Concussion Treatment and Care at the Concussion Clinic
Comprehensive treatment and management for concussions
Adolescents and adults with concussions from sports injuries, falls, car accidents, or other incidents are at risk for a prolonged or complicated recovery. At Shepherd Center's Complex Concussion Clinic, we understand these difficulties. As the only healthcare provider in Atlanta offering fully integrated, multi-disciplinary treatment, our goal is to help you return to work, school, and play faster and with fewer long-term complications.
Who does the clinic serve?
The Complex Concussion Clinic treats people from a diverse range of ages, activity levels, and risk factors. Concussions are more commonly experienced among:
- Athletes, Student-Athletes, and anyone involved in professional or recreational sports and activities
- People involved in a motor vehicle accident
- Those who have endured physical abuse
- Military personnel exposure to explosive devices
- Older people, who are more at risk of falls
- Individuals who have experienced an earlier concussion
Our Approach to Treating Concussions at the Concussion Clinic
Our concussion care options encompass a variety of approaches, including rehabilitation medicine, athletic training, sports psychology, and other therapies.
The Complex Concussion Clinic offers comprehensive and patient-centered rehabilitation and services to treat concussions and assist you in returning to work, school, athletics, and leisure and daily activities.
We help athletes and sports enthusiasts at every level return safely to sports and activities after a concussion.
Concussion education is a community-wide preventative measure for reducing concussion risks and increasing protective factors that create a safer environment for athletes to play.
Appointments and Referrals to the Concussion Clinic
If you or a loved one have sustained a concussion and are at risk for a prolonged or complicated recovery, we would be happy to provide you with an evaluation. Complete the form to request an appointment now.
A Team Approach to Your Care
Our history of excellent outcomes means you can trust the Complex Concussion Clinic team to provide comprehensive, research-based evaluation and treatment to help get you back to your life after a complex concussion. At the Complex Concussion Clinic, you get access to:
- A holistic approach to individualized treatment
- 10 different specialties under one roof
- Options for telehealth
- Regular evaluations to measure progress-to-goals
Patient TestimonialIt's amazing to think back to what a long way I've come. I don't know what I would have done without everyone at the CCC [Complex Concussion Clinic].
Jana SmithPatientComplex Concussion Clinic
Concussion Research and Clinical Trials at Shepherd Center
Shepherd Center engages in research to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life for individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). We have a dedicated research team at the mTBI Brain Health and Recovery Lab. The researchers study the brain health and recovery of civilians, military veterans and service members, and first responders with a history of mild traumatic brain injury and seek to improve access to care, deepen understanding of outcome predictors, and develop and implement targeted therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
At the Complex Concussion Clinic, our concussion care options encompass a variety of approaches, including neuropsychology, sports psychology, athletic training, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vocational counseling, and other specialities.
The Complex Concussion Clinic is Atlanta’s only healthcare provider offering fully integrated, multi-disciplinary treatment for concussions.
As a patient at the Complex Concussion Clinic, you have a specialized, interdisciplinary care team of highly trained, certified, and experienced concussion specialists who collaborate to develop a tailored, evidence-based treatment plan
Our comprehensive and holistic approach to concussion treatment significantly reduces recovery time and helps patients return to work, school, and play faster and with fewer long-term complications.
When you’re a patient at Shepherd Center, you have an entire team of concussion specialists behind you. This team includes neurologists, case managers, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and other professionals.
Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ETWe are closed during most national holidays.
A sudden jolt or blow to the head can result in a mild traumatic brain injury, commonly known as a concussion.
Each concussion is unique. However, people commonly experience the following symptoms:
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Feeling off-balance
- Sensitive to light and/or noise
- Increased fatigue
- Visual Difficulties
Sleep Symptoms
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
Emotional Symptoms
- Increased irritability
- Feeling sad or down
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Mood swings
Cognitive Symptoms
- Decreased attention
- Memory problems
- Slower thinking
- Difficulty following directions
Typically, concussions resolve within a few weeks as headaches and other symptoms subside. Patients return to work, school, or athletic activities, often feeling as capable as they did before their injury.
About 20% of concussions are at risk for longer lasting or more severe symptoms that require additional evaluation and treatment. In these cases, we provide our sub-specialty brain injury expertise and resources in partnership with schools, sports medicine professionals, primary care providers, and general neurologists.
The Complex Concussion Clinic streamlines care for our patients by providing interdisciplinary resources at a single location with state-of-the-art equipment. Our services include:
- Neuropsychological services
- Occupational therapy
- Vestibular physical therapy
- Speech/Cognitive therapy
- Vocational counseling
- Patient and family educational counseling
- Case management
During your appointment, you will be evaluated by a neurologist. Following this evaluation, your treatment team will design a customized, evidenced-based plan that allows for the best outcomes. It is important to share with your treatment planning team any physical or emotional concerns that you have. You should always feel free to request services and make suggestions.
Yes, we would love to see you, your friends and family. Learn more about how to request an appointment.
No. A referral from a healthcare provider is not necessary to see a specialist at the Complex Concussion Clinic.
If you’re ready to see a concussion specialist, learn more about how to request an appointment.
Your provider can complete the appointment request form. Learn more about Appointment and Referrals with the Concussion Clinic.
Your first appointment will include an initial evaluation to discuss your symptoms with your specialist. Once your evaluation is complete, our team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan, which may include occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more.
We want to make the most of your visit here just as much as you do. Here are some tips on what to do before your first evaluation.
- List questions and topics you'd like to discuss with your care team.
- List of injuries you’ve had.
Document the symptoms you are experiencing and for how long. - Bring a partner, family member, or friend who can act as a second set of ears, take notes and prompt you if you forget anything.
- Ask for clarity on anything you don't understand. Medical terms can be daunting, and we want you to feel confident while you're here and after you leave.
For your first evaluation appointment, please also bring with you the following:
- Driver’s license
- Medical insurance card
Absolutely. It is very helpful if a caregiver or health advocate accompanies you to your appointment to help take notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support.
We accept most major health plans, including traditional insurance, managed care plans, Medicare, and Georgia Medicaid. We encourage you to confirm that your health plan covers specialist services before making an appointment.
Please call our Financial Services Department at 404-350-7320 Monday through Friday to ask questions about your statement.
The Complex Concussion Clinic is conveniently located half a mile from the main campus of Shepherd Center in Buckhead Atlanta. We are easily accessible from Interstates 75/85 and just 16 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Yes. Free and convenient parking is available for all patients in front of the Complex Concussion Clinic.
Yes. ADA parking is available.
Patient Stories and News about Concussions from Shepherd Center's Newsroom
Patient Story: Catherine McLean
After recovering from a concussion with help from Complex Concussion Clinic, Catherine McLean returned to work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Patient Story: Jordyn Sak
Jordyn Sak sustained two concussions while on her college diving team at Georgia Tech and has since recovered to pursue new challenges.
Patient Story: Jana Smith
After sustaining a concussion that resulted in severe vertigo, yoga teacher Jana found balance again with physical therapy at the Complex Concussion Clinic.
Concussion Clinic at Shepherd Center
Contact Us
Our Address
80 Peachtree Park Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30309-1465
Clinic Hours
Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET