Rehabilitation psychology. Overview and key concepts

Rehabilitation is based on the biopsychosocial model, which includes attention to medical, psychological and social aspects of illness and recovery. As part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, mental health professionals evaluate and treat common emotional, cognitive, and behavioral problems. They can promote a patient-centered and individualized approach to care. Current psychological interventions in rehabilitation include cognitive, behavioral, family-based, peer support and positive psychology models. Cognitive remediation techniques can be used to improve the function of people with brain dysfunction. In partnership with physicians and other rehabilitation professionals, rehabilitation psychologists play an integral role in improving functional, psychosocial and health outcomes in chronic illness and disability.