Melinda Neal

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (M.S., CCC-SLP)

Accepts 29 insurance plans

Hi! I’m Melinda. My passion for speech-language pathology began when I was 14 years old and witnessed the impact speech therapy had on my nephew, Jonathan, who was nonverbal and had multiple medical diagnoses. Through him, I learned that communication is not limited to spoken words and that alternative forms of communication can be just as powerful, meaningful, and life-changing.

That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I could help individuals connect, express themselves, and build meaningful relationships in ways that honor their unique strengths and abilities. I feel privileged to support clients and families as they work toward greater confidence, independence, and quality of life through communication.

I’ve continued to expand my clinical knowledge through specialized training, including certification in VitalStim therapy, an FDA-cleared neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment used to support individuals with dysphagia and swallowing disorders. I’m passionate about combining evidence-based techniques with compassionate, individualized care to help clients make functional progress in everyday life.

My therapy approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and highly individualized. I strive to create supportive, collaborative therapy experiences that empower clients while honoring all forms of communication.

Here's what you can expect

1

Book your evaluation

Pick a time that fits your schedule. Choose a 60-minute evaluation or two 30-minute visits.

2

Attend your evaluation

You'll talk through what you're looking for and complete an assessment to guide next steps.

3

Get your personal plan

Melinda will share a plan built around your goals, plus practical recommendations to support progress.

Melinda is in-network with major insurers and accepts 29 insurance plans.

AetnaAlignment HealthAnthem BC -Anthem BCBSAnthem Blue CrossBlue Cross Blue ShieldBrand New DayCHOC Health AllianceCignaDesert OasisElite Health PlanHealthNetHealthcare HighwaysHighmark Blue ShieldHumanaImperial HealthLaSalle Medical AssociatesMedi-CalMedicaidMedical Cost ContainmentMedicareMolina -Optum/United HealthcareProspect Medical GroupSCAN HealthSana BenefitsSutter Medical FoundationTriWest CCNTriWest Health Alliance

Therapist details and specialties

states licensed to practice
AlabamaCaliforniaGeorgiaOregonPennsylvaniaTennessee
specialties
Pediatric Articulation/Phonological DisorderPediatric Developmental CognitionPediatric Fluency/StutteringPediatric Receptive-Expressive Language DisorderPediatric/Adolescent Social-PragmaticsPediatric Autism Spectrum DisorderEarly Language DevelopmentChildhood Apraxia of SpeechTraumatic Brain InjuryAphasiaAcquired ApraxiaDysarthriaParkinson’sAdult CognitionAdult Social-PragmaticsAuditory Processing DisorderAutism Spectrum Disorder (Adult)Selective MutismAdult DysphagiaAdult Fluency/StutteringAdult Articulation
certifications
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)VitalStim
professional memberships & affiliations
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
languages spoken

English

Education and training

B.S., University of Montevallo

M.S., University of Montevallo

Other interests

Outside of being a speech language pathologist, I enjoy spending time with my family (husband, daughter, son). My favorite is going on day trips, exploring new places. I also enjoy reading, painting bisque pottery and canvases, and thrifting. I love finding worn out furniture, refurbishing these older pieces through stripping, sanding, and staining/painting.