Gender Affirming Voice & Communication Program

Our Mission:

The Robbins Speech, Language and Hearing Center is eager to assist Boston-area transgender and gender diverse individuals in expressing themselves more authentically through voice and communication modification.

Emerson College in Boston supports the transgender community!
Emerson College in Boston supports gender diversity!

Evaluation

Evaluation services are designed to provide information to determine a baseline, develop a treatment plan, and monitor progress over time. These services include an interview, assessment and preliminary feedback immediately following the evaluation itself. Additionally, a follow-up written report is provided in order to document evaluation results and recommendations.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy sessions teach individuals on the gender spectrum to feminize or masculinize their voice and communication style to match their gender identity. Treatment strategies include working on resonance, pitch, vocal hygiene, role-play of everyday communicative contexts and community outings. Home programs are also utilized for maximum generalization.

Therapy sessions are tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Clinicians use a variety of techniques and strategies to facilitate progress.

To inquire about individual therapy, email Donna –> Robbins_Center@emerson.edu

Group Therapy

Communication training, education and practice in a supportive small-group setting to help individuals find their authentic voice.

FYI: Emerson College Has a Commitment to Gender Diversity

Click here to learn more about Emerson College’s policies related to gender diversity

1. The Robbins Center at Emerson College Has Affordable / Sliding Scale Fees for Voice Therapy

The Robbins Center has a commitment to providing high-quality speech therapy services to members of the community regardless of their ability to pay.  Sessions are $30 and a sliding scale fee is available.

2. Emerson Has Inclusive Restrooms

In September 2016, Emerson College modified signage on single and multi-stall restrooms to make sure that all members of the Emerson Community/visitors have access to restrooms consistent with their gender identity. To read more about this, click here.

Within The Robbins Center, all of our restrooms are single-stall with inclusive signage.

Robbins 8th floor bathroom sign
Restroom located on the 8th floor of The Robbins Center, where adult speech therapy sessions take place.

3. Emerson Is Consistently Ranked As One of the Most LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges

“After surveying 136,000 students representing 380 colleges nationwide, the Princeton Review named Emerson College amount the most LGBTQ-friendly higher education institutions.

Emerson College is the nation’s only four-year college devoted exclusively to the study of communication and performing arts. Named the most LGBTQ-friendly college by the Princeton Review for the third consecutive year, the Boston-based college is known for its safe and welcoming campus culture.

Emerson achieves this inclusive environment by providing resources to the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ Student Life, a division of student affairs at Emerson, commits to maintaining a safe and inclusive atmosphere in which all community members feel valued and respected, according to Emerson’s website.”

4. Emerson’s Security Guards Are Aware of Gender Diverse Populations

When you enter the building at 216 Tremont, you’ll notice a security guard stationed by the elevator. You’ll need to show your ID and tell them that you have an appointment on the 8th floor in the Robbins Center.  They will look for your name on a list and then let you up right away.

5. Emerson Students and Faculty Participate in Community Events Related to Transgender Health