Outpatient Rehabilitation Psychology Program

In the Pediatric Rehabilitation Psychology & Neuropsychology Program at Children's Hospital Colorado, we offer a number of outpatient evaluation and intervention services for children and adolescents with a wide range of conditions. Our services are targeted towards children who display cognitive, emotional, behavioral, developmental, physical and/or school difficulties related to an injury, illness or disability.

With pediatric experts on hand, we provide world-class rehabilitation psychology and neuropsychology treatment to children and their families. The aim of these services is to help patients and those who care for them adjust to changes in function, manage behavioral or cognitive difficulties and reintegrate into the community.

Conditions that benefit from rehabilitation psychology treatment

We provide rehabilitation psychology services for a range of medical conditions, including:

• Traumatic brain injury (from concussion/mild TBI to severe TBI)
• Anoxic brain injury (when the brain is deprived of oxygen)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord)
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Spina bifida
• Hydrocephalus
• Cerebral palsy
• Muscle disease (like muscular dystrophy)

We also provide treatment and management techniques for:

• Adjustment and coping difficulties
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Social or behavior concerns
• Cognitive and educational difficulties
• Medical adherence difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Pain management
• Trauma symptoms

If your child needs mental health support that is not related to a medical condition, please contact the Pediatric Mental Health Institute.

Outpatient rehabilitation psychology services we offer

In the outpatient clinic, our team of psychologists and other experts provide cognitive-behavioral intervention for kids, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. We also provide education and behavioral management training to caregivers. The team tailors evidence-based treatments to each child and teen for their particular diagnosis and developmental level.

To account for a child's individual diagnosis and needs, our rehabilitation psychologists will provide an initial evaluation before creating a treatment plan. This initial evaluation will identify psychological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive and social factors that will help our team create a customized plan. From there, we may recommend individual or group therapy, and we will also provide education and support as your family navigates your child's injury.

Individual therapy with caregiver involvement

For children affected by a brain injury or other condition that affects their cognitive, emotional or behavioral functioning, our outpatient clinic hosts individual therapy that:

• Provides education on the impact of a child’s medical condition
• Teaches adaptive coping techniques and parent management strategies to support adjustment and optimize functioning
• Assists in coordinating care with medical providers, educators and other rehabilitation team members to help kids succeed school and community settings

Group therapy with caregiver involvement

For school-aged children and teens, our outpatient group therapy can:

• Provide education regarding anoxic brain injury and the recovery process across developmental stages
• Assist children in sharing experiences and receiving support from peers
• Promote growth mindset following traumatic experiences
• Provide social skills training to improve communication, listening and conflict resolution
• Connect families and caregivers so they can share resources and support

Education on neurobehavior

At the Pediatric Rehabilitation Psychology & Neuropsychology Program at Children's Colorado, it's our goal to assist families is understanding their child's injuries or condition. We educate families and children so they can understand how certain injuries and medical conditions affect cognition, emotional regulation, planning/organizational skills, social skills and learning. We also share resources to help families at home and in school.

Treatment plans and therapy recommendations are provided with targeted recommendations to support optimal functioning, health and wellbeing. Another important aspect of outpatient care is coordination between medical providers, rehabilitation team members, school personnel and family/caregivers. This ensures better outcomes and continuity of care at home, school or work.

Meet the outpatient rehab team

Our rehabilitation psychologists and neuropsychologist work with families and other providers to create treatment plans that are ideal for each patient.

• Tess Simpson, PhD
• Ann Lantagne, PhD

How to make an outpatient rehab psych appointment

Appointments are offered five days a week in various locations throughout the Denver metro area. Clinics are available at:

• Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
• Children's Hospital Colorado North Campus, Broomfield
• Children's Hospital Colorado South Campus, Highlands Ranch

To make an appointment at one of these locations:

• Contact the Rehabilitation Psychology Program Assistant at 720-777-9900 to schedule an initial evaluation.
• Children or adolescents may be referred by a parent/guardian or by a medical provider (for example, a primary care physician).
• The child or adolescent must have an identified medical condition, as described above.
• The family will be contacted within 72 hours to schedule an initial evaluation.

For healthcare professionals

How do I make a referral?

For external referrals, please fill out a referral form. To schedule an appointment, contact us at 720-777-9900.