Adolescent Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program

Teen Rehabilitation Center in Georgia

Shepherd Center’s Adolescent Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program addresses the developmental and emotional needs of younger patients who have sustained a brain injury. Led by world-renowned physicians and staff, the Adolescent Program focuses on a healthy lifestyle with the highest possible level of function and independence. We use a coordinated, team-based approach to traumatic brain injury rehabilitation to help adolescents reach their maximum potential.

About Our Adolescent Program:

Young patients with brain injuries have unique needs compared to adults with brain injuries. Specialists in Shepherd Center’s teenage rehabilitation program carefully evaluate each young patient’s brain injury, family history, medical needs and rehabilitation goals. Our adolescent patients with a brain injury receive:

An interdisciplinary approach to addressing teen patients’ special needs for independence, socialization, age-appropriate activities, security and privacy;
A high priority on involvement with family and friends;
An emphasis on private rooms or rooming teen patients together;
Education and training in self-care, problem-solving, self-esteem, self-advocacy, drug and alcohol awareness, and sexuality.

Adolescent Brain Injury and Returning to School

Before returning to school, adolescent patients meet with neuropsychologists and speech therapists who conduct comprehensive evaluations. These evaluations help to identify cognitive deficits and create treatment goals, which can include improvement in reading comprehension, listening skills, speech, writing and memory. Shepherd Center also provides strategies for patients, families, teachers and classmates to help overcome challenges that could interfere with academic success.

For teens with brain injuries, a specially trained speech therapist assists school systems in preparing individual education plans. This interaction enables the therapist to educate teachers and school administrators on cognitive, social and behavioral issues related to the adolescent brain injury.

Teens can also receive follow-up support after discharge through Shepherd Center’s Transition Support Program. This program works to maximize client and family independence and autonomy by providing education, guidance and support upon discharge to improve health and safety outcomes.

Brain Injury Peer Support

Shepherd Center understands the need for adolescent patients to have positive peer interaction post-injury. Our adolescent bran injury program includes annual traditions, such as Project Rollway (a fashion show) and the Halloween haunted gym, as well as “Fun Fridays” where adolescents may participate in group activities and outings focused on social and emotional development.

Family and Sibling Support

Educating family members about traumatic brain injury rehabilitation for teens goes a long way in helping both the patient and family adjust emotionally. A Shepherd Center psychologist with extensive teen rehabilitation treatment experience is available to meet with family members for this purpose.

Shepherd Center Teen Outings

Shepherd Center's community outings for teens include going to restaurants, shopping malls, sports arenas and even important milestone events such as prom and homecoming. These outings promote problem-solving and provide the experience of being out in the community in a supportive group. Therapists are always on hand to provide logistical and moral support.

Learn more about Brain Injury Rehabilitation at Shepherd Center or Make a Referral.