Who can benefit from voice therapy?

Gender affirmation voice and communication therapy is for anyone who feels that their voice does not match their identity. We can build an individualized therapy plan to help you reduce gender dysphoria and achieve a voice that is easy, sustainable, and true to who you are.

What do I need to get started?

Currently, all of our voice therapy sessions are conducted online using a HIPAA compliant video platform. You will need access to the internet and a device that has video and microphone capabilities (e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer). No special equipment is needed, although we might recommend a journal or some free apps to help track your progress.

What does voice therapy cost?

All new clients start out with an initial 90 minute comprehensive voice evaluation which is a one time fee of $120. Subsequent voice therapy treatment sessions are 50 minutes and cost $95.

Can I use my insurance?

We do not currently work directly with any insurance companies. However, we have had great success helping clients access their out-of-network reimbursement benefits when available. We are also able to accept FSA/HSA funds if that is available. We can also provide documentation so that your voice therapy expenses can count towards your deductible/out-of-pocket maximum if that is available to you as well.

What if I can’t afford therapy?

We understand that the trans and gender non-conforming community faces many barriers to receiving quality, informed medical and professional care. We believe that this should not keep anyone from finding their voice. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact us about options.

Can you make my voice more masculine/feminine/androgynous?

Our clients span the gender spectrum. No matter how you want your ideal voice to sound, we can help you to learn strategies to move you closer to your goal. Outcomes of voice therapy are dependent on the health of your voice, your commitment to practice, and the capacity of your vocal instrument.

Do I need surgery or hormones to change my voice?

Surgery and/or hormone therapy are NOT prerequisites to gender affirmation voice and communication training. Although hormone therapy can certainly help to deepen the voice for trans males, it often does not achieve great results on its own. Further voice training can help to fine tune vocal quality and produce a more desirable effect.

Surgery can be very expensive, and has many potential risks. Your voice may become too high pitched, rough, hoarse, strained, or breathy. Depending on the surgical technique, results can also include a narrowed airway and some promise only temporary results. Even after having surgery to change your voice, you may still need to work with a speech-language pathologist to be sure that you do not misuse your new voice and cause damage to your vocal cords.

What if I have other issues with my voice, speech, or communication?

While our main focus at Authentic Voices is helping the trans community, we are educated, experienced, and certified to treat any voice, speech, or communication disorder for any age population. If you are looking for voice modification, but have an underlying voice disorder, we will need to address that first to ensure that your voice is healthy. If you are not interested in voice modification, but are looking for a speech therapist who is passionate and informed about helping members of the LGBTQIA+ community, please reach out to us to learn how we can help.

What areas do you serve?

Due to restrictions and licensing laws for virtual healthcare, we are currently able to treat clients who are physically located in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit our Locations page. To explore the benefits of virtual sessions, visit our Telehealth page!