Community-Based Interventions for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Primer for Rehabilitation Counselors

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is commonly referred to as the “silent epidemic,” as it occurs frequently; yet, the public and even many professionals know little about this disability. Moreover, the bulk of rehabilitation support for persons with TBI focuses on inpatient and acute-care services, while long-term community support needs go unmet. This article is intended to serve as a “primer” for rehabilitation counselors that assist persons with TBI to make community transitions through advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, counseling, and service coordination. Areas discussed include (a) an overview of TBI; (b) psychosocial impacts of TBI; (c) psychosocial interventions; (d) employment outcomes and interventions for persons with TBL; (e) funding, long-term care, best practice approaches, and advocacy; and (f) recommendations/or practice and research.