Philosophy & Objectives

Practical Innovation in Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy

The Society for Cognitive Rehabilitation, Inc., was incorporated in North America to formalise an international network for Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapists and others interested in the provision of cognitive rehabilitation services to survivors of brain injury and other neurological insults.

Philosophy of SCR

The formation of SCR is an important step in defining Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy as a distinct profession. It is the belief of SCR that many different professional disciplines may suitably provide cognitive rehabilitation services, but that standards for training and experience should be established that pertain to all professionals involved. The organisation is multidisciplinary, and since its formation has developed standards, a code of ethics, bylaws and promoted the professionalism of the field. The Society has initiated a credentialing process in North America, which has been offered to the membership since the beginning of 1994.

Objectives

The purpose and goals of SCR include:

1
Establish guidelines, requirements and procedures for certification of cognitive rehabilitation providers. This was established in the early days of SCR. Under the leadership of Minnie Harrell and Charlotte Lough, SCR coordinated with ACRM BI-ISG and accomplished our first goal.

2

Issue Certifications in the provision of cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CPCRT). SCR has developed the standards ethics and credentialling procedures for providers of cognitive rehabilitation. We began credentialling people in 1995. CPCRT is renewed every
five years, following successful reapplication.

Certification is an involved process but all members and professionals who provide cognitive rehabilitation services are encouraged to apply. The procedure includes completing the application which includes a written history & profile of a specific client, information on assessment, release from the client for videotaping, written goals of the taped session, critique of the session, and plans for the next session. This packet is sent with the tapes and the application fee to the credentialling chairman. She insures all material is provided and then sends the entire packet to the first of three reviewers. At present these reviewers come from the disciplines of physical therapy, psychology, and education. Each reviewer had been trained in the process and assesses the material utilizing strict standards. Each reviewer has one month to review all material and send it on to the next reviewer. If all three reviewers agree standards are met the person is awarded their CPCRT if not written feedback is provided so the person can improve their skills.

In the United States some providers have reported fewer denials for payment of services when providing cog rehab when they have their CPCRT.

3
Encourage a wider interest and patronage of cognitive rehabilitation services. Society members present at many conferences and gatherings and receive phone calls/letters of inquiry regarding cognitive rehabilitation. SCR members worked with ACRM BI-ISG to define MTBI.

4

Promote the study, improvement and advancement of cognitive rehabilitation services. Annual SCR conferences are designed to meet the requirements of this goal. In addition an annual membership directory is published and distributed to all members so that all members can have the opportunity for international networking to do the above. In the US SCR has worked with insurance companies and state Medicaid programs to ensure cognitive rehabilitation remains a covered benefit.

5 Promote and foster the development, advancement and scientific research and education in the field of cognitive rehabilitation. To this end SCR has developed an association with The Journal of Cognitive Technology. SCR encourages members to not only provide direct therapy but to do research and publish. We publish an annual NewsBulletin that allows members to share information formally with each other. This information can take the form of strategies, techniques, procedures and literature reviews. The information can be case studies or clinical trials. Most SCR members are on the cutting edge of cognitive rehabilitation and there is always an amazing amount of information we can learn from each other.

SCR continues to strive to advance the field of cognitive rehabilitation and provide support for our members and the clients we serve.

1	Establish guidelines, requirements and procedures for certification of cognitive rehabilitation providers. This was established in the early days of SCR. Under the leadership of Minnie Harrell and Charlotte Lough, SCR coordinated with ACRM BI-ISG and accomplished our first goal.
2	Issue Certifications in the provision of cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CPCRT). SCR has developed the standards ethics and credentialling procedures for providers of cognitive rehabilitation. We began credentialling people in 1995. CPCRT is renewed every five years, following successful reapplication. Certification is an involved process but all members and professionals who provide cognitive rehabilitation services are encouraged to apply. The procedure includes completing the application which includes a written history & profile of a specific client, information on assessment, release from the client for videotaping, written goals of the taped session, critique of the session, and plans for the next session. This packet is sent with the tapes and the application fee to the credentialling chairman. She insures all material is provided and then sends the entire packet to the first of three reviewers. At present these reviewers come from the disciplines of physical therapy, psychology, and education. Each reviewer had been trained in the process and assesses the material utilizing strict standards. Each reviewer has one month to review all material and send it on to the next reviewer. If all three reviewers agree standards are met the person is awarded their CPCRT if not written feedback is provided so the person can improve their skills. In the United States some providers have reported fewer denials for payment of services when providing cog rehab when they have their CPCRT.
3	Encourage a wider interest and patronage of cognitive rehabilitation services. Society members present at many conferences and gatherings and receive phone calls/letters of inquiry regarding cognitive rehabilitation. SCR members worked with ACRM BI-ISG to define MTBI.
4	Promote the study, improvement and advancement of cognitive rehabilitation services. Annual SCR conferences are designed to meet the requirements of this goal. In addition an annual membership directory is published and distributed to all members so that all members can have the opportunity for international networking to do the above. In the US SCR has worked with insurance companies and state Medicaid programs to ensure cognitive rehabilitation remains a covered benefit.
5	Promote and foster the development, advancement and scientific research and education in the field of cognitive rehabilitation. To this end SCR has developed an association with The Journal of Cognitive Technology. SCR encourages members to not only provide direct therapy but to do research and publish. We publish an annual NewsBulletin that allows members to share information formally with each other. This information can take the form of strategies, techniques, procedures and literature reviews. The information can be case studies or clinical trials. Most SCR members are on the cutting edge of cognitive rehabilitation and there is always an amazing amount of information we can learn from each other.