UC Cleft Research Centre

This clinic is currently offered free of charge, however, you will be asked to participate in a research study regarding the clinic. This is to help us understand the impact of the clinic, and use the data to help improve the cleft service. As part of the research study, many of the people using our clinic will also receive free services from a Clinical Psychologist to support your emotional wellbeing.

Our Speech-Language Clinicians and Clinical Psychologists are:

• Specialists in the evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders
• Specialists in evaluation and treatment of psychological conditions
• Working in conjunction with, and supported by the Christchurch Hospital Cleft Team

Students enrolled in the Speech and Language Pathology and Clinical Psychology programmes are present at appointments and work under the supervision of qualified clinicians.

Referrals for this clinic are accepted for individuals aged 12+. As this clinic is being offered as part of a research study, this is a free service for 2023.

Referrals are accepted:

• Directly from the client or the client's family (self-referral)
• From medical practitioners
• From early-childhood educators and school teachers
• From speech-language therapists and audiologists
• From other health/education professionals working with the client

You must be aged 12 or over, and have cleft-related speech concerns to be seen by the University of Canterbury cleft clinic.