Services
Services Offered
The BrainWorks approach is recognized for its comprehensive battery of diagnostic assessment processes and diligence in making accurate diagnoses and thorough recommendations for intervention.
Psychological Assessment
A psychological assessment can identify a patient’s level of cognitive and social/emotional functioning. Psychological assessments provide data on what treatment plan and method of therapy would be most effective to treat symptoms resulting from injury.
Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation is the examination of one's brain function and brain-behavior based relationships, which yields information about the functional integrity of the brain. A comprehensive evaluation is often necessitated by cases where individuals have suffered a more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The evaluation involves a series of standardized tests as well as a clinical interview aimed at evaluating memory, attention, problem-solving abilities, and emotional functioning that may be affected by brain injuries.
The assessment provides objective data on the cognitive and psychological impact of an injury and offers valuable information on the prognosis and the need for treatment or support. If indicated, our providers correlate the assessment findings with imaging results and determine the severity of the injury in terms of functional impairment and provide recommendations for adjunct treatment or interventions necessary in the recovery process.
Common referrals include attention/concentration problems, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), complex recovery or prolonged symptoms from a concussion, and psychological factors that impact cognitive functioning. The findings of evaluations are thoroughly explained and applied to everyday functioning, setting up tailored treatment recommendations that are applicable across settings (e.g., home, school, social, and interpersonal).
Concussion Evaluation
A more focused neuropsychological evaluation often necessitated by cases where individuals have sustained a concussion. A concussion is a milder form of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a blow or sudden jolt is associated with a change in brain function. Tools to aid diagnosis and monitor recovery often include symptom checklists and neuropsychological tests (computerized or pencil-and-paper measures) that assess memory, attention and/or problem-solving skills. An assessment of balance and motor functions may also be included depending on presenting concerns at the time. While individuals recover from concussion differently, BW uses an individualized approach to guide treatment recommendations and intervention.
Follow-up evaluations may be warranted every month to identify changes in brain function and/or determine when brain function has returned to the level it was before the injury.
Speech and Language Evaluations
At BrainWorks, our licensed Speech/Language Pathologists provide a comprehensive assessment of communication skills. The assessment examines articulation, receptive language, expressive language, pragmatic (social) language, and fluency of speech (stuttering).
Occupational THerapy Evaluations
Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The primary goal of OT for TBI patients is to help them regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities. Goals of OT for TBI patients may include restoring functional independence in daily activities, at work, and at school; improving physical abilities in motor skills, strength and endurance; and vestibular rehabilitation to address balance and dizziness issues that arise from problems in the vestibular system.
Therapy and Counseling
Individual Therapy
Psychotherapy is a process where emotional struggles are treated through communication between the patient and the therapist. Psychotherapy includes a range of techniques that are designed to improve the mental health of a patient. Our team offers a variety of focused treatments including CBT, somatic based therapy, behavioral therapy, and focused treatment for trauma subsequent to injury.
At times a patient’s traumatic experience may have been shared with the family or at least may have an impact on their family dynamics. Family therapy is useful in assisting parents in providing strong, cohesive parenting strategies by establishing firm, consistent, yet nurturing boundaries for managing behavior at home. Family therapy can help the whole family to better manage during a patient’s recovery.
Speech and Language Therapy
BrainWorks’ Speech/Language Pathologists provide one-on-one speech and language evaluations and treatment. Speech and language therapy services are provided in our Irvine office in person but can also be provided via telehealth. Services include screenings, evaluations, and treatment by licensed Speech/Language Pathologists in the areas of speech articulation, fluency, receptive and expressive language, and social pragmatic language.
Cogmed Working Memory Training™
Cogmed Working Memory Training™ is an evidence-based program designed to improve working memory in children and adults. The Cogmed Working Memory Training™ program challenges the trainee’s working memory capacity through computerized cognitive exercises that target different aspects of working memory. Based on the concept of neuroplasticity, Cogmed™ can effectively change the way the brain functions to perform at its maximum capacity through intensive and systematic training.
The training method consists of 25 computerized training sessions, each 30-45 minutes long. Each session consists of a selection of various tasks that target the different aspects of working memory. The training is done on a computer at home, in school, or at work. The training is led by a Cogmed™ qualified professional who works with the user and provides feedback throughout the training process. More information about the program, including a detailed list of the research supporting its effective, can be found on the Cogmed™ website.
Concussion Clinic
The BrainWorks Concussion Clinic provides specialty concussion management for patients who have experienced concussion subsequent to brain injury. The clinic offers consultation and evaluations specific to the cognitive and psychological factors that may result following a concussion. The findings of the evaluation are used to develop individualized recommendations and interventions to assist the patient in successfully returning to his/her daily activities. Our clinicians collaborate with other medical professionals and providers in order to establish individualized recommendations for each patient.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy designed to address balance and dizziness issues that arise from problems in the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. This system includes parts of the inner ear and brain that process sensory information related to movement and balance. By addressing underlying vestibular deficits and providing targeted exercises and strategies, vestibular rehabilitation helps patients regain stability, reduce symptoms, and regain confidence in their ability to navigate the world around them.
BrainWorks’ is a multi-disciplinary team of clinical and neuropsychologists, speech/language pathologists, and occupational therapists who specialize in diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients with TBI and emotional trauma.
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16220 Scientific, Irvine, CA 92618