Cognitive Remediation to Improve Functional Outcomes

Book excerpt: Clinical research on the effectiveness of cognitive remediation (CR) indicates that while most approaches will improve cognitive functioning for persons with severe mental illnesses, only certain methods also improve functioning in areas such as independent living, work, and school performance. Cognitive Remediation to Improve Functional Outcomes provides mental health practitioners with the background knowledge, hands-on methods, and tools they need to provide CR to patients in a way that maximizes the transfer of cognitive gains to everyday functioning. An outstanding group of international experts have contributed chapters that provide information on assessment, treatment planning, groups, cultural sensitivity, and specific CR techniques to promote functional change. Clinicians will come to understand the variety of treatment methods and how they can be applied to the diverse range of individuals who stand to benefit from cognitive remediation. This is the first practitioner-oriented resource on CR to provide information on how to tailor the treatment to meet the functional needs of patients. For clinicians working in outpatient or inpatient psychiatric settings, this volume will be critically important in daily work with clients.