WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital is excited to announce the introduction of Outpatient Speech Therapy services for adult patients (ages 18 and older), led by MacKenzee A. Watson, M.S. CCC-SLP. This new service will be available on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is the only outpatient speech therapy service available in Upshur County.

The outpatient speech therapy program provides specialized treatment for individuals with speech, language and swallowing disorders. This includes treatment for swallowing disorders such as oral, pharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia. Speech disorders like dysarthria and apraxia are also addressed, along with language disorders such as expressive and receptive aphasia. Additionally, voice disorders, including dysphonia and aphonia, will be treated. Cognitive-communication disorders, including memory impairment, are also part of the therapy offerings. For patients who require augmentative or alternative communication, services are available for the use of speech-generating devices or picture communication boards.

Patients with certain medical conditions may be at a higher risk for developing symptoms and could benefit from speech therapy. Some of these conditions include stroke, brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer in the head, neck or esophagus and surgeries to the head, neck or cervical spine.

Appointments for the new service will begin on March 3, with scheduling available now. To receive a scheduled appointment, please talk to your doctor about a referral.

Watson is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a license to practice speech-language pathology in the state of West Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from West Virginia University (WVU) in 2019, followed by a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from WVU in 2021.

Since 2021, Watson has been employed at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she has successfully implemented video fluoroscopy swallowing studies (i.e., modified barium swallow) and integrated the Nurse Aspiration Screening Tool policy and procedure.

Watson’s clinical experience spans acute care, skilled nursing, long-term care and outpatient settings. She has a particular passion for treating dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and aphasia, especially in patients with neurological conditions. In addition to her role at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Watson has served as adjunct faculty at WVU and currently works on a PRN basis at a skilled nursing facility in her hometown.

“I am deeply passionate about helping my patients restore their function and improve their well-being,” Watson said. “I strive to empower individuals by providing them with the support and resources to succeed as well as advocating for their needs. My goal is to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those I work with. I am thrilled to offer this much-needed service to the community!”

For more information or general questions, you may call 304-473-2150.