Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Center’s PHASE II is an outpatient rehabilitation program for individuals with brain injury. This transitional program is designed for individuals who have recently been discharged from the inpatient rehabilitation setting as well as for individuals with brain injuries living in the community who want to increase their level of community integration. The goal of the program is to enable members to achieve greater independence within the community.

PHASE II can help an individual learn about the mechanisms and consequences of brain injury; improve overall cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and problem solving, understand and adjust to changes in cognition, physical abilities, emotions, and behaviors, increase and expand social skills, increase knowledge of community resources, and enhance overall independence in daily activities.

PHASE II meets Monday through Thursday and consists of six 45-minute groups. Two therapists (selected from the following: outpatient services, psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy), facilitate each session. Groups consist of problem solving activities, group interaction, community field trips, functional activities, education creative writing, and group discussions. The program is individualized and limited to ten members at any one time.

• B.I.G. (The Brain Injury Group): This group is designed to facilitate the transition of PHASE II participants from the hospital setting to the community while offering continuing support to previous program participants. All current and former group members are encouraged to attend. The group promotes independence through discussion and informal education and provides a forum for peer support. An emphasis is placed on self-advocacy. Each group session focuses on a predetermined topic and is facilitated by a psychologist and a social worker. The group meets on the third Tuesday of every month from 3:00-4:00 P.M.
• Computer Group: When appropriate, PHASE II members have the opportunity to join a group designed to introduce and teach basic computing skills. The group meets one time weekly and is facilitated by an occupational therapist and a vocational therapist.
• Exercise Group: When appropriate, PHASE II members can attend an exercise group for individuals with brain injury designed to address the physical needs of the individual. This group is run by a physical therapist and meets twice weekly.
• Peer Coordinator: A former member of PHASE II serves as a peer coordinator to current members of the program. This individual participates with the team to facilitate communication between members and group leaders, introduce new members to program policy and structure, answer ongoing questions, attend select team meetings, and serve as a role model.