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91ɫƵ Intensive Program of Aphasia Therapy (IPAT)

The Intensive Program of Aphasia Therapy (IPAT) is a comprehensive language therapy program led by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in speech therapy, neurology, neuropsychology, and biomedical engineering. Our mission is to offer cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments for aphasia in a daily, intensive format that is generally not available elsewhere. The program is tailored to individual needs and goals while emphasizing a sense of community and well-being through functional communication.

Program Information

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What is an intensive aphasia therapy program?

IPAT follows the intensive comprehensive aphasia program (ICAP) service delivery model that addresses both communication skills and life participation for the person living with aphasia and their support partners. Studies have shown that an intensive approach to aphasia treatment, in which many hours of therapy are provided over a short time, improves communication and psychosocial well-being for people with aphasia compared to standard speech therapy.

What does the intensive program include?

IPAT occurs Monday through Friday, 3-4 hours each day, for a 2-week cycle. Participants receive individual therapy tailored to their goals using evidence-based treatment, along with group sessions that focus on functional communication, education and life participation. Other activities such as art, pet therapy and chair yoga are included. Care partners are offered opportunities for communication training, education and support.

Participants receive a comprehensive language assessment before the start of the therapy cycle and at the end of the cycle. Person-centered goals are discussed and incorporated into treatment planning.

All therapy is conducted by licensed and experienced speech-language pathologists.

Opportunities to participate in language research may also be available.

Who is eligible?

Adults with aphasia who are medically stable and can maintain active and safe participation in the intensive model and group therapy. No exclusion on the basis of aphasia severity or time post-onset alone. All prospective participants will be screened to ensure potential benefit from the program.

When is the next cycle starting?

The program has several cycles throughout the year.

  • February 10–21, 2025
  • May 5–16, 2025
  • September 8–19, 2025
  • November 10–21, 2025
Where does the program take place?

On the Froedtert & the 91ɫƵ campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

What is the cost of the program?

IPAT does not bill insurance and program costs are out-of-pocket. Please contact the IPAT program for more information.

Where can I get more information or ask questions?

Please email IPAT@mcw.edu or call the program coordinator at (414) 955-0730.

What is the application process?
  1. Complete the application questionnaire.
  2. The program coordinator will follow up with you to gather more information and answer questions. A virtual screening call may be requested. Medical records, including most current speech therapy documentation, are required. Requests from healthcare systems may take 2-3 weeks.
  3. The IPAT team reviews all applications and records to make a decision about enrollment on an individual basis.
  4. If accepted to the program, participants must be available to come to campus for a pre-therapy assessment appointment at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of the program and a post-therapy assessment appointment the week following the program.
  5. A nonrefundable deposit is required within 1 week of invitation to attend the program with the full remaining payment due 1 week before the start of the therapy program.

The Silent Aftermath

Learn more about Aphasia Research at the 91ɫƵ and the impact on our community.

Meet Our Team

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Jeffrey R. Binder, MD

Professor of Neurology, Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, and Biophysics; Director of Stroke and Neurobehavior Programs, Department of Neurology; Director of Language Imaging Laboratory, Department of Neurology

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Sara B. Pillay, PhD, ABPP

Associate Professor

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Priyanka Shah-Basak, PhD

Assistant Professor

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Sabine Heuer , PhD, CCC-SLP

Associate Professor, UW-Milwaukee

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Shelley Laitinen, MS, CCC-SLP

Program Coordinator and Speech-Language Pathologist

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Sidney Schoenrock, MA

Research Program Manager

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Anna Freiberg, BA

Head Research Psychometrist