Psychologists assess the mental, cognitive, and emotional status of patients, work with the rehabilitation team to design treatment, and often provide treatment.  Clinical psychologists have completed a doctoral program in psychology and a 1-year internship.  Neuropsychologists are specialists who emphasize understanding and treatment of the cognitive, psychological, and behavioral problems that occur after damage to specific areas of the brain.

Recreational therapists work with the rehabilitation team to assess functional and leisure abilities and to promote recovery through physical conditioning and leisure activities,

• A certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) has completed 4 years of college with a degree in therapeutic recreation (recreational therapy) or a degree in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation, has completed a supervised recreational therapy field-work placement of 36 hours, and has passed the national certification examination.

• A certified therapeutic recreation assistant (CTRA) has completed a 2-year or associate degree with a major in recreation or therapeutic recreation; a 10-week field placement may be required.

• American Therapeutic Recreation Association, P.O. Box 15215, Hattiesburg, MS 39402-5215. Internet: http://www.atra-tr.org  

• National Therapeutic Recreation Society, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148-4501. Internet: http://www.nrpa.org/branches/ntrs.htm  

Recreational therapists held about 39,000 jobs in 1998. About 38 percent of salaried jobs for therapists were in hospitals, and 26 percent were in nursing and personal care facilities.

Social workers are integral members of the rehabilitation team with special responsibilities for working with patients and families to evaluate community and family resources, obtain necessary community services, and facilitate discharge planning. Social workers will also often provide counseling and education.  A Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) typically has completed 4 years of college and a 2-year master's program in social work (MSW) and has been licensed by a State examining board. Requirements vary by State.

Dietitians develop a menu and nutrition plan for patients with any special medical considerations noted by their doctor, their food choices and information by other members of the team.  A registered dietitian has completed a baccalaureate degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college or university; has met current academic requirements as approved by the American Dietetic Association; has successfully completed the Registration Examination for Dietitians; and has accrued 75 hours of approved continuing education every 5 years.

Case Managers (often nurses) provide counseling to help the patient and family to cope with the social, emotional and financial issues that may come up as the result of the patient's illness and hospital stay. They also assist the patient and family in planning services needed at home and makes referrals for those services. Health services available at home include: nursing, home health aide, therapies, medical equipment, laboratory work, transportation, and home-delivered meals.

Broader List of Medical Rehabilitation Professionals
Audiologist	One who evaluates hearing defects and who aids in the rehabilitation of those who have such defects.
Ergonomist	A professional who applies the science relating to humans and their work, embodying the anatomical, physiological, psychological and mechanical principles affecting the efficient use of human energy, .
Neurologist	A physician who specializes in the nervous system and its disorders.
Occupational Therapist (OT)	The member of the rehabilitation team who helps maximize a person's independence. Ots teach daily living activities, health maintenance and self care, and consult on equipment choices.  Areas of focus include hand function, reaching and eye-head coordination.
Opotmetrist	A key member of the rehab team uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat visual disorders resulting from brain injury or defect.
Physiatrist	A doctor whose specialty is physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist (PT)	A  member of the rehabilitation team who examines, tests and treats persons to enhance their abilities to perform physical activity.  Areas of focus include gait and balance, and spine and shoulder function.
Speech Pathologist	A key  member of the rehab team. Directs, diagnoses, and conducts programs to improve communicative skills related to speech and language problems.
Social Worker / Counselor	Supportive and educational interventions aimed at assisting the patient or family in identifying key issues and problem solving around them.
Primary Physician	The physician who is responsible for the care of a patient's general medical problems and for the coordination of required specialty care; this is usually an internist, family practitioner, general practitioner, pediatrician, or obstetrician, but may be from any specialty.
Neurology	The branch of medicine that focuses on the study of the nervous system.

| Physiatrists | Rehab Engineers | PT's | OT's | SLT's | O&P's | Rehab Nurses | Others | RESNA SIG/PSG |