Mission & Overview

Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit center dedicated to the analysis and treatment of stuttering. HCRI's founder and director, Dr. Ronald L. Webster, has pioneered work in the development of objectively defined, behaviorally-oriented stuttering therapy. HCRI developed and conducts the Hollins Fluency Program™, a highly effective 12-day treatment program for stuttering. This stuttering therapy is available 17 times a year, and is only performed at HCRI in Roanoke, Virginia. HCRI's research and treatment programs for stuttering have been featured in numerous publications and on television programs such as Nightline, 20/20, and How'd They Do That?

Our Staff
HCRI's staffconsists of full-time clinicians, researchers and support personel who specialize in the treatment of stuttering and in research on stuttering. Clinical staff members hold advanced credentials and have extensive experience in working with all levels of stuttering severity. Our four clinicians have a combined total of 66 years experience with the Hollins therapy.

Who's Attending HCRI?
Program participants include thousands of people ages 11 and up who have been denied countless opportunities because of this speech handicap. Most have tried other programs for stuttering without long-term success. The dedicated staff at HCRI has demonstrated that it does not have to be that way! Just take a look at the effect HCRI is having on real people just like yourself.

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

Our Location
HCRI is located just outside of Roanoke, Virginia; hence, we don’t have traffic jams. However, we are close enough to have convenient access to restaurants, lodging, medical facilities, major shopping malls and the regional airport. Roanoke is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway and Smith Mountain Lake are among the many nearby scenic delights.

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