Rehabilitation Psychology

Rehabilitation neuropsychologists at UPMC help people adapt and thrive after a serious brain injury or other life-changing diagnosis. We support people through direct care, advocacy, and research. We work with families, schools, workplaces, and other community partners to ensure 360° support.

Looking for pediatrics? Learn more about pediatric neuropsychology.

What Is Rehabilitation Psychology?

Rehabilitation neuropsychologists help people in all aspects of their lives. They help people achieve optimal emotional, social, physical, and cognitive function after a stroke or serious brain or spinal cord injury. They also can help people with autoimmune disorders, cancer, neuromuscular disorders, and other serious diseases.

UPMC's rehabilitation neuropsychologists care for patients in the hospital and community. They assess each person's unique needs. Then they bring together all the support and therapies a person needs. These include therapies to retrain the brain and adaptive technologies and equipment. They also include speech therapy, occupational therapy, community resources, and more.

What is outpatient rehabilitation psychology?

UPMC's rehabilitation neuropsychologists work with people on an outpatient basis to help them achieve their rehabilitation goals. We support people throughout their journeys, helping them continually push themselves further.

In the outpatient setting, rehabilitation psychology may include:

• Advocacy at work or school for more accommodations and support.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to help the person cope with changes in their life.
• Connections to resources in a person's community, such as social groups or adaptive fitness options.
• Family meetings to help family members support their loved ones and understand their challenges.
• Help with accessing adaptive equipment for mobility and day-to-day tasks.
• Occupational therapy to help the person thrive in home, work, or social settings.
• Speech therapy to improve communication.
• Support with lifestyle changes to improve overall health.
• Therapies to help improve brain function, focus, and memory.

What is inpatient rehabilitation psychology?

Rehabilitation psychology often starts in the hospital. Our UPMC neuropsychologists help people adjust to their conditions. They also provide hope and support.

Inpatient rehabilitation psychology includes:

• Assessing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
• Brief counseling sessions throughout the hospital stay to address feelings of anxiety, fear, grief, and sadness.
• Family meetings to help them support their loved one and know what to expect in the future.
• Guidance and encouragement to help people gradually become more independent.
• Team-based coordination with other providers, including doctors, nurses, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
• Planning and putting support in place for the transition home.
• Referrals for a neuropsychological evaluation.