Speech Therapy for Children & Adults
Speech therapy supports people of all ages. At GBS, our Speech-Language Pathologist provides individualized, evidence-based speech therapy for children and adults at our West Long Branch, NJ clinic and via telehealth.
What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech therapist or SLP, is a health professional who diagnoses and treats communication and swallowing disorders. They work with people of all ages, from babies to adults in clinics, schools, and hospitals.
Speech Language Pathologists often use play based instruction to help treat speech and language disorders. Play based therapies are vital in keeping young learners engaged and receptive. SLPs may also use tools like flashcards to make repetition fun.
What can Speech Language Pathologists Help With?
SLPs work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and feeding and swallowing disorders. While they cannot diagnose neurological disorders (SLPs refer out to pediatric neurologists for that) they can diagnose speech and language disorders, voice disorders, stuttering, speech sound disorders, language delays and disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders.
Speech Language Pathologists can also advise if a child should utilize an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. They can help determine if AAC use should be temporary or long term. The goal of an AAC device is always to establish effective, functional, communication, and can be phased out as verbal communication is established.
Who We Serve
Children
Speech therapy can make a meaningful difference for children who are late to talk, have difficulty being understood, struggle with language comprehension, or need support building social communication skills. We work with children of all ages, from early intervention through the school years and beyond. Our SLP uses play-based instruction and engaging techniques to keep young learners motivated and making progress.
Adults
Communication challenges do not always resolve in childhood, and new challenges can emerge at any stage of life. GBS offers speech therapy for adults navigating language and communication difficulties, including those related to autism, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral health conditions. Our approach for adults is always individualized, respectful, and focused on building practical, real-world communication skills.
Learn more about our Adult Services at GBS.
Insurance & Coverage
Most insurance plans cover speech therapy. We currently accept Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. For other insurance carriers, contact us to inquire about your benefits. If you already receive ABA therapy at GBS, speech therapy can often be added at no additional cost.
Speech Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
Is speech therapy only for children?
No. While speech therapy is often associated with childhood development, communication and language challenges can affect people at any age. GBS offers speech therapy for both children and adults.
Where does GBS offer Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy at GBS is available in two formats:
- In-person at our West Long Branch, NJ clinic
- Via telehealth for clients who prefer remote sessions
What kinds of challenges does speech therapy address?
Our SLP works with a wide range of communication and swallowing needs, including speech sound disorders, language delays and disorders, social communication challenges, voice disorders, stuttering, AAC support, and feeding and swallowing difficulties.
Is telehealth speech therapy effective?
Yes. Telehealth speech therapy is a well-supported option for many individuals and can be especially convenient for families managing busy schedules or clients who are more comfortable in their home environment. Our SLP will help determine whether in-person or telehealth is the better fit for each individual.
Does insurance cover speech therapy?
Most major insurance plans cover speech therapy provided by a licensed SLP. We currently accept Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Contact us to verify your specific benefits.
Who provides speech therapy at GBS?
Speech therapy at GBS is provided by Deborah Bonomo, M.S., CCC-SLP. Deborah has worked across early intervention, public school, and private practice settings, and brings expertise in both communication disorders and autism studies to every client she serves.
Meet Our SLP
Deborah Bonomo, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist
Deborah Bonomo is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from William Paterson University and a post-master’s certificate in Autism Studies from the University of Massachusetts. She has worked across early intervention, public school, and private practice settings, and brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to every client she serves.
Deborah believes that meaningful progress in communication comes from understanding the whole person and building strong partnerships with families and caregivers. She serves children and adults at GBS’s West Long Branch clinic and via telehealth, and serves on the advisory board of Arts for Autism.
Get in Touch
Whether you are looking for support for your child or for yourself, GBS’s speech therapy team is here to help. Communication is foundational to everything, and you do not have to navigate this alone.
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