To:
X Insurance Company
From:
Date:
Re:
Letter of Support for Speech Therapy Services for X
I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) at X (name of facility). I am writing with regard to X
(client’s name), who has been diagnosed with a X (severity) stuttering disorder that is
characterized by behavioral, affective, and cognitive components. The behavioral components of
the disorder include many instances of speech disfluency including speech repetitions, blockages
or tense pauses before words and phrases, and/or prolongations of sounds. These behaviors are
the result of disruptions in the timing of the systems of respiration, phonation, and articulation.
X (client’s name) has stuttered since X (he/she) was a young child. X (client’s name) has
reported that X (his/her) reactions to the problem include many negative feelings, thoughts, and
attitudes toward X (himself/herself) and X (his/her) speech. In my professional opinion,
intervention is critical to reduce the negative effects that stuttering has on X (his/her) life. If
positive management skills are not learned, X (his/her) stuttering will continue to negatively
impact X (his/her) emotional and social well being. In addition, these difficulties may lead to
limitations in vocational choices and opportunities.
I recommend that X (client’s name) be enrolled in stuttering therapy for X (number) session(s)
per week for X (number) minutes per session. X’s (client’s name) parents and X (client’s name)
are receptive to this recommendation. The goal of this treatment is to assist X (client’s name) in
developing more effective strategies that will help X (him/her) better manage X (his/her)
stuttering disorder. Specifically, treatment activities will emphasize changing the negative
affective (emotional), behavioral, and cognitive (thoughts) reactions to X (his/her) stuttering.
Additionally, X (client’s name) will be taught to speak more effectively by modifying X (his/her)
stuttering moments into a less severe form of stuttering and by learning strategies that will allow
X (him/her) to speak more fluently. These strategies will permit X (him/her) to reduce the
current handicapping effects that stuttering will have on X (his/her) social, emotional, and
educational opportunities.