Treatment is defined as an application of a technique or set of techniques, most often by a professional, which is intended to relieve a health problem. Similar terms are: therapy, rehabilitation and remediation. In the context of neuropsychology, common terms are:
- cognitive rehabilitation
- cognitive training / cognitive retraining
- neuro-psychotherapy
- cognitive remediation
Many of these terms are synonymous, or overlap, and depend on the condition that it is applied to. For example, it is more likely that someone being treated for a traumatic brain injury would be said to be receiving cognitive rehabilitation, whereas a young person with first episode psychosis receiving treatment for memory and concentration difficulties would more likely be said to be receiving cognitive remediation.
At ANTS, we use the term cognitive remediation to refer to our comprehensive treatment programs, because it subsumes both the compensatory approaches (e.g., diary training) and restorative approaches (e.g., computerised cognitive training), both of which are often warranted in cases of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, it is common for people with cognitive impairment to also experience disturbances in psychological functioning, such as anxiety and depression. As such, we also include evidence-based treatment for these psychological conditions in our cognitive remediation treatment programs.
We run 2-4 structured and intensive cognitive remediation programs each year, which include: group work, computerised training and face to face sessions with a clinical neuropsychologist. Outside of these structured programs, we offer tailored treatment programs, which are developed on the basis of the results of neuropsychological assessment, together with a discussion with our clients about their goals.
Our specialist clinicians are also experienced at offering specialist behaviour support, psycho-education and psychotherapy (e.g., CBT, ACT, Mindfulness), particularly for clients with cognitive impairment and/or acquired brain injury.
Intensive 10-week Cognitive Remediation Program+
Evidence in the neuropsychological literature consistently shows that targeted cognitive remediation can improve functioning in memory, attention and executive functioning. Empirical evaluation of our structured intensive 10-week cognitive remediation program has demonstrated significant gains in attention and memory functioning when practice effects are taken into account, as well as significant reductions in psychological distress associated with cognitive impairment. Moreover, substantial improvements in quality of life were observed in the participants of the program.
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Alcohol and Drug Cognitive Enhancement (ACE) Program+
The ACE cognitive remediation program was co-developed by ANTS and the NSW Government's Agency for Clinical Innovation, and led by Clin Assoc/Prof Jamie Berry. It comprises 12 one-hour group-based sessions of strategy training to enhance everyday executive functioning for people with substance use disorders. Formal evaluation of the program has shown that substance use disorder treatment completion rates almost doubled and those who completed the full 12-session program had a significant improvement in everyday executive functions, with impairment rates halved. Although the program was developed for and trialled with people with substance use disorders, it may also be suitable for people with mild to moderate executive functioning difficulties caused by other brain conditions such as acquired brain injury and ADHD. (Contact us on 1300 224 331 to find out more)
Brain Waves Group+
Brain Waves is a monthly group facilitated by clinical neuropsychologists at ANTS. It comprises a combination of evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation strategies, information about brain functioning, and peer support. All group sessions are offered monthly, via telehealth (or in person if feasible), for 90 minutes. Brain Waves is suitable for people with any brain condition that affects cognition (e.g., Acquired Brain Injury, ADHD). The pricing for each session will vary slightly depending on funding source (e.g., NDIS, third party insurers, privately funded).
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Other Tailored Neuropsychological Treatments+
Given our strong treatment philosophy, knowledge and expertise, we can devise a highly tailored treatment program to meet very specific needs (e.g., visual scanning retraining for visuo-spatial neglect following stroke, to help meet the goal of returning to driving a motor vehicle). (Contact us on 1300 224 331 to find out more)