Psychology Team & Services

Three women are sitting at an outdoor picnic table. Two of them are playing a card game, while the woman on the right, using a motorized wheelchair, is engaged in the conversation. Surrounded by lush greenery with sunlight filtering through the trees, they enjoy their team workspace in nature.

Comprehensive psychological care for every stage of your recovery

We understand that healing goes beyond the physical. That’s why our dedicated team of psychologists works hand-in-hand with you and your family, providing the emotional and mental support needed for a full recovery.

A core part of your care team

From the moment you arrive, psychology is woven into your care plan. Whether you’re in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), transitioning to inpatient rehab, or continuing your journey in outpatient programs, our psychologists are with you. We know that neurological injuries come with unique challenges, and we’re here to help you overcome them, ensuring you’re supported emotionally, mentally, and cognitively throughout your recovery.

Our comprehensive inpatient and outpatient psychological services

  • Rehabilitation psychology: Helping you adjust to life after injury, build resilience, and develop coping strategies.
  • Neuropsychological testing: Comprehensive assessments to understand the impact of your condition on your thinking and memory skills, informing your treatment plan and future goals.
  • Health and pain psychology: Techniques to manage chronic pain and improve mental well-being.
  • Counseling and therapy: Individual, couples, and family therapy to help you adjust to your injury or illness, cope with stress, and build resilience.
  • Support groups: Connect with others who understand your experience, share stories, and find encouragement in a safe space.
  • Educational programs: Learn about your condition, treatment options, and how to maximize your recovery through our informative lectures and workshops.

Preparing for your outpatient neuropsychological evaluation and therapy

Concerned about changes in memory, attention, or problem-solving? Our neuropsychology outpatient services provide comprehensive evaluations and therapy to assess brain function, guide treatment, and help you move forward with confidence. Call 404-355-1144 to make a new patient appointment or fax a referral to 404-350-7356.

A neuropsychological therapy evaluation involves testing that is sensitive to problems in brain functioning. Unlike CT or MRI scans, which show the structure of the brain, neuropsychological testing examines how well the brain is working when it performs certain functions (for example, remembering). The tests at our outpatient clinic may assess attention, memory, reason, problem-solving, visual-spatial functions, sensory-perceptual functions, academic skills, language functions, motor functions, and emotional and behavioral functions.

The neuro-psych tests are not invasive and do not involve attaching you to machines or using X-rays. Most of the tests are interactive, with the psychometrist asking questions or asking you to solve problems or remember things. Many of the tests at our outpatient clinic involve working with materials on a table, but tests may use a computerized format. Either a neuropsychologist or a psychometrist will perform the testing. The neuropsychologist will also spend some time talking with you about your medical, personal, and school history to fully understand things that may be impacting your current level of functioning. The total time involved in your neuropsychology therapy evaluation will depend upon the information asked by you and your doctor.

To help make your visit as smooth as possible, please:

  • Complete the history form that will be mailed to you ahead of time and bring it with you.
  • Bring a list of your medications and any relevant medical records (including previous neuropsychological evaluations).
  • Wear glasses or hearing aids if needed.

Additional tips

  • Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment.
  • Eat before you come, and feel free to bring snacks if your visit will last over two hours. A lunch break will be provided if your appointment is longer.
  • Consider having a family member or friend accompany you, especially someone familiar with your condition, as they may be invited to speak with your neuropsychologist.

Results from your evaluation are typically available within three weeks, but may arrive sooner. You’ll be able to:

Voluntary research participation: You can choose to have your data included in our Neuropsychology REDCap registry for anonymous, ongoing research. This helps improve tools for diagnosing and treating brain-related conditions, though participation is completely optional and will not require any additional actions on your part.

A team-based approach to healing

In a well-lit waiting room with neutral decor, five people, including medical personnel, patient and family, sit engaged in a discussion. They appear smiling and relaxed. A lamp and clock adorn the wall, while bookshelves in the background.
A group of five people is gathered around a glass table the atrium of Shepherd Center, participating in family therapy. An interpreter, a mother, the patient, psychologist and a fellow psychologist in training are present. Four are seated on chairs, and one person in a wheelchair is wearing a pink shirt. The table has mugs, bowls, and a plate of croissants on it. The room has large windows and natural light.
A marriage and family therapist engages in a counseling session with a patient's husband, providing psychological support services for family members.
Psychological support is integrated into your care team, ensuring a seamless, coordinated approach to healing. Our psychologists collaborate closely with doctors, nurses, therapists, and specialists to address every aspect of your recovery — physical, emotional, and mental.

Meet your expert team of psychologists

At the heart of our Department of Psychology is a highly specialized, diverse group of professionals, all dedicated to providing exceptional care for you. Our team combines decades of experience, specialized training, and a commitment to your well-being, ensuring a personalized approach to your recovery. Our psychology team includes:

  • Rehabilitation psychologists: Specialize in understanding the psychological and emotional impact of physical injuries or illnesses, supporting emotional recovery and coping strategies to enhance overall well-being.
  • Neuropsychologists: Focus on how brain function is affected by neurological conditions or injuries, assessing cognition, memory, and problem-solving skills to guide personalized treatment plans.
  • Health and pain psychologists: Assist patients in managing chronic pain and health conditions by addressing the emotional and psychological factors that impact pain perception and coping.
  • Licensed professional counselors: Provide individual, couples, and family therapy to help patients and loved ones navigate emotional challenges, stress, and adjustment during recovery.
  • Licensed clinical social workers: Support patients and families by offering counseling, advocacy, and resources, helping them cope with the emotional and practical aspects of recovery.
  • Psychometrists: Conduct assessments to measure cognitive abilities, memory, and other mental functions, providing valuable data to help healthcare providers create tailored care plans.
  • Chaplains: Offer spiritual care and emotional support to patients and families, helping them find comfort, meaning, and hope during difficult times
Meet the Psychology Team

Training the next generation of psychologists

At Shepherd Center, we’re committed to advancing rehabilitation and neuropsychology by offering hands-on training for psychology students at all levels. Explore the allied health training programs we offer to help shape the next generation of professionals.

Psychologist walking down Shepherd Center hallways alongside a male patient in a wheelchair.

Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellowship

A group of five people, including a person in a wheelchair, sit around a glass table with snacks and drinks. They are engaged in a lively conversation in a bright room with large windows.

Rehabilitation Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship

Four people are seated around a wooden table in a conference room, engaged in discussion. One person holds a guitar, and various items including notebooks, a water bottle, a coffee cup, and a keyboard are on the table.

Pre-Doctoral Externships

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Undegraduate and Graduate Psychology Training

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