Medical College of Wisconsin Intensive Program of Aphasia Therapy (IPAT)

The Intensive Program of Aphasia Therapy (IPAT) is a comprehensive language therapy program led by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in speech therapy, neurology, neuropsychology, and biomedical engineering. Our mission is to offer cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments for aphasia in a daily, intensive format that is generally not available elsewhere. The program is tailored to individual needs and goals while emphasizing a sense of community and well-being through functional communication.

Program Information

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What is an intensive aphasia therapy program?

IPAT follows the intensive comprehensive aphasia program (ICAP) service delivery model that addresses both communication skills and life participation for the person living with aphasia and their support partners. Studies have shown that an intensive approach to aphasia treatment, in which many hours of therapy are provided over a short time, improves communication and psychosocial well-being for people with aphasia compared to standard speech therapy.

What does the intensive program include?

IPAT occurs Monday through Friday, 3-4 hours each day, for a 2-week cycle. Participants receive individual therapy tailored to their goals using evidence-based treatment, along with group sessions that focus on functional communication, education and life participation. Other activities such as art, pet therapy and chair yoga are included. Care partners are offered opportunities for communication training, education and support.

Participants receive a comprehensive language assessment before the start of the therapy cycle and at the end of the cycle. Person-centered goals are discussed and incorporated into treatment planning.

All therapy is conducted by licensed and experienced speech-language pathologists.

Opportunities to participate in language research may also be available.

Who is eligible?

Adults with aphasia who are medically stable and can maintain active and safe participation in the intensive model and group therapy. No exclusion on the basis of aphasia severity or time post-onset alone. All prospective participants will be screened to ensure potential benefit from the program.

When is the next cycle starting?

The program has several cycles throughout the year.

February 10–21, 2025
May 5–16, 2025
September 8–19, 2025
November 10–21, 2025

Where does the program take place?

On the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

What is the cost of the program?

IPAT does not bill insurance and program costs are out-of-pocket. Please contact the IPAT program for more information.

Where can I get more information or ask questions?

Please email IPAT@mcw.edu or call the program coordinator at (414) 955-0730.

IPAT Application Process

Complete the application questionnaire.
The program coordinator will follow up with you to gather more information and answer questions. A virtual screening call may be requested. Medical records, including most current speech therapy documentation, are required. Requests from healthcare systems may take 2-3 weeks.
The IPAT team reviews all applications and records to make a decision about enrollment on an individual basis.
If accepted to the program, participants must be available to come to campus for a pre-therapy assessment appointment at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of the program and a post-therapy assessment appointment the week following the program.
A nonrefundable deposit is required within 1 week of invitation to attend the program, with the full remaining payment due 1 week before the start of the therapy program.

View IPAT informational brochure (PDF)

IPAT Stories in Their Own Words

"IPAT has given me so much hope. The speech therapists were truly dedicated to helping me to succeed. Before going to IPAT, I really did not know how to communicate. I learned different, more effective strategies. My confidence grew and I began to use more words." (IPAT Participant)

"Aphasia is a very hard situation, IPAT taught me so many different ways to adjust myself. My health insurance decided how much care (standard outpatient therapy) I could get. I felt lucky to go to IPAT. The persons that will help you are so patient and kind, and fun to be working with, and they know so much about how aphasia, language and speech affects people." (IPAT Participant)

"I am more confident and capable of participating in conversations with more than one person." (IPAT Participant)

"Spending time with other people with aphasia was vital. She had more hope and was able to become really engaged in her own recovery. Having a program that was tailored to her needs and had the time to make headway on her goals was invaluable. Before this program it was all very overwhelming. After this program, it was like a light was turned on and she began to make rapid progress and that progress continues today on the foundation laid by the staff at the Medical College." (Parent of Person with Aphasia)

"The speech therapist took time to learn about my stroke experience, which made me feel supported, and motivated to improve my speech. Participating in IPAT impacted my life in several ways, such as learning more about other stroke survivors' experiences, and making long lasting friendships." (IPAT Participant)

"After suffering a stroke with subsequent aphasia, and completing a program of standard speech therapy, I felt my speech could still improve more. I gained a heightened appreciation of the challenges, determination and spirit of other stroke patients, as well the IPAT staff. It was an inspiration to be in that supportive environment." (IPAT Participant)