Medical Psychology
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service
Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology services at the Brain Injury Unit involve assessment and treatment of difficulties that individuals experience as a result of acquired brain injury (e.g. behavioural, emotional). Depending on the nature and degree of brain damage and the stage of recovery different interventions are appropriate. This may include design and implementation of behaviour management programmes, provision of education regarding long term sequelae of traumatic brain injury to patients and their relatives, supportive and adjustment counselling, psychological assessment and treatment of psychological disorders including anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control disorders, education and advice to other team members and relatives on how to implement rehabilitation programmes taking into account patient's emotional, behavioural and cognitive status.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychological evaluation involves assessment of the nature and degree of acquired brain damage or dysfunction in terms of the resulting cognitive, behavioural and emotional disorders. These disorders have implications with respect to patients’ rehabilitation and wider medical management and their ability to engage in employment, education, domestic and personal care activities, driving, and decision-making about financial and medical management. The results of neuropsychological evaluations are used to help plan clients’ medical management and can also assist in the diagnostic process. Most neuropsychological evaluations involve testing patients for between two to four hours either when they are in hospital or through an outpatient clinic
Contact Persons:
Paul Rodriguez
Tel. 9845 7941
Fax No. 9635 8892
E-mail: PAULR@biru.wsahs.nsw.gov.au
Alexandra Walker - Outpatient Senior
Clinical Neuropsychologist
E-mail: AWALKER@biru.SWAHS.nsw.gov.au
Anne Marie Sarandrea
Tel. 9845 7941
Updated: 20th April 2006 fsc
