The UNT Health Speech & Hearing Center officially opened its doors in Fort Worth on Sept. 1, celebrating the occasion with a community-wide grand opening event.

Audiologist Dr. Cassie Thomas, speech-language pathologist Abby Fender, and their team of graduate students from the University of North Texas welcomed families for a morning filled with free hearing and speech screenings, breakfast, resources, and hands-on activities such as sensory play and story time for children.

The event marked more than a clinic opening; it was a milestone in expanding both access to care for the community while providing hands-on learning for students in audiology and speech-language pathology.

“This partnership gives our students a chance to learn side by side with experienced clinicians while directly serving our Fort Worth community,” said A.J. Randolph Clinical Practice Group COO. “It’s the perfect example of how education and clinical care can come together to create lasting impact.”

A New Chapter for Student Learning

The Fort Worth Speech & Hearing Center builds on the foundation established at UNT’s Denton campus, where students have long gained real-world experience providing clinical services under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Now, by expanding to Fort Worth, these graduate students will have access to a broader patient population and the chance to learn in a truly interprofessional environment. Working alongside physicians and other health professionals at UNT Health, they can apply their classroom knowledge in a collaborative clinical setting that mirrors the team-based approach of modern health care.

“This new center reflects our commitment to serving the North Texas community while providing our students with the highest quality clinical education,” said Dr. Erin Schafer, Chair of the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. “By expanding to Fort Worth, we’re not only increasing access to audiology and speech-language pathology but also preparing future clinicians to work collaboratively in real-world health care settings.”

Expanding Access to Care in Fort Worth

UNT Health Fort Worth has long provided operational support to the Speech and Hearing Center in Denton, and now that spirit of collaboration has come full circle with the ASLP team expanding their services to Fort Worth in a shared commitment to the UNT value, We Care.

UNT Health Fort Worth has offered operational support to the Speech & Hearing Center in Denton, The clinic offers comprehensive evaluation and therapy services for patients of all ages, from early-childhood speech and language delays to adult hearing loss and communication challenges related to neurological conditions.

By including the Speech & Hearing Center within UNT Health’s Clinical Practice Group, patients now have easier access to specialized care close to home. The center also works closely with Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and the Center for Older Adults, ensuring seamless referrals and coordinated treatment for patients who benefit from speech or hearing support as part of their overall care plan.

“We want our patients to feel supported every step of the way – from their first evaluation to ongoing therapy,” Dr. Cassie Thomas said. “By bringing speech and hearing services into the heart of UNT Health’s care network, we are making it easier for families to get the help they need, close to home, with providers who truly understand their journey.”

Connecting Education, Research, and Care

The expansion to Fort Worth not only broadens access to clinical services, but also opens new opportunities for research and innovation. Faculty and students can collaborate with other UNT Health programs to explore the relationships between communication, cognition, and aging, further bridging the gap between academic discovery and real-world health outcomes.

Learn More or Schedule an Appointment

The Speech & Hearing Center is now accepting new patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment, call (817) 735-7815.

With this new clinic, UNT Health continues to bring its mission to life: expanding education, advancing research, and enhancing community care for a healthier Fort Worth.

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