The world's first outpatient center for feeding and swallowing care.
An innovative, state-of-the-art clinic for children and adults in Bethesda, MD. Swallowing is something most people never think about until it becomes hard. We bring the science of swallowing directly to you, with warmth and care built around real life.
- World's first
- outpatient center for feeding & swallowing care
- 25 years
- of swallowing science and clinical work
- $6M+
- in research grants on how we swallow
Our mission
“Our mission is simple — to provide extraordinary care for people with swallowing impairments (dysphagia).”
Healthy Swallow. Healthy Life.
Everything under one roof
Most clinics send you to a hospital for a swallow X-ray. We do it right here, with our own radiology team — so you are seen, tested, and given a plan without bouncing between buildings.
On-site swallowing X-ray
A video X-ray suite (MBSS/VFSS) in our own office.
Camera studies (FEES)
A gentle camera study with no radiation at all.
Our own imaging team
A radiologic technologist on staff, right here in our office.
Answers, not just tests
Clear results you can understand, and a plan to go with them.
Founder & CEO
Dr. Ianessa Humbert
PhD, SLP · Speech-Language Pathologist
Dr. Ianessa Humbert is a world-renowned scientist, researcher, educator, and speech-language pathologist with 25 years of expertise in how people swallow, and why swallowing sometimes goes wrong.
Her research on swallowing physiology has been supported by more than $6 million in grants, and her work is published in the scientific literature. She is also a co-creator of the Swallowing Training and Education Portal (STEP), used by clinicians around the world, and a sought-after speaker.
At Swallowing Wellness, she brings that science directly to patients with a whole-person approach to evaluation and care.
- PhD, SLP with 25 years in swallowing science
- Over $6 million in research grants on swallowing physiology
- Co-creator of the STEP clinician education platform
- Published swallowing researcher
Meet the team
Dr. Ianessa Humbert
PhD, SLP · Founder & CEO · Speech-Language Pathologist
A world-renowned swallowing scientist with 25 years of research and clinical work. She leads every part of your care.
Omar Henderson
R.T. · Radiologic Technologist
Runs our in-office swallowing X-ray studies, so you get imaging and answers in one visit. No hospital trip.
The whole-you approach
You are more than a swallow test. We take time to understand your health, your goals, and the moments that matter most, like sharing a meal with the people you love. Then we build a plan around the whole you, so care fits your real life.
Learn more:Our services Care for children
We would love to meet you
Questions first? That is fine too. Call us at 301-288-1313.
Book an appointment