School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

CHAT program

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An intensive, comprehensive therapy program for people with post-stroke aphasia is available at Metro North’s newest hospital, the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (STARS).

The CHAT program is a new aphasia therapy program

The Comprehensive High-dose Aphasia Treatment (CHAT) program is a high quality treatment package delivered at STARS.

The CHAT program:

  1. Is evidence-based.
  2. Offers a large amount of aphasia therapy.
  3. Is suitable for people with aphasia from one month post-stroke.
  4. Provides support for home-practice.
  5. Is delivered by speech pathologists with the support of aphasia researchers.

QARC Chat Program therapyThe CHAT program includes:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Patient-centred goal setting
  • Education for people with aphasia and their family
  • 50 hours of therapy delivered over eight weeks
  • Individual, computer and group therapy sessions.

QARC chat programCHAT research outcomes:

  • 2000 hours of evidence-based, goal directed aphasia therapy has been delivered.
  • High completion rates
  • High consumer satisfaction
  • Significant improvements seen in:
    • language impairment
    • communication effectiveness
    • communication confidence
    • and quality of life.

People with aphasia and family members who have done the CHAT program have said:

'I’ve loved every minute of it. Believe me...It’s completely different to the way that I was talking in coming into it...It’s just so, how do you put it…it’s so… rewarding.'
'I’ve noticed a great improvement. Very keen to get here every day...and his comprehension of things, his speech is improving, but mainly his comprehension...He is very upset that this is his last day.' 
'All in all, the improvement on what she [person with aphasia] has achieved during this program has been amazing for everyone. For her and our family.'
'We’ve been really grateful that we got in for this course [CHAT program]. We never imagined how good it would be and how helpful, so thank you very much.'

How to refer

Medical referrals:

  1. Patients will undergo assessment at STARS and eligible patients will be placed on a waiting list.
  2. Refer via Metro North Central Patient Intake Unit (CPIU).
  3. Medical referrals to be made to:

STARS Specialist Outpatient Services – Rehabilitation.

Reason for referral: STARS Rehab Speech Pathology CHAT program.

How to refer to CPIU:

  • Via Secure Web Transfer. Speak with your local Primary Health Network for access.
  • Fax to 1300 364 952
  • Mail to: Central Patient Intake Unit Aspley Community Health Centre
    776 Zillmere Road    , Aspley 4034

For further information about referrals contact CPIU on 1300 364 938 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm) or visit ‘Refer Your Patient MNHHS’ website at health.qld.gov.au/metronorth/refer.

Process following referral:

  • Patients will undergo assessment at STARS and eligible patients will be placed on a waiting list.

Contact us:

If you wish to speak to the STARS Speech Pathology department about the program or referrals please contact via:
Phone: (07) 3647 6205, ask for the CHAT service
Email: STARS_SpeechPathology@health.qld.gov.au