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Cognitive Rehabilitation
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy
Linda Laatsch, PhD
Contact information:
- Phone: (312) 996-7214
University of Illinois at Chicago
912 South Wood Street, Room 855N NPI
Chicago, IL 60612
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. Generally children over the age of
12 and adults are seen in individual cognitive rehabilitation. Younger
children's rehabilitation services are integrated into their educational
setting.
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,
a 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.
Other therapy programs at UIC:
Department
of Rehabilitation Medicine and Restorative Medical Sciences
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
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