Support for people who stutter
Don’t let your speech stop you living the life you want
We offer group and individual sessions built around confidence, communication and connection.
Prefer to chat first? Phone 03 9035 7199 or email speech-clinic@unimelb.edu.au
Get started with stuttering support
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll be back in touch.
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WHEN TO GET HELP
Stuttering isn’t always the hardest part
If stuttering stops you from doing what you enjoy or trying new things, our specialised support for teens and young adults may help. Reach out if:
- stuttering is affecting your confidence or self-esteem
- you want to understand how thoughts and feelings affect your speech
- you’d like practical strategies to manage stuttering better
- you’d like to meet other young people who stutter.
Things you may have noticed
Speech feels harder in the moments that matter, like class discussions, meeting someone new or answering the phone.
You worry that others think you're nervous or less capable, because of how you speak.
Saying what you want to say, when you want to say it, doesn't always come easily
Avoiding things like raising a hand, going for a job or on dates because of your speech.
Friendships or activities that used to feel fun don’t anymore because talking feels like too much.
You’ve started to worry about your speech affecting your future career.
HOW IT WORKS
Our stuttering support is different
At MTHC our stuttering support is co-designed by speech pathologists and psychologists with lived experience of stuttering. That means practical, speech strategies together with support for the thoughts and feelings that often come with stuttering.
For many young people and adults, managing stuttering well is a more realistic and useful goal than trying to eliminate it. Our programs aim to build confidence, connection and choice in how you communicate.
How holistic stuttering support can help
People who stutter say it’s often the things around stuttering that makes it hardest. By combining speech strategies, psychological support and social connection our stuttering service helps build practical skills and confidence.
Drop-in group sessions
Relaxed after-school drop-in sessions for young people aged 12 to 18 who stutter, offered in person at Carlton and online during Victorian school terms. Learn practical strategies, build confidence and meet peers who understand.
Intensive group program
A 5-day school holiday program for young people aged 12 to 18 who stutter. Get small groups practice, deeper support and peer connection. Young adults aged 18 to 25 can register interest in future groups.
Individual sessions
One-to-one sessions with a speech pathologist are also available for people of all ages. It’s a good option if you'd like dedicated time with a clinician at your own pace, without a group setting.
How we work
Our approach
Speech and psychology together
Built around your goals
Focused on confidence
TAKING THE FIRST STEP
Get started with an assessment
The first step depends on the type of support you’re after.
For drop-in sessions we’ll have a short phone conversation to check it’s a good fit. For the intensive program or one-on-one sessions we’ll arrange a more detailed assessment either online or in person.
You don't need to have worked out which option is right for you. We can help you understand what's involved and what might be right for you.
Contribute to stuttering research and help other young people
People joining the intensive group program may also choose to take part in related research. This is completely optional and won’t affect your place. The study aims to improve evidence about support for young people and young adults who stutter, with full details provided during assessment.
How to refer
Information for professionals
MTHC Speech Pathology's stuttering support combines speech pathology and psychology to give practical speech strategies alongside support for the thoughts and feelings that often come with stuttering.
A referral isn't required and clients and families can get in touch directly. A summary of relevant concerns is a helpful starting point if you have one to share.
Consider referring if a young person or young adult in your care:
- finds stuttering is affecting their confidence or self-esteem
- avoids situations like class discussions, meeting new people, or job applications, because of their speech
- would benefit from support that addresses the thoughts and feelings around stuttering, not just speech strategies
- has started to withdraw from friendships or activities they used to enjoy
- hasn't connected with other people who stutter and may benefit from doing so.
Young people and young adults aged 12 to 25 who stutter and wish to build their confidence alongside their communication.
One connected system of care
MTHC is where healthcare, education and research come together
SUPPORT FOR CHANGING NEEDS
A connected system of care
We offer a range of services to support people across different health needs and stages of life. You can move easily between services as your needs change, without starting from scratch each time.
PURPOSE‑LED HEALTHCARE
Affiliated with the University of Melbourne
We’re a not‑for‑profit healthcare organisation affiliated with the University of Melbourne. This means high‑quality, evidence‑informed care for you and your family.
A University of Melbourne collaboration
MTHC’s expanded stuttering services are a collaboration with the University of Melbourne's Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology.
This deepens the connection between our stuttering support services and ongoing teaching, clinical training and research.
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need a referral?
No, you don't need a referral to get in touch. To be eligible for Medicare rebates on paid sessions you can choose to get a referral. If a professional has referred you, a short summary of their concerns is a helpful starting point, but it isn't required.
Who runs the group sessions?
Speech pathologists and psychologists, work together to run the group sessions. In addition, the group programs are co-designed by both.
Do I have to go to drop-in sessions before joining the intensive group?
No. Drop-in sessions aren't a requirement, but you might find it's a helpful way to get a feel for the group setting first.
Do you run stuttering support groups for people over 18 years?
Not yet, but we're planning an intensive group for young adults aged 18 to 25. You can register your interest now and we'll be in touch once dates are confirmed.
Individual sessions are available now for this age group.
Are the group sessions in-person only?
No. Drop-in sessions run both in person at our Carlton clinic and online via Zoom. The intensive program currently runs in person at Carlton only.
How much do the group sessions cost?
Thanks to a philanthropic gift from Channel Foundation, our first round of drop-in and intensive group sessions is free. Future programs may involve a fee.
Individual sessions are charged at the standard clinical rates.
What happens at the assessment?
It's a chance for us to understand what would help most and confirm whether the program's a good fit. It's also when you'll hear more about the research study, if you're joining the intensive group.
If I join the intensive group do I have to be part of the research study?
No. Taking part in the research is entirely optional, and it won't affect your place in the program either way.
What is the stuttering research study looking at?
It's looking at what support works best for young people and young adults who stutter. There's currently limited evidence for this age group, and the research aims to help close that gap. You'll hear more detail during your assessment.
Can my parent or carer come to sessions with me?
We ask a parent or carer to join part of the initial assessment, to share relevant background and hear about the research aspect if that's relevant.
For individual sessions, parents are welcome to attend. For group sessions, we find young people connect more easily without parents in the room, so we ask parents to wait nearby rather than sit in. If there's a reason your parent needs to stay, like a medical consideration, get in touch and we'll work out what's needed.
For the intensive program, we share a short summary with parents each day, and we encourage young people to talk about the day with their parents too, if they'd like to.
Limited free spots for group sessions
Thanks to a philanthropic gift from Channel Foundation, the first of our drop-in and intensive group sessions are free.
Future programs may involve a fee. If you think this support might be useful, it’s a good time to get in touch.
Contact Us
Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic
Level 1, 723 Swanston St,
Carlton 3053
Phone: 03 9035 7199
Fax: 03 9347 1535
Email: speech-clinic@unimelb.edu.au
Opening hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4.30 pm
Closed public holidays