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Clearer Communication.
Better Breathing.
Stronger Swallowing.
Forward Function.

Our Rapid City speech-language pathology clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and therapy services for speech, language, swallowing, myofunctional therapy, feeding, oral sensory-motor, cognition, AAC, fluency, voice, and breathing function.

We evaluate and treat infants, children, teens, adults, and older adults in Rapid City and across the Black Hills, focusing on improving airway health, communication, functional swallowing and feeding, and whole-body outcomes.

Helping you chew, swallow, speak, think, and breathe for life.

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Start Today, Watch Progress Grow

Innovative, evidence-based therapy to help every patient speak, swallow, breathe, think, and thrive at their fullest potential.

Welcome to Dakota Speech and Swallow Center, Where Everything We Do is Personalized to You

We provide compassionate, evidence-based and innovative care across the full scope of speech-language pathology — including speech, language, cognition, voice, fluency, oral sensory-motor function, AAC, swallowing, FEES, feeding, breathing and airway function, and orofacial myofunctional disorders.

Through individualized treatment, advanced assessment, and authentic collaboration, we empower individuals and families to achieve functional, lasting outcomes and strengthen the community we serve.

Get Started Today

A young boy in striped shirt and white pants standing on a padded mat, with a woman sitting cross-legged on the floor blowing bubbles. The woman has blonde hair and is wearing black scrubs and blue sneakers. There are anatomical posters on the wall behind them.

What We Offer at DSSC

A speech-language pathology evaluation is the first step in understanding communication, oral function, feeding, breathing, and cognitive concerns. Our evaluations are comprehensive and designed to identify the root cause of symptoms across the lifespan.
Evaluations may include:
- Case history and discussion of concerns
- Clinical observation of speech, communication, breathing, posture, swallowing, and chewing
- Standardized and functional assessments
- Instrumental assessment (such as FEES) when appropriate
We evaluate:
- Speech sound disorders (articulation, phonology, apraxia, dysarthria)
- Language and communication (including social communication and AAC)
- Voice, resonance, and upper airway disorders
- Fluency (stuttering)
- Feeding, oral sensory-motor, chewing, and swallowing (dysphagia)
- Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and oral restrictions (e.g., tongue tie)
- Breathing function and airway/sleep-related concerns
- Cognitive-linguistic skills (e.g., TBI, stroke, dementia)
- Craniofacial and genetically-related differences
- TMJ/TMD and orofacial pain patterns
After your evaluation, you’ll receive clear results, individualized recommendations, and a plan for next steps.
Treatment is personalized and focused on improving function in everyday life. Our whole-person approach considers the connection between breathing, communication, cognition, swallowing, muscle patterns, structural factors, and functional habits to develop individualized care that supports each person’s unique goals.
Treatment may include:
- Speech, language, and cognitive-communication therapy
- Augmentative and Alternatie Communication modalities (AAC)
- Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT)
- Oral sensory-motor training
- Feeding and swallowing therapy (dysphagia management)
- Voice and resonance therapy
- Fluency (stuttering) therapy
- Breathing retraining and upper airway-focused therapy
- Functional support for oral restrictions (pre/post frenectomy)
- TMJ/TMD and orofacial pain-focused treatment
- Use of specific tools and programs
- Functional training and home programs for carryover
Our goal is to create meaningful, lasting change that supports communication, health, and overall quality of life.
Beyond individual therapy, DSSC offers groups and classes that help individuals and families build skills, confidence, and connections. Our programs support communication, feeding, breathing, and whole-body function through engaging, evidence-informed learning experiences.
DSSC partners with healthcare organizations and community programs to provide specialized speech-language pathology services beyond the traditional clinic setting.
- Mobile FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care communities, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare settings
- Dysphagia Evaluations & Consultation
- Cognitive-Communication & AAC Consultation
- Clinical Training & Education for Teams
- Clinical Consulting for Organizations
- Specialized Speech-Language Pathology Support Services
Telehealth provides a convenient option for accessing DSSC therapy services remotely. We offer virtual sessions for eligible clients, providing individualized speech-language pathology care with the same personalized approach as in-clinic visits.

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Meet Your Team

Welcome! We’re DSSC.

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A team that leads with passion, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to the Black Hills, Rapid City, and surrounding rural communities.

We are not just another team of speech-language pathologists—we are pioneers in our region. Many of our specialized trainings and services were first introduced locally by our team, reflecting our commitment to expanding access to cutting-edge, evidence-based care across a vast rural area. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and continual pursuit of advanced education, we are helping define what exceptional care looks like close to home.

How it All Works

Send us a message, e-mail us, or give us a call and one of our patient coordinators will guide you through our process.
A comprehensive evaluation with a licensed SLP will be completed, addressing all areas of concern.
We’ll design a personalized therapy plan together, guiding your progress while collaborating with the other professionals on your care team.
Therapy is about more than just overcoming challenges—it’s about building a life that feels truly yours. Together, we’ll track your progress, celebrate your milestones, and ensure you step forward with the confidence and practical tools needed for lasting change.

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Insurance & Billing

We are in-network with the following insurance plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield/Wellmark, Avera, Cigna, DakotaCare, Tricare, Medicaid, Medicare, First Choice Health Network, Humana, Aetna, Medica, Claritev/MultiPlan, Midland’s Choice, Sanford, United, UMR, GEHA, VA Community Care, and HealthPartners. We also accept FSA/HSA cards and can assist you in managing care through your Health Share program.

Not sure if insurance covers services? DSSC encourages patients and/or families to call and verify their benefits. We can confirm active insurance coverage, but cannot guarantee reimbursement of services from insurance. All patients are financially liable for insurance denials and non-covered services, in addition to any coinsurance, co-pay, or deductible amounts.

We accept CareCredit, which allows you to make payments toward any out-of-pocket expenses (private pay or insurance-based) over 6 months with NO interest!
Learn more here :https://www.carecredit.com/doctor-locator/rapid-city-sd/dakota-speech-and-swallow-cent-554wyj/

Uninsured or looking to use private pay? Contact our office about our private pay sliding scale.

Navigate to our Services page to learn more about our private pay classes, groups, and programs.