Cognitive
Rehabilitation Therapy
Rehabilitation
Psychology in Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine
The University
of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center
What is
cognitive rehabilitation?
- Cognitive
rehabilitation is a program of guided therapy to learn (or relearn) ways to
concentrate, remember, and solve problems after an illness or injury affecting
the brain. Involves recovery of deficits through restoration & compensation.
Who can
benefit from cognitive rehabilitation?
- People
who have experienced changes in their ability to concentrate, think, remember
things, or carry out a job, school, or household duties, following a stroke,
brain surgery, or brain injury.
Who does
cognitive rehabilitation?
- At the
University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, a licensed clinical psychologist
from the Department of Neurology &
Rehabilitation Medicine determines if cognitive rehabilitation is appropriate.
The client is seen by a psychologist specializing in cognitive rehabilitation.
How does
the program work?
- First,
the psychologist will use tests to evaluate strengths and weaknesses in your
thinking and memory skills. You will be asked what problems in daily living
you have noticed and what you would like to achieve through rehabilitation.
Once you have a treatment plan, you will attend sessions generally one time
per week in the clinic. The appointments are scheduled at your convenience
and involve one-to-one appointments of about one hour each.
How long
will cognitive rehabilitation take?
- Length
of treatment depends on how much progress you make and your ability to work
toward your goals. A typical course of treatment lasts four months.
Other
parts of the program:
- Your
strengths and weaknesses will be evaluated every four months while in the
program.
- Your
family may participate if desired.
- You
will be expected to complete home exercises. A computer can be used for home
exercises if available.
How will
cognitive rehabilitation be paid for?
- Medicare,
Medicaid, and most insurance plans cover therapy for diagnosed neuropsychological
problems.
Requirements
of the program:
- Contact
Dr. Laatsch.
- Motivation
and interest in rehabilitation.
- Ability
to commit time to the treatment, usually one to three hours per week for three
months.
- Transportation
to regular meetings for treatment.
For more
information about how cognitive rehabilitation can help you, contact:
- Linda
Laatsch, PhD
- Associate
Professor
- Department
of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine (M/C 796)
- 912
South Wood Street, Rm 855N NPI
- Chicago,
Illinois 60612
- (312)
996-7214
- email:
llaatsch@uic.edu
-
- Back
to Faculty Page
Revised
@ 11/1/2000