About HCRI

HCRI was founded by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. in 1972 to investigate stuttering with scientific methods and new treatment approaches. Under Dr. Webster´s direction, Roanoke, Virginia-based HCRI, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, has become an international leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically based therapy approaches.

The Institute´s work has enabled the definition of specific speech behaviors that replace the distorted muscle activities that produce stuttering. This has led to therapy developments, ongoing treatment refinements, and the creation of new treatment tools that enhance fluency outcomes. U.S. patents have been awarded to HCRI for some of these stuttering therapy innovations.

Our research scientists have tested and retested HCRI´s therapy system with thousands of people who stutter. In addition, we have created new ways to use technology in therapy that make the learning of lasting fluency skills straightforward and practical.

HCRI Therapy

HCRI offers 17 stuttering therapy programs annually, each of which lasts 12 days.The Institute´s research shows that 93% of program participants acquire fluency by the conclusion of treatment.Follow-up studies reveal that 70% to 75% retain fluent speech for the long term. For more information on HCRI stuttering treatment and results, click here

HCRI clinicians have treated nearly 6,000 people, aged 11 to 73, from across the U.S. and 47 other countries.Clients include broadcaster John Stossel of Fox News; Annie Glenn, wife of Senator and Astronaut John Glenn; as well as athletes, teachers, engineers, students, doctors, military personnel, business professionals, police officers, actors, paramedics, and other individuals from all walks of life.

Before coming to HCRI, most program participants tried other therapies for stuttering without long-term success. HCRI´s approach is designed to teach fluency skills that can be maintained for a lifetime.

Read what clients have to say about HCRI stuttering treatment >>.

View before-and-after videos of HCRI clients >>

HCRI Recognition

• HCRI partnered with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders on a pioneering study that confirmed a genetic link to stuttering. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
• The Virginia General Assembly unanimously passed a house joint resolution commending HCRI for its ground-breaking research and therapy innovation.
• HCRI´s stuttering treatment program was the distinguished recipient of the First Award for Scientific Merit at a national convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. http://stuttering.org/donation-stuttering-therapy-at-HCRI.php
• The National Naval Medical Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical Center have selected HCRI as a preferred provider for stuttering therapy.
• HCRI media coverage includes the New York Times, Newsweek, Scientific American, People, Parade, Sports Illustrated, 20/20, the Today show, Nightline, CBS Morning News,and Good Morning America.
• Dr. Webster, who is also a licensed clinical psychologist, received the Outstanding Contributions in the Application of Psychology award from the Virginia Psychological Association.

Location and Facilities

HCRI´s building was designed and constructed specifically to facilitate stuttering therapy. Design features embodied within the structure foster individual learning of fluency skills and positive interactions between and among program participants.

Apply to the HCRI Stuttering Therapy Program >>

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