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Expert Speech-Language Pathology Care When You Need It Most

At Hansel Union Consulting, our licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for individuals of all ages experiencing speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. With expanding locations throughout Virginia and into North Carolina, we’re committed to bringing expert care closer to your community.

Whether you’re seeking help for a child with language delays, an adult recovering from a stroke, or someone needing augmentative communication support, our experienced team delivers personalized, evidence-based therapy in a supportive environment.

Why Choose Hansel Union:

  • Licensed, certified speech-language pathologists
  • Flexible in-home, clinic, and telehealth options
  • Specialized in AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)
  • Accept most major insurance plans
  • Serving Virginia families since [founding year] with expansion throughout the region

What is Speech-Language Pathology?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are healthcare professionals who prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Our specialists work with:

  • Children experiencing speech delays, language difficulties, or developmental disorders
  • Adults recovering from stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions
  • Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing requiring communication support
  • Patients with autism spectrum disorder, progressive neurological diseases, or feeding challenges

Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the symptoms, but the underlying causes of communication difficulties, empowering our clients to connect more effectively with the world around them.

Speech Therapy Conditions We Treat

Language Disorders

Language disorders affect how individuals understand and use language to communicate. Our speech therapists provide targeted intervention for:

Receptive Language Disorders: Difficulty understanding spoken or written language, following directions, or comprehending complex information

Expressive Language Disorders: Challenges sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings through speech or writing, limited vocabulary, or difficulty forming sentences

Treatment approaches include:

  • Vocabulary building exercises
  • Grammar and syntax development
  • Comprehension strategies
  • Narrative and conversational skills training
  • Parent/caregiver coaching for home practice

Speech Sound Disorders

Our SLPs treat articulation and phonological disorders that affect speech clarity:

  • Articulation disorders (difficulty producing specific sounds)
  • Phonological disorders (sound pattern errors)
  • Childhood apraxia of speech
  • Dysarthria (motor speech disorders)
  • Voice disorders

We help clients:

  • Improve speech intelligibility
  • Develop clear articulation
  • Strengthen oral motor skills
  • Build confidence in communication

Social Communication Disorders

Social communication challenges affect how individuals use verbal and nonverbal communication in social contexts. This is particularly important for individuals with:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Right hemisphere brain damage
  • Social (pragmatic) communication disorder

Our therapy focuses on:

  • Using communication for different purposes (greeting, requesting, commenting)
  • Adapting communication style to different listeners and settings
  • Following conversational rules and social cues
  • Understanding figurative language and nonverbal communication
  • Developing peer interaction skills

Cognitive-Communication Disorders

Cognitive-communication disorders impact thinking skills that affect communication, including attention, memory, organization, and problem-solving. These often result from:

  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Other neurological conditions

Treatment addresses:

  • Attention and concentration
  • Memory strategies and compensatory techniques
  • Executive function skills
  • Problem-solving and reasoning
  • Organization and sequencing
  • Safety awareness and judgment

Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)

Our specialized feeding and swallowing therapy helps children and adults with dysphagia safely eat and drink. We evaluate and treat:

  • Oral phase swallowing difficulties
  • Pharyngeal phase dysphagia
  • Pediatric feeding disorders
  • Post-stroke swallowing problems
  • Progressive swallowing difficulties

Services include:

  • Clinical swallowing evaluations
  • Modified diet and liquid recommendations
  • Therapeutic exercises and strategies
  • Caregiver education and training
  • Collaboration with medical teams
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Giving Voice to Every Individual
Hansel Union specializes in augmentative and alternative communication systems for individuals with severe expressive language or comprehension challenges. We believe everyone deserves a voice.

AAC Solutions We Provide:

Low-Tech Options:

  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
  • Communication boards and books
  • Visual schedules and social stories
  • Pain charts and choice boards
  • Gesture and sign language systems

High-Tech Solutions:

  • iPad-based communication apps (simple to complex)
  • Dedicated speech-generating devices
  • Eye-gaze technology
  • Switch-activated communication systems
  • Customized vocabulary programming

AAC Expertise for:

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Aphasia
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Progressive neurological diseases

Our AAC specialists work closely with families, educators, and care teams to ensure successful implementation across all environments.

Our Approach to Speech Therapy

Evidence-Based, Person-Centered Care
Every client receives an individualized treatment plan based on:

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Standardized assessments, clinical observations, and collaboration with families and other providers
  • Goal-Setting: Functional, meaningful goals developed in partnership with clients and families
  • Evidence-Based Intervention: Current research-supported techniques tailored to individual needs
  • Progress Monitoring: Regular assessment and plan adjustments to ensure optimal outcomes
  • Family Education: Training and resources to support carry-over in daily life
  • Collaborative Care: Coordination with physicians, teachers, occupational therapists, and other team members

Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the symptoms, but the underlying causes of communication difficulties, empowering our clients to connect more effectively with the world around them.

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Service Locations Throughout
Virginia and North Carolina

Currently Serving Virginia

Hampton Roads Region:

  • Norfolk
  • Virginia Beach
  • Chesapeake
  • Suffolk
  • Portsmouth
  • Hampton
  • Newport News

Richmond Metropolitan Area:

  • Richmond
  • Henrico
  • Chesterfield
  • Glen Allen
  • Midlothian

Northern Virginia:

  • Alexandria
  • Arlington
  • Fairfax
  • Loudoun County
  • Prince William County

Additional Virginia Communities:

  • Williamsburg
  • Fredericksburg
  • Charlottesville
  • Lynchburg
  • Roanoke

Coming Soon: North Carolina

Charlotte Metro Area (Opening 2026)

  • Charlotte
  • Concord
  • Gastonia
  • Matthews
  • Huntersville

Triangle Region (Opening 2026)

  • Raleigh
  • Durham
  • Cary
  • Chapel Hill
  • Wake Forest

Don’t see your area listed? Contact us to inquire about availability in your community.

Speech Therapy Service Options

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Flexible Care to Fit Your Lifestyle

Clinic-Based Therapy
Visit one of our professional therapy centers equipped with specialized materials and technology for optimal treatment outcomes.

Telehealth Speech Therapy
Access quality care from anywhere through secure video conferencing. Perfect for busy schedules, rural areas, or ongoing maintenance therapy..

Consultative Services
Expert guidance for families, caregivers, and other professionals seeking specialized recommendations.

Insurance and Payment

Making Quality Care Accessible

  • Private pay
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Payment plans available

Contact our billing specialists to verify your specific coverage and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I or my child needs speech therapy?

If you notice any of the following, a speech-language evaluation may be beneficial:

  • Difficulty being understood by others
  • Limited vocabulary compared to peers
  • Trouble following directions or understanding language
  • Social communication challenges
  • Stuttering or fluency concerns
  • Voice quality issues
  • Difficulty swallowing or frequent coughing during meals
  • Regression in previously acquired skills

Do I need a physician referral?

Requirements vary by insurance provider. Some plans require a referral while others allow direct access. Contact us and we’ll help determine what your specific plan requires.

How long does speech therapy take?

Duration varies based on individual needs, diagnosis severity, and treatment goals. Some clients achieve their goals in a few months, while others with complex needs may benefit from longer-term support. We provide regular progress updates and recommendations.

What should I bring to the first appointment?

  • Insurance information
  • Physician referral (if required)
  • Previous evaluation reports or medical records
  • List of current medications
  • Specific questions or concerns
  • Completed intake paperwork (sent prior to appointment)

Do you offer evaluations only?

Yes. We provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for individuals seeking assessment without ongoing treatment, second opinions, or documentation for educational or legal purposes.

Get Started with Speech Therapy Today

Your journey to better communication starts here

Don’t wait to address communication challenges. Early intervention leads to better outcomes for individuals of all ages.

Schedule Your Consultation:

  • Call: 757-967-9926
  • Fax: 757-673-6320
  • Email: Contact
  • Locations: Throughout Virginia | Expanding to North Carolina

New Patient Process:

  • Contact us to schedule your initial evaluation
  • Complete intake paperwork
  • Attend comprehensive assessment
  • Review findings and recommendations
  • Begin personalized treatment plan

Why Families Choose Hansel Union

“The speech therapist at Hansel Union changed our daughter’s life. Her communication has improved dramatically, and she’s more confident than ever.”
– Sarah M., Virginia Beach

“After my stroke, I didn’t think I’d speak clearly again. The team at Hansel Union worked patiently with me, and I’ve regained so much of my communication ability.”
– Robert T., Richmond

“Finding AAC support for my son was challenging until we found Hansel Union. They understood his needs and provided the perfect communication system.”
– Jennifer L., Norfolk

Schedule an Appointment

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