to submit for out-of-network benefits, and reimbursement depends on your plan. Families whose children are developing within the typical range usually aren’t reimbursed.

Superbills are provided monthly for all invoices paid 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.