These are particularly relevant to behavioral voice therapy. The voice-producing structures may be structurally normal, but the person uses them inefficiently.

• Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD)

• Functional aphonia (loss of voice)

• Vocal fatigue and vocal strain

• Ventricular phonation

• Functional falsetto or puberphonia

• Certain patterns of pitch, loudness, or voice-quality misuse

SLPs provide therapy for patients with structural vocal fold changes, often in collaboration with an ENT or laryngologist.

• Vocal fold nodules

• Vocal fold polyps or cysts

• Vocal fold edema

• Presbyphonia (age-related voice changes)

Voice therapy may be used alone or alongside medical or surgical management, depending on the diagnosis.

These result from nervous system conditions affecting vocal function.

• Parkinson's-related hypophonia (reduced vocal loudness)

• Vocal fold paresis or paralysis

• Spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia)

• Vocal tremor

• Voice changes associated with other neurological disorders

Treatment may focus on loudness, respiratory-phonatory coordination, vocal function, and communication effectiveness.

LSVT LOUD is an intensive, standardized voice treatment that focuses on increasing vocal loudness through high-effort, amplitude-based training.

How the certification helps:

• Provides training in a research-supported treatment protocol for Parkinson's disease.

• Develops skills in assessment, treatment delivery, cueing, calibration, and carryover into daily communication.

• Provides structured treatment materials, clinician resources, and access to continuing education and expert support.

• Offers a searchable clinician directory that can help patients and referral sources find certified providers.

LSVT LOUD typically involves 16 individual sessions over four weeks, with daily home practice. The protocol is designed to improve vocal loudness and communication, with potential benefits to other speech subsystems as well.

SPEAK OUT! emphasizes speaking with INTENT, using deliberate, purposeful speech to help address the automaticity challenges associated with Parkinson's disease.

How the certification helps:

• Provides training in a structured treatment program for people with Parkinson's and related neurological disorders.

• Develops skills in individual therapy, evaluation, home practice, and group-based maintenance.

• Provides access to program-specific materials, patient resources, and ongoing education.

• Offers a provider directory and a structured pathway for patients to continue practicing beyond individual therapy.

The program combines individual treatment, daily home practice, and ongoing group sessions to support communication over time.