FAQs

How long does it take to recover?

The recovery process is different for each individual client. Among other factors, it is dependent on the type and severity of the damage and the amount of therapy received. Some clients are able to recover, but for most clients, improvement is a slow process that does not result in a complete recovery. However, our research and experience has proven that stroke survivors can continue to improve years, and even decades, after a stroke.

What do we work on?

At Austin Speech Labs we work on speech, language, and cognitive skills. Therapy is customized to the individual needs of each client.

How often will I receive therapy?

After the client is evaluated, the client and the caregiver will consult with their clinician to decide on their schedules.  Some clients choose to come in for 2-3 hours per week, others choose to come in for the maximum of 15 hours per week, but most clients choose some number of hours in between. No matter how many hours you choose, you keep that schedule for all 8 weeks of the Boot Camp session. Clients may choose to come during the morning session, which is from 9-12, or the afternoon session, which is from 1-4.

For example, if a client wants to do 2 hours of therapy per day in the morning session on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he or she may be assigned to Individual Therapy at 10am with a specific therapist, and Group Therapy at 11am with a specific group of clients and a therapist. The client will keep this same schedule for the next 8 weeks.

What does a typical day look like at Austin Speech Labs for a client?

Clients receive a variety of therapy based on their needs and interests. We offer Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and Computer-Assisted Therapy. Clients might receive just one of these modes of therapy, or they might receive all three. It is dependent on the number of hours of therapy a week the client participates in. See types of therapy for more information on the different types of therapy offered.

At the start of each morning or afternoon session, clients and caregivers gather and socialize in the waiting area. Clients then proceed to their first hour of therapy in an assigned room. After the first hour is up, the office springs to life, and they rotate to another room for another hour of therapy with a different therapist. This process is repeated for the third hour. During this time, caregivers may run errands, socialize in our caregiver room, receive support, or simply rest.

Therapists also supervise volunteers and graduate students who are working with clients. Speech therapy involves a lot of repetition, and our volunteers are able to help out with these types of repetitive tasks.

What if I do not live in Austin?

If you do not live in Austin, we offer teletherapy through Zoom. We cannot serve clients outside of Texas due to licensing restrictions. For your initial evaluation, we ask that you travel to our office to complete the evaluation in person. This requirement allows our staff to get to know you, and gives us an opportunity to earn your trust in our services.

How much does it cost?

We understand that recovering from a stroke can be a long-term endeavor. Our fees are affordable to allow you to receive therapy for multiple boot camp sessions. We also offer sliding scale fees for clients requiring financial assistance. Please see our Therapy for current fees.

Do you need a caregiver present during therapy?

We are a nonprofit organization and have volunteers helping us. Our staff is not trained to do transfers or take clients to the restroom. If a client requires assistance with transfers and/or going to the restroom, we request that a caregiver be available during therapy to help. We have a caregivers’ room so individuals can relax and unwind while the client is in therapy. Wi-fi is provided.