Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, and Psychiatrist: Physical Rehabilitation
If you are in the hospital recovering from surgery, healing from an injury, or being treated for a disabling medical condition, physical rehabilitation may be an important part of your treatment. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (rehab) is a branch of medicine called physiatry.
What is a psychologist?
Psychologists work as part of the rehabilitation team to help meet the emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs of the patient and family. They are not medical doctors, but have earned a PhD.
Psychologists help:
Counsel patients and families during times of stress, grief, and loss
Identify strengths and behaviors that can help the patient succeed in rehabilitation
Assess and treat for cognitive and behavioral problems, and plan behavior management programs
Identify feelings and emotions that may impact recovery on the part of the patient, family, or the rehabilitation team
What is a neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists are PhD-trained psychologists who specialize in how diseases, injuries, and disorders of the nervous system affect emotions and behaviors.
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat mental health issues. They can prescribe medicine, but may also employ a number of counseling techniques. They are not usually core team members, but are often available on a consulting basis.
All of these specialists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:
Hospitals
Inpatient rehabilitation centers
Outpatient rehabilitation centers
Psychiatric care settings
Private practice
Community health centers
Schools